Hammocks Buying Guide

A hammock is the unrivalled favourite when it comes to outdoor lounging. Whether you're looking for a way to unwind on your porch, somewhere to relax in your yard, or a place to nap in your dorm room, you've come to the right place. We've collected all there is to know about hammocks and put it in one easy place: right here!

Types of Hammocks

When we think of hammocks, most of us picture a rope hammock strung between two trees. Although that's one of the most popular options, there are still plenty of other ways to bring a hammock into your life.

Rope Hammocks  These are the most widely available kind of hammock: they consist of ropes (cotton or synthetic) woven into a relatively loose netting. They almost always come with spreader bars, and they are notorious for leaving cross-hatch marks on skin after prolonged hammock time. Hammock blankets  can prevent this.	Fabric Hammocks  These are similar to what you would achieve by putting a blanket over a rope hammock.Quilted hammocks  are similar, but have a layer of insulation between two layers of material. Good idea for families with young children, since small hands and feet can get stuck in the open weave of a rope hammock.	Mayan Hammocks  Mayan hammocks feature a tighter weave with smaller threads than rope hammocks. Most do not have a spreader bar and are destined to "cocoon" around you. Extremely light but can hold a lot of weight -- good for travel. Strong but easily damaged, since each individual strand is so thin.

Brazilian Hammocks  Brazilian hammocks have an even tighter weave than Mayan hammocks and as a result are more like a fabric hammock. They are well suited for cooler climates, since the fabric blocks some air flow. Brazilian hammocks are another good choice for families with small children.	Nicaraguan Hammocks  Nicaraguan hammocks are similar to the Mayan hammocks but with a much tighter weave. This makes them stronger and more durable. Some have spreader bars, and many have a decorative fringe.	Poolside Hammocks  Poolside hammocks are made of water-resistant materials, often a piece of fabric coated with plastic. Since the fabrics are built to endure a lot of sun and chlorinated water, poolside hammocks are not as comfortable as most other hammocks.

Specifications

Cotton  is soft, non-slip, and very comfortable. It is less mildew-resistant than other fibres. Cotton can be used indoors or outdoors, but should not be left out in the rain.Hemp  is stronger than cotton, more mildew-resistant, and less prone to degradation by UV rays. Hemp has a naturally elegant color in a range of khaki shades.Polyester  is strong and resistant to the elements - it's impervious to salt water, rot, UV rays, and resistant to mildew. However, it is less flexible than cotton, so some people may find it less comfortable. Polypropylene  is another synthetic, mildew-resistant material. It can degrade if left in full sun, but if it's protected it will remain shinier than most other fabrics; colours will appear brighter, but the hammock may feel slippery.

Extras

Don't forget! There are a number of hammock accessories available.The most popular are pillows  and blankets  for extra cosiness and drink holders  for convenience.

You can also purchase:
hammock pads  to make rope hammocks more comfortable;
wheel kits  for your hammock stand;
tree straps  to protect your trees;
hanging kits ;
protective sleeves  (only for hammocks without spreader bars);
caddies ;
canopies  and mosquito netting. 

External Links

• Hammocks.com -- a detailed comparison of the different types of hammocks.
• eHow -- a few tips and some advice on hammock materials.
• Better Homes and Gardens -- some tips on buying a hammock, and on the the third page, how to get in safely.
• Digs -- advice on choosing a hammock for 20-somethings.