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Hammock Purchasing Tips
Home » Outdoor Furniture » Hammocks » Hammock Purchasing TipsGiven the diversity of styles, colors, sizes and prices among hammocks, it’s a good idea to consider a number of factors as you choose your hammock. Think about some of the following factors before you buy:
• Safety: This one may seem a bit odd initially; it’s just a hammock, right? However, safety is an important consideration if you have children who may use or play on your hammock. Rope hammocks have large spaces between strands, so it’s possible that the fingers or toes of a small child could become twisted in the material. That threat is significantly diminished with other hammock styles.
• Use: How will you use your hammock? If you just plan to hang it between two trees in the backyard and occasionally relax in it, you’d likely be satisfied with any of the styles mentioned above. However, certain hammock styles are better suited to particular uses. Mayan hammocks, for example, are extremely light and easy to move, so they’re a nice way to add an extra bed to your home or enjoy some sleep on a camping trip. In contrast, if you plan to use your hammock at poolside, you’ll want to choose a quick-drying, tough fabric hammock that stands up well under exposure to the elements.
• Comfort vs. durability: Hammocks that use wooden spreader bars are flatter than styles that hang naturally, so you’ll want to try both styles in order to determine which you prefer. Nicaraguan, Mayan and Brazilian hammocks are usually thought to be more comfortable than their rope or quilted fabric counterparts, but the rope and fabric hammocks offer greater support, so your personal comfort preference should dictate your choice. Moreover, the Central and South American hammocks are in many cases less durable than rope or quilted fabric, so consider that fact if you plan to regularly leave your hammock outdoors. Remember, too, that cheaper models are usually less comfortable and less durable than more expensive options.
• Climate: Consider the average temperature of your geographic area. Some tightly woven hammocks, such as the Brazilian or quilted fabric hammocks, don’t allow for much air flow, whereas traditional rope, Mayan and Nicaraguan hammocks provide users with constant air flow. In temperate zones this may not prove a problem, but if you live in unusually warm climate, you’ll probably want to choose a hammock that won’t leave you too hot after only a few minutes of use.
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