Do I need a stand or can I rely on trees?

If you have two sturdy trees roughly 10–15 feet apart, a lightweight parachute-nylon hammock with tree straps is the cheapest and most portable option. If you don't have trees, or want to set up on a patio, deck, or lawn, a model that ships with its own steel stand is far more practical, though it adds weight, cost, and storage bulk.