“While sleeping in a hammock, with the touch of a warm wind we remember why we are in love with life!”

Mehmet Murat Ildan

Nothing beats cool summer breeze in the evening and a cup of tea. Swinging mindlessly without worries in a hammock between the leafy trees and enjoying life as it is. It’s the little things that make life worth living. A hammock is a bed consisting of a mesh of fabrics or ropes. This mesh is connected by two supports at each end. 

Hammocks have been around for so long. In ancient times people used to tie their hammocks up on heights between the trees to protect themselves from snakes, insects, and predators on the ground.

Pointers to keep in mind while buying a perfect hammock. 

Materials of which the Hammock is made

Polyester

Polyester is simply a polymer of different materials. A polymer is made after connecting different subunits. It can be made of plastic to give extra durability. As the subunits are connected, Polyester has increased mechanical strength. It is resistant to mildew and fungus. 

Cotton

Cotton is another material of which the ropes are made although polyester is more durable cotton is softer and comfortable. It is strong but not as resistant to mildew as polyester. Hammocks made of cotton are relaxing and mostly used indoors or under sheltered patios. 

Nylon

Nylon is also a polymer made of smaller units. This material is usually silk type and is a thermoplastic in nature. This material is durable and waterproof, in addition to being lightweight. Easy to handle and strong mechanically, it is a very good material for hammocks that are usually kept outdoors and for camping purposes.

Synthetic unique fibers, Textilene and Olefine

Textilene is a strong material with vinyl chloride as a subunit. These are waterproof and dry quickly. These are very durable and resistant to stress and weathering. Olefin is another synthetic polymer made of propylene as the basic monomer I.e. subunit. This material is resistant to color fading and mechanical stress. Both materials are a popular choice for poolside hammocks being in continuous contact with water. 

All choices are good but it depends on your preference and what material you find suitable for your comfort. 

Size

The size of the hammock is a factor of consideration because it depends on how much space you can devote to your hammock. 

• It depends on the usage if you and your kid want to rest on the hammock together you would need a bigger-sized hammock.
• It also depends on the location, generally, outdoor areas like gardens and patios have more space to offer. So, you can keep bigger hammocks outside. Small-sized hammocks look good inside and blend in with the surrounding furniture.
• The purpose of keeping a hammock is another important factor. If you use it for just yourself and just sitting, reading a book, and enjoying the view, a smaller hammock is good for you. If you want to sleep under the night sky while gazing into the enormous space and stars, a bigger hammock would be better. 

Waterproofing

Your hammock being waterproof is an important quality. Water provides nutrients and moisture to the micro-organisms like fungi and algae. This results in Mildew build-up. If your hammock doesn’t dry up quickly, the dirt particles can attach to the wet fibers of your hammock which makes it difficult to clean. A wet hammock is also uncomfortable to sit in. Waterproofing comes in handy in case of accidental spills of tea or drinks on the hammock. Spilled tea and coffee can be very difficult to clean and leave stains. Although hammock made of waterproof material can be a little less comfortable than other materials, nonetheless it is a good investment in the long run. 

Make sure to check some Useful tips to take care of your outdoor furniture

Weight capacity

The weight capacity of your hammock depends on the strength of the fibers and ropes that your hammock is made of. If the material used is strong mechanically, it would be able to withstand more weight. The cotton-made hammock can be a bit less strong as compared to plastic-based materials. Plastic-based hammocks are a compromise on comfort, but you can remedy that by using a cotton or wool-made quilt over your hammock. 

Types of hammocks

Rope hammocks

It is a traditional and most common of all hammocks. Whenever you hear the word hammock, this style of sheet, both sides of which are attached with trees comes to mind. There is also a spreader that comes with it. A hammock made of rope can get tangled easily and it might become difficult to get out of the hammock afterwards. So, a spreader is an important accessory to keep the hammock in shape. Now there are different fabrics and materials of which the ropes are made. These ropes in turn are intricately woven to result in a perfect simple hammock. 

Double Hammock

Quilted Hammocks

A quilt is a cover made by sewing together layers of fabric. They are stuffed with wool or cotton to make the quilt extra soft and comfortable. That’s exactly the basis of Quilted hammocks. They are fluffy and delicate and ultra-comfortable. They rock back and forth with slow speed and make you fall asleep instantly. Take a break from your phone and laptop and the digital world, escape this hectic life with your favorite book and warm embrace of this hammock. 

Double Quilted Fabric Hammock

Camping hammocks

These hammocks as the name suggests, are used for camping adventures. You can’t take your comfortable beds on uncomfortable journeys. But you can surely take your camping hammocks with you. They are made with lightweight materials such as Nylon. Easy to carry and set up. They are highly water and heat-resistant to withstand climate conditions. It can provide you with near-home comfort on your adventures. A perfect choice for perfect endeavors. 

Single Portable Hammocks

Mayan hammocks

These hammocks are handwoven by the Maya people which follow Mayan Civilization. The Mayan civilization is rich with heretics and traditions. The people are mostly from Guatemala and neighboring areas. These hammocks divulge the same delicate and historical beauty of the Maya people. Carefully crafted and woven, these hammocks are super lightweight and comfortable to rest in. There is no need for a spreader to keep the hammocks from entangling. They are easy to take anywhere and set up. Some types of clothing can however disrupt the structure of hammocks like zippers and buttons. Nevertheless, a perfect and simple choice. Another feature of Mayan hammocks is that they have the prettiest and brightest colors.

Mayan Mexican Matrimonial Hammock

Poolside hammock

You want to take a dip in the cold water in the summers and relax with family and friends after a hectic week at work. You deserve the relaxation and make it, even more, relaxing with the hammock just by the pool. Why do you need a hammock near your pool? Poolside hammocks are made of waterproof material that dries super quickly and sways slightly. So, you can lay on the hammock and comfortably dry yourself up with cool breeze. You can also keep your hammock outside as the poolside hammocks are weather-resistant and highly durable. They are made with synthetic polymers like Olefin and Textilene. These materials are quick-drying, waterproof, and do not fade out in color. These also come with a matching pillow and wooden spreader bars.

Quick Dry Rope Hammock

Nicaraguan hammock

These are other types of hand-woven hammocks. Nicaraguan hammocks have double layers of cotton thread woven in layers and sheets to make a strong hammock. This hammock is not prone to entanglement even without the spreaders. These are made of cotton and polyester. Nicaraguan hammocks come in different styles. You can either lay down for a nap or sit in it, read a book, and have some tea in the evening. Just like many other options discussed above, these hammocks are designed to put the comfort of the users at the top. These hammocks are however not very durable to extremities of climate. So, they shouldn’t be left outside at the mercy of mother nature. You can buy a hammock cover to protect your hammock while keeping them outside. They, just like Mayan hammocks come in a variety of eye-catching colors. 

Natural Hammock Chair With Fringe Trim

Brazilian hammocks

These hammocks are known for their stripe-like design the stripes are very unique patterns giving these hammocks their own aesthetic appeal. In addition to the pretty colors and patterns these are comfortable and kids friendly. Brazilian Hammocks are handwoven with small weaves (pores) so you or your kids do not stick your hand or feet in the hammock. With limited airflow, these hammocks are perfect for cold nights but the restricted, little to less airflow can be an issue in hot weather. They work in both indoor and outdoor locations and look pretty anywhere they are set up. With the perfect balance of style and comfort these are a very popular choice in Brazil and worldwide alike. They usually come without a spreader so that you can be buried inside like a cocoon and rest up in a comfortable way. 

Blue Lagoon Stripe Hammock Chair With Fringe Trim

Taking care of your Hammock is important. 

Hand wash them or use a machine. 

Hand washing your clothes or hammock is easier than it sounds. It can be therapeutic as well. The simplest and easiest hand washing anything is done by gentle rubbing of the surface by a soft brush. Fill up a bucket with water and liquid soap. Brush away any visible stain and dirt and then wash all over with a bucket or pipe directly attached to the tap. 

When using a washing machine, operate it at a low speed so the fibers are not intertwined. Avoid using a fabric softener as it can affect and degrade the integrity of constituent fibers and the shape of the hammock. Drying is the easy part. Just hand your hammock with sturdy support, it would take no more than 30-35 minutes of cool or hot breeze depending on the weather. In the case of nonremovable spreaders, hand washing the hammocks is the way to go. Because you cannot put the hammock along with the spreaders in the washing machine. With the hammock intact and spreaders attached, it would be easier to dry and use it again.

Installing a Hammock. 

To install a hammock, you need two strong supports at about 11 to 16 feet apart. The reason for this distance is to provide proper stretching to the hammock. The natural and easy way is to find two trees with the same distance. If you don’t have trees, then buy a hammock stand. It is much better as you can move your hammock around wherever you please with a stand. You can also increase or decrease the stretching of your hammock with a stand. But you cannot take the stand with you while camping. 

Let’s talk about the two-trees scenario. You managed to find trees with enough distance and strength to hold a hammock. You would need some tools and accessories along with. 

• There are Hooks, straps, and ropes that you can use while hanging your hammock with a tree or a support. 
• Drilling a hole into a tree with an electric drill and jamming a hook in it is simple and easy but it can destroy the structural integrity of the tree
• You can tie a strap around the tree or support, the strap needs to be made of strong material that can withstand mechanical stress and weight.
• Ropes are easy to find and cheap to buy. Just tie strong multiple knots with it around the support and you’re good to go. 
• You can buy these accessories easily from various sites online. 

Cape Cod Canvas Hammock

A hammock can be added to the cabin decor theme to make the theme perfect. You should also read my article on Tips to decorate the perfect cabin

Expert’s advice

Investing in a good hammock can be very useful. You can escape your hectic life for some time by swindling and swaying in the cool breeze and soft hammock. Enjoy a song or a book you like. Have a cup of tea or spill the tea to your friend while swinging slowly in a hammock. We are here to address all your hammock needs from support to spreading bars, from installing to washing. Happy hammocking!