Hammock Legends

Indoors or out, a hammock can make a great addition to any home. Is there anybody on this planet who can’t imagine themselves laying in a comfortable hammock on a tropical island somewhere? Sipping a ‘Blue Hawaiian’, watching the beautiful people go by? Many people see a hammock as their ‘luxury. Possibly one of their most ‘treasured’ pieces of furniture in the entire house, or garden.

But where did they come from? The origins of the hammock are somewhat confused.  Some say they were invented by the famous Greek, Alcibiades. A great statesmen who was a student of the legendary philosopher Socrates. Dated as far back as 450BC. Others believe hammocks are native to South America, in the Amazon basin. Indeed, they are widely used by the natives of this region, even today. Christopher Columbus first brought the Hammock to Europe from the Bahamas.

Fabric Choices

Things have changed, as you can imagine, from the early days. Originally, a hammock was made from the bark of a ‘Hamack Tree’, hence the name! Later, the Sisal plant was used, primarily because it was much more available. Today, a hammock can be made from several fabrics. However, cotton tends to be favoured for comfort, polyester for it’s strength and longevity. There are disadvantages and advantages with any material. For what purpose you intend to use your hammock for will ultimately dictate which material is most appropriate.

Popular and Practical

Fabric and rope hammocks are very popular and extremely practical for most people‘s needs. Fabric hammocks tend to be more comfortable, on the whole, that rope, and cotton is thought to be the most comfortable option for either. Although these days, a good quality polyester rope is certainly giving cotton a run for it’s money. Apart from being stronger, polyester is not susceptible to mould and mildew, as cotton is. Cotton colours are more natural looking than the brighter polyester hammocks. However, cotton soon fades, not able to withstand direct sunlight or poor weather conditions. Rope hammocks are good for inside or out, but a polyester hammock will last longer outside.

Approved by the Military

Canvas hammocks have been used by the Navy since the beginning of the seventeenth century. Renowned for being tough, at sea they were often used on the gun decks. But hammocks were used anywhere permanent bunks were not a viable option. They are still used by the Navy today, as well as by many other people, for a variety of situations. Even the commander and pilot of the Apollo program were equipped with them! Traditional style canvas hammocks wrap around the body like a cocoon. Less chance of falling out while you slumber! A canvas hammock might be made from hemp, cotton or polyester. Important to know beforehand, if you want to choose the right hammock that is!

Camping and Portable Hammocks

Today, a whole array of purpose made hammocks are available. Lightweight, portable hammocks are great to throw in your bag when you’re heading for the beach. A backpacking hammock is also lightweight, with the added benefit of mosquito netting. Also good for day trips. Camping hammocks are all these things and more! A camping hammock actually replaces the need for a tent. Despite what you might think, be assured, they do work really well.