Hammocks

Nothing says lazy days of summer like a hammock. You have a number of options, but figuring out which one to get is the only hard part of hammock ownership! Once you figure out what kind of hammock  suits your needs, you'll be swinging in the breeze (or pretending to be a sailor on an eighteenth-century naval ship) in no time.  

Materials

• Cotton
• Cotton  is soft, non-slip, and very comfortable.
• Less mildew-resistant than other fibers.
• Can be used indoors or outdoors, but should not be left out in the rain.
• Hemp
• Hemp  is stronger than cotton and more mildew-resistant.
• Less prone to degradation by UV rays.
• Hemp has a naturally elegant color in a range of khaki shades.
• No, you can't smoke it. Smoking a hammock made of hemp fiber will just give you a headache and waste your perfectly good hammock.
• Polyester
• Polyester  is strong and resistant to the elements.
• Impervious to salt water, rot, UV rays; resistant to mildew.
• Less flexible than cotton, so some people may find it less comfortable.
• Polypropylene
• Polypropylene  is another synthetic, mildew-resistant material.
• Can degrade if left in full sun.
• Shinier than most other fabrics; colors will appear brighter, but the hammock may feel slippery.

Styles

There are a wide variety of hammocks on the market.

Rope Hammocks  The most widely available kind of hammock. Consitsts of ropes (cotton or synthetic) woven into a relatively loose netting. Almost always come with spreader bars. Notorious for leaving cross-hatch marks on skin after prolonged hammock time; hammock blankets  can prevent this.

Fabric Hammocks  Similar to what you would acheive by putting a blanket over a rope hammock. Quilted hammocks  are similar, but have a layer of insulation between two layers of material. Often reversible, with different patterns on each side. Dry more slowly than other kinds of hammocks. Good 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 desined to "coccoon" 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. Be careful when getting in and out; consider a thick-string hammock if you think you will damage it.

Brazilian Hammocks  Brazilian hammocks have an even tighter weave than Mayan hammocks and as a result are more like a fabric hammock. Well suited for cooler climates, since the fabric blocks some air flow. A few have spreader bars, but most do not. Another good choice for families with small children. Almost always made of cotton. Some have a decorative fringe along the edge of the bed.

Nicaraguan Hammocks  Nicaraguan hammocks are similar to the Mayan hammocks but with a much tighter weave. This makes them stronger and more durable. Sometimes have spreader bars. Many have a decorative fringe.

Poolside Hammocks  Poolside hammocks are made of water-resistant materials, often a piece of fabric coated with plastic. Very durable and fade-resistant. Since the fabrics are built to endure a lot of sun and chlorinated water, poolside hammocks are not as comfortable as most other hammocks, but they still provide a nice place to rest by the pool.

Other Factors

• Spreader Bars
• Spreader bars are those two pieces of wood that keep the hammock flat instead of cocoon-shaped.
• Some people are more comfortable with them, others prefer their hammocks unspread. Try out a couple of hammocks of each type before you decide which is right for you.
• Spreader bars make a hammock slightly less stable, so use a little extra caution.
• Space
• Most hammocks are between 10' and 15' long.
• If you plan to hang your hammock between two trees, be sure that you have appropriate trees.
• Many hammocks can also be hung from hammock stands.  These will allow you to position your hammock wherever you like, but they can cost quite a bit.
• Accessories
• There are a number of hammock accessories available.
• The most popular are pillows  and blankets  for extra coziness 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.