What is the Best Aerial Hammock?
I may be a little biased, but Mindful Child aerial yoga hammocks are the best aerial hammocks. I’ve tried many different types of aerial fabric and this is by far my favorite. The fabric is a 40 denier nylon tricot. It is a minimal stretch knit fabric, which means it does not stretch when you climb, sit, and stand in it to do aerial poses. Kids and parents love our aerial hammocks.
Mindful Child hammocks are strength-tested, the hammock design is made with 100% Nylon fabric that breaks at 2,000 pounds. Our hammocks are secured with safety-rated slings instead of tied knots for ease with machine washing & drying. All the components, including fabric and steel, auto-locking hardware are safety rated for human weight.
Aerial yoga hammocks require climbing grade rigging equipment to rig the aerial hammock from the ceiling. Rigging equipment may consist of carabiners, daisy chains, slings, and swivel. When buying rigging equipment make sure equipment is safety rated and look for popular brands such as Black Diamond, Camp and Metolius.
Carabiners
Carabiners are a type of aerial yoga equipment used to rig and adjust the height of your hammock. They come in multiple sizes and shapes. For aerial classes, using a two-point hammock I prefer using Black Diamond LiteWire Carabiner. It is easy to clip and unclip when you have back-to-back classes that require changing hammock height quickly. The only con of using this carabiner is if the child spins too much in one direction the carabiner will clip to the other carabiner. This requires getting on the ladder to unlock it, which can be difficult during a class so you have to monitor spinning closely.
When using a hammock at home or a one-point with a swivel, I prefer the Black Diamond Screwgate Carabiner. This is a locking carabiner. Locking carabiners are great on hammocks that do not need to change height often as they take a little more time to clip, unclip and lock. I don’t recommend auto locking carabiners as they tend to close on your fingers causing bruising.
Daisy Chains
Daisy Chains are variable length tie-offs designed to support body weight. The daisy chains allow for multiple carabiner heights without re-tying knots or moving rig points. They have various measurements and usually have nine different carabiner adjustment options, which are easy to use and very helpful when setting up a hammock which needs easy height adjustment such as in a aerial studio. Installation is simple if you have a exposed support beam – simply loop each chain around the support.
Aerial Yoga Accessories
If you are hanging your hammock directly from an eyebolt and would like to remove torque forces on the attachment point (recommended for safety), or make for a smoother ride in the hammock and to spin, buy a swivel/rotor (NOTE: swivels lower the hammock height by about 6 inches).
Where to buy an Aerial Yoga Hammock?
We have designed our own Mindful Child hammocks that help children be calmer, happier, healthier, and more focused. Buy your child a Mindful Child hammock by clicking the link below or in-person at our studio mindfulness store. We include aerial yoga equipment (2 carabiners, 1 runner) with our new aerial hammocks. On a budget? You child will love our gently used hammocks, which are discounted. Please note gently used hammocks do not come with carabiners and a runner.
Check out our upcoming events at Mindful Child Aerial Yoga
Our FUN brain-based aerial yoga classes are beneficial to the brain and body. Check out my recent post, Is Aerial Yoga Good for You?, for information on the benefits of yoga and mindfulness. Our unique classes utilize evidence-based tools to teach social and emotional learning and mindfulness. Join us for an aerial yoga class or aerial yoga camp. Or read my book, Mindfulness for Children, Need more help? Sign up for an initial assessment.