You might be thinking of getting a hammock as like hanging chair. You might want it to use outdoors, in your backyard, at the beach, for a day at the park, or a picnic. There are countless ways to use a hammock and there are several types of hammocks out there. But in order for you to get the maximum benefits that you look for a hammock, you must first know which type of hammock you have to choose from and some of the safety tips that would be helpful when using one.
There is difference between styles and types of hammocks. Try to differentiate between Styles and Types of Hammocks. Rope Hammock, Fabric Hammock, Mayan Hammock, Spreader Hammock, Camping/Portable Hammock, Travel Hammock, Hammock Chairs & Swings etc.
Types of Hammocks
Following are the popular types of hammocks
- Rope Hammock
- Fabric Hammock
- Camping/Portable Hammock
- Hammock Chairs & Swings
- Hanging Chairs
Rope Hammock
What is rope hammock? Rope hammocks are a great way to relax comfortably outdoors as well as indoors. They free you from the world you live in and lift you into a place only familiar to those who have truly experienced relaxation by sinking into one of our extra soft rope hammocks. It’s a feeling like no other.
Related Post: How to hang a hammock with posts?
Different types of Hammock Fabric
Cotton
Everyone loves the soft feel of cotton and it’s used in most common hammocks, but cotton rope will absorb more moisture which will likely lead to mildew over time. More precautions need to be taken with cotton rope hammocks, but most people enjoy the feeling so much they don’t mind the extra work.
- Unbeatable Feel
- Absorbs moisture which can lead to mildew
- Colored hammocks will eventually fade
- More care is required to take care of them
- Usually a lot less expensive than other types
More detail about Cotton – Type of hammock Fabric
Polyester
Polyester is still very comfortable like cotton, but it doesn’t stretch as much as cotton. The “sinking in” feeling just isn’t the same. However, it is much more durable and will hold out in high humidity and salt water air. They usually have a longer life span than cotton because of their resistance to those.
- Almost as comfortable as cotton
- Doesn’t stretch as much as cotton
- Very durable – good for high humidity and salt water air
- Less maintenance required
More detail about Polyester – Type of Hammock Fabric
Duracord
Duracord materials are a hybrid of cotton and polyester. It has the soft feel of cotton and the strength and longevity of polyester. It is fade resistant, therefore the color will remain unchanged throughout it’s lifetime. It’s also stain resistant and will not rot, mold, or develop mildew. It is also quick drying.
- Hybrid of cotton and polyester qualities
- Has soft feel of cotton and strength of polyester
- Stain resistant – Wont rot or mold
- Quick drying
Quilted Fabric Hammocks
Quilted hammocks are great for cooler climates because of their solid fabrics. They aren’t woven like rope hammocks are and this has it’s benefits too. Some people can’t stand feeling “trapped in” rope hammocks and with quilted fabric hammocks you can move around freely. Fabric hammocks are made of various materials some more weather resistant, some with fade resistant fabrics, and some with both.
- Better for cooler climates
- You’re able to move around freely
- Still very comfortable, but a different feel than rope hammocks
Camping / Portable Hammocks
Camping hammocks are great for when you are planning a long hiking trip or want to set up a hammock quickly near your campsite. They are usually very lightweight (in the range of under 10oz to a few pounds) depending on what is included. Some have very fine netting which will keep the bugs and gnats away. They are usually made of durable nylon and dry very quickly.
- Very fast set up – 5-10 minutes
- Best for when you are on the go – lightweight (usually under 2 pounds)
- Most are made from weatherproof nylon
- Some include fine netting to keep the bugs out
Hammock Chairs & Swings
Hammock chairs and swings are unique from traditional hanging chairs because they use rope or nylon and it contours to your body when you sit down. If you like the feeling of hammocks and you are looking for something a little different, then a hammock chair or swing might be right for you. They are usually made of cotton, polyester, or duracord (see the differences in rope hammock section above).
- Contour’s to your body
- Usually made of cotton, polyester, or duracord
- Very comfortable
Hanging Chairs
Traditional hanging chairs materials do not contour to your body, but are still very comfortable. They are also much easier to sit in and out of than hammocks or hammock chairs and most are very stylish. Some are made of high quality materials such as wicker or durable woods, which means they will last a very long time. The sizes range from 1 person chairs to 3 person chairs with many different styles to choose from. You can either hang it from a tree or from a stand.
- Easy to sit in and out of
- Made from high quality materials like all-weather wicker or durable woods
- Very stylish and comfortable designs to choose from
- Great for relaxing outdoors while swinging
Styles of Hammocks
Following are famous styles of hammocks
- Spreader hammocks
- Mayan Hammocks
- Travel Hammocks
A portable hammock, in its name, is a hammock tent that can be brought about anywhere. You can carry it easily and keep it away with no sweat at all. Here are the different kinds that you might fancy in:
Spreader Hammocks – Spreader hammocks may be portable, but you have to attach it somewhere sturdy like a tree or a post. This kind of hammock has two poles attach to either end in order to spread out the hammock itself. You can position yourself with your head at the other end where the spreader pole is, and your feet at the other end of it. Which means that you are positioning in parallel with the hammock itself.
Mayan Hammocks – This style of hammock may be different from all the other ones because it actually a look like it is going to envelope you into a cocoon. It is a portable hammock with stand, so you can carry the stand then transfer it in different areas of your backyard but it is not one for traveling.
Travel Hammocks – If you want to bring a hammock along with you during a camping trip, then this type is perfect for you. It is designed specifically for easy assembly and installation and is made out of light materials. It sometimes even comes with a mosquito net for you to sleep in outdoors. It’s a portable hammock with a canopy. They are easily foldable as well so you can pack them in your bag and keep them there without being a burden.
Now that you know the most common portable hammocks there is, it is time to learn a few safety tips:
- Always secure your hammock somewhere sturdy and strong.
- Test you hammock first if it could carry your weight and do not trust it if you feel like it’s about to give out.
- Do not hang it too high above the ground in case it falls off with you still in it.
- Make sure that everything is secured tightly, ropes, fasteners, nylons, everything.
- Invest in a best portable hammock you can find that is guaranteed durable.
Make your travels fun and relaxing. If you have trouble looking for an area to sleep while camping, a hammock is a great emergency backup sleeping item. Linger in it and just relax. You will find it very relaxing like you are being cradled back to your childhood. Make use of hammocks in the best possible way and you will surely enjoy using it more often.