Mayan Hammocks

There are a half-dozen different styles of hammock available today. But one of the oldest, and still very popular, is the Mayan hammock. Traditional Mayan hammocks use a loose weaving style, building the platform up slowly from small fibers, usually cotton thread. Different colored threads are used to create different designs and each one is as unique... 

How to Use a Hammock

Using a hammock is trickier than it looks. Images of someone peacefully asleep under palm trees, swaying in a gentle breeze, are common from films and TV. But they rarely show you anyone getting in, getting out or changing position. That takes a bit of practice. The technique varies depending on whether or not the hammock was strung with spreaders.... 

How To Choose a Hammock

Hammocks come in a wide variety of types, styles, materials and sizes. Which one is right for you depends on your size, your climate and the hammock’s intended use. Consider the length first. In order to lounge comfortably in a hammock, you need one that is long enough to not clamp your feet together. Unless you have spreader bars that are inserted... 

Hammocks Stands

In many cases, there are no conveniently located trees from which to hang your hammock. Porches, lawns and many other locations don’t offer a nearby pair strong enough to support your fine piece of outdoor furniture. Digging post holes and erecting supports is an option, but a lot more difficult to get right than it looks. One of the best choices... 

Hammock Safety Tips

On a scale of 1 to 100, hammocks are not particularly dangerous. Let’s more or less arbitrarily set the number around 10. But there are nevertheless a few things it’s a good idea to watch out for, in order to drive that number even lower. The first, and most, obvious issue is to take care about support. It’s important to ensure that... 

Hammock Hanging Guidelines

Talk of hammocks brings to mind the image of a cloth bed hanging between tall palm trees in a tropical breeze. But there are in fact many ways to enjoy the comfort of a relaxing hammock bed – once you get it hung. In tight spaces, like small spare bedrooms, college dorm rooms and others, a hammock might be just the thing. Hung from the walls,... 

Hammock Care the Easy Way

A small effort exerted periodically will keep your fine hammock in top shape. Though nylon is an option at the lower end, most hammock beds are made from cotton or linen, with ropes of nylon, cotton or composite fibers. While modern manufacturing techniques have made these materials stronger and longer lasting, they can still get dirty. Not only does... 

Camping Hammocks

Camping hammocks are a great alternative or supplement to tents on a backpacking trip. In previous generations, they were made of very thick and durable canvas like tent material was. Today, they are lightweight, ultra-strong and thin. Often made of nylon, many can support up to a thousand pounds. Camping hammocks almost always attach to a tree or rocks,... 

Brazilian Hammocks

There are today a half-dozen popular styles of hammock. But for centuries one of the most widely used was the Brazilian hammock. Similar in design to its northern cousin, the Mayan hammock, this type has some key differences. Traditional Brazilian hammocks are made from a relatively thick, tightly woven sheet of cotton. Mayan hammocks, by contrast,... 

101 Hammock Accessories

Ok, it’s true. Actually listing 101 hammock accessories would be excessive. But the number and variety available today do make for an astounding array of choices. Modern shoppers are fortunate to have so many things to supplement their relaxing experience. Here are just a few… Tree Straps Tree straps are a popular option. They’re often... 

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