Originally woven from the bark of Hamack trees in Central America, hammocks today are generally made of rope, fabric, or string. Rope versions have wooden bars, or staves, to spread the cotton or polypropylene mesh and provide adequate support. Fabric hammocks, also strong and comfortable, mold to the body, and their synthetic materials stand up to the elements. String hammocks, or Mayan style, are popular for both indoor and outdoor use. The string is flexible and supportive.
Outdoor hammocks aren’t hard to maintain, but will mildew if you don’t take proper precautions. Bring hammocks inside during stormy weather. If you prefer to leave them outside, opt for polyester rope or synthetic nylon, which dries quickly and resists rot. Always make sure your hammock is hanging appropriately. When tied too tight, a hammock is more likely to tip; if it’s not stretched far enough, it may sag.
Here are a few of our favorite styles.
Easy Breezy
Sink into a Santiago Hammock ($80) and let the world melt away. This extra-large hammock can hold the whole family—or 400 pounds. Choose from Costa Blue (shown here), Multi-stripe, or Madras. Call 800/448-7956 or visit vtarmynavy.com.
In Style
The Quilted Seastripe hammock ($213) is constructed of a soft, durable fabric and 1 inch of batting fill. Each can hold up to 450 pounds. Call 800/398-6004 or visit hammock-company.com.
Great Escape
Actually a swinging bed, the Seaside Swing ($1,016) comes with a white weather-resistant wood frame, a foam mattress, two pillows, and an upholstered mattress cover in the fabric of your choice. The company offers more than 30 outdoor fabrics in eye-catching patterns, stripes, and solids, or you can customize with your own. Call 813/310-8999 or visit seasideswings.com.
Lasting Comfort
The Two-Tone DuraCord® Rope Hammock in Pesto & Oatmeal ($150) has made searching for a long-lasting yet comfortable hammock a thing of the past. DuraCord ropes stand up to the weathering effects of the outdoors but feel soft to the skin. Ingenious fibers that wick away moisture mimic the cooling effects of cotton. With the capacity to hold 450 pounds, two can lounge comfortably in the nearly 7-foot-long hammock. Call 800/398-6004 or visit hammock-company.com.
Swinging Style
Nags Head Original Rope Porch Swing ($329) is made for cozy summer nights. This two-seater comes with your choice of rope and pillow color. Call 800/344-6433 or visit nagsheadhammocks.com.
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Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
For the ultimate hammock experience, add a rope drink holder ($12.50) or deluxe Sunbrella pillow ($35). These and other extras—ranging from hammock covers to magazine holders—are available online. Visit hammockshop.com or hammock-company.com. |
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ALSO:
Hanging Out
Go ahead. Sink into one of this summer’s cool new hammocks and discover the virtues of lazy days and ocean breezes. Oh, cabana boy!
