2. Check out our new guide of how to hang your hammock. You don’t even need to read it. I managed to persuade my boys to narrate it out loud. It contains some tips learned from long experience with hammocks.
3. 4 items on our clearance page, each having 20% off. This page is always worth a look.
We have a giant SALE taking place at our other website THE REAL RUG COMPANY. We have to sell our big rugs to make space in our warehouse. So many of them have 80% off.
Here is a customer comment from 20th September:
“Love the rug, it’s a beauty. Weighty, unusual, gorgeous colours. Great to be able to order a bulky item of furnishing and not have to wait for weeks before getting it, too. Customer service kept us updated every step of the way and we got the order in a few days. Thank you.”
There is currently 33% off pure cashmere striped scarves at MYPASHMINA at the moment.
These are ideal for children in the autumn and winter. Handy and cosy. Also, each one is unique in the world and has been individually photographed. There are about 200 different designs in stock.
This quick guide will go from the smallest and cheapest hammocks up to the biggest and most expensive, then we will finish it off with some comments about hanging chairs, and some notes about hammocks with spreader bars.
Nearly all Hamaca hammocks are hand made in Colombia from recycled cotton. The cotton is soft, strong and comfortable and the colours and designs are gorgeous.
I will try to mention only the benefits and disadvantages specific to each type of hammock, and only when compared to other types of hammocks.
Nearly every Hamaca hammock has the following features which are an advantage over other brands of hammocks:
Cadejos – the stylish cotton chains at the end of the hammock which look great, but also help distribute weight perfectly.
Handy matching carry bag, which is big enough for the hammock, but with room for a book a drink and some ropes. Many other brands you really have to squeeze the hammock in…
Colombian style with an open loop at the end.
Recycled cotton with Azo-Free Dyes, and transported by ship. I.e. This is the most eco-friendly type of hammock you can buy.
Easy to wash in the washing machine.
Children’s Hammocks / Kids Hammocks
Advantages
Single rope attachment for child safety.
Just about big enough for an adult.
2 x 3m ropes built in.
Packs up small and light, so perfect for taking on holiday or to the lake.
Low price per hammock.Transform a bedroom for £30 !
Disadvantages
Small for an adult, so only one lying position (straight).
Hammocks For Children
Travel Hammocks
Advantages
2 x 3m Ropes with Hooks built in to each Travock ( Travel Hammock ).
Packs up small for travels. The 2 person XL size packs up to 20x12x12cm which is about 2.4 litres in volume. The 1 person is slightly smaller.
Big hammocks, especially compared to the packed up size.
Extra strong, made from nylon, like parachutes.
A travel hammock will dry very quickly if it gets wet.
Price. At the lower end of the price range.
Disadvantages
Cotton is softer and more comfortable than parachute silk.
Travel Hammocks
Single Hammocks
Advantages
The perfect size for an adult, a squeeze for two, plenty of room for kids.
Packs up small and lightweight, so good for travelling or taking to the park.
Inexpensive
Cadejos, a carry bag and machine washable, as are all hammocks in the rest of this guide.
It’s a single hammock, so you remind others of this fact for some peace and quiet.
Disadvantages
I can’t think of any disadvantages, unless you want a bigger or smaller hammock.
Single Hammocks
Double Hammocks
Advantages
Room for two adults.
Same advantages as other size hammocks
Disadvantages
If you want a different size hammock, choose that. Price and size…
It’s a short list for this one, but it’s one of our most popular hammocks. I just didn’t want to repeat the advantages of the single hammock.
Double Hammock – You Can Sit Across it
Family Hammocks
Advantages
Plenty of room. You can lay which way you like, or have lots of people in the hammock.
Value per person, or per square meter of hammock area.
Big hammocks look fantastic.
Can fold the edges around you as a sunshade or even a cosy roof.
Same advantages as other size cotton hammocks. Washable, bag included etc.
Disadvantages
Not as portable for flights. Fine to take to beach or park, but maybe it takes up too much luggage space if you are just taking hand luggage.
Our biggest hammocks are our most expensive hammocks, but they work out quite cheap per person or for the size.
Supernova Family Hammock – Room For Everyone
Hanging Hammock Chairs
Advantages
Space saving, so suitable in almost any space.
Easy to get in and out of.
Sitting position allows typing etc.
Brightens up a room.
Cheaper than other types of chairs.
Disadvantages
Can’t lay down, except in our denim hanging chair with it’s fantastic foot rest.
Not as portable as a hammock due to the bar. It has a bag with a shoulder strap, so it is fine to take to the park or beach, but more difficult to take on a flight.
Hanging Chairs
Spreader Bar Hammocks
Advantages
Fabric drys quickly if it gets wet.
Easy to get in and out of.
Looks great
Disadvantages
Not as portable as a hammock without the spreader bars. It has a bag with a shoulder strap, so it is fine to take to the park or beach, but more difficult to take on a flight.
Marginally less stable than hammocks without the spreader bar.
Spreader Bars
Conclusion
I hope this quick guide was useful. Please tell us your experiences with your hammocks. We woould love to hear from you. Contact us.
Actually the study had nothing to do with Hammocks
TLDR; Apparently the Daily Mail article saying that hammocks are good for sleep is Fake News. It was based on a study where the participants lay in a gently rocking BED, not a hammock!! Details below.
Do hammocks aid sleep? Don’t be swayed
Page contents Where did the story come from? What kind of research was this? What did the research involve? What were the basic results? How did the researchers interpret the results?
The news is based on a small sleep study which found that lying on a slowly rocking bed can help the transition into sleep, and that rocking also alters the type of sleep experienced. Researchers say that these changes in brain and sleep behaviour could explain why humans find rhythmic rocking to be soothing, for example when mothers rock their babies.
While this research is interesting, it was only a small study and its results were based on 10 healthy men who did not normally have sleep problems. It also only looked at the effect of rocking on a 45-minute afternoon nap rather than a whole night’s sleep. Given the limited scope of this research, it remains to be seen whether rocking might be able to help treat sleep disorders such as night-time insomnia.
Very Relaxing – Even if this study was misinterpreted by the Daily Mail!
Where did the story come from? The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Geneva, Geneva University Hospital and the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, and the Université Paris Descartes in France. It was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. The study was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Current Biology.
The media generally reported the story accurately. However, many articles gave the impression that the study took place in a hammock, whereas it was performed in a type of slowly moving bed. It should also be noted that none of the study participants had sleep disorders such as insomnia. It has yet to be determined whether rocking could help treat insomnia.
What kind of research was this? This small-scale sleep study compared sleep during an afternoon nap in which a bed was either stationary or rocking. It aimed to demonstrate that gentle rocking can change types of sleep experienced during a short afternoon nap. The study’s design was appropriate, but the study would have to be performed in greater numbers of participants before general conclusions could be drawn.
What did the research involve? Twelve healthy male volunteers, aged 22–38 years old, had two 45-minute afternoon naps (lasting from 2.30pm to 3.15pm) on a bed that either remained stationary or rocked gently at a rate of one full rock every four seconds.
The participants were good sleepers who did not have excessive daytime sleepiness and did not normally nap in the afternoon. Participants all had low anxiety levels and had enjoyed a good quality and quantity of sleep for three nights before each afternoon nap. This was determined using sleep questionnaires and from measurements of motor activity.
Hammocks are great fun. Study on sleep yet to be carried out scientifically!
The two naps were at least one week apart, and the order in which the participants slept on the rocking or stationary bed was randomly determined. The naps took place in complete darkness, at a controlled temperature (21°C) and with the same amount of background noise (37 decibels). During the naps, the researchers continuously took multiple measurements of physiological changes and brain function. Sleep stages and brain activity were then classified from the measurements by sleep experts who were blinded to the experimental conditions. The volunteers also completed sleep questionnaires and their motor activity was recorded.
The data from 10 of the 12 participants were analysed. The data from one participant were excluded because he had elevated anxiety levels which prevented him from falling asleep during one of the naps, and technical problems prevented sleep measurements from being recorded during one other participant’s nap.
What were the basic results? Eight participants rated the rocking bed as more pleasant than the stationary bed, one participant found both conditions equally pleasant and one preferred the bed stationary.
The researchers found that rocking accelerated sleep onset. Sleep normally happens in cycles of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). NREM is further divided into three types: N1, N2 and N3. A sleep cycle normally follows the pattern: N1-N2-N3-N2-REM.
The researchers found that N1 sleep duration was shorter on the rocking bed (about 30% of total sleep time) compared to on the stationary bed (about 50%). The duration of N2 sleep was greater on the rocking bed (about 66% of total sleep time) than on the stationary bed (about 46%). Rocking also modified brain activity during N2 sleep. The brain activity observed was characteristic of deep sleep. These brain changes were observed across all the volunteers.
How did the researchers interpret the results? The researchers suggest that rhythmic rocking enhances “synchronous activity” in the brain, which could “promote the onset of sleep and its maintenance”.
Conclusion This study showed that falling asleep is aided by gentle rocking, and that rocking can affect the sleep cycle. However:
This was a small study with only 12 participants, of whom only 10 where included in the final analysis. Also, the study only included male participants.
A previous study looked at whole-night sleep and found that rocking does not consistently affect N1 sleep, although it did reduce the percentage of the deeper-stage N2 sleep. However, it did not look at how the ease of falling asleep was affected.
None of the volunteers in this study had any problems falling asleep. It remains to be determined whether rocking can be used to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Let’s start with our definition of a kids hammock . There are two characteristics that define a kids hammock.
A kids hammock is one which has a single cord at the end rather than a spread of cords. This is a safety feature. It means that if the child climbs up the end of the hammock and climbs through the cords, there is nowhere to enclose around the child’s neck.
Kids hammocks are smaller than a single adult hammock. The maximum fabric laying area of a kids hammock would be 120x200cm. Most of our kids hammocks are this size.
Why Children Love Hammocks
As a dad to three boys, I see on a daily basis how much they love hammocks. Every time they go in the hammock, either together or by themselves, they smile. I have asked them why they like it, but as they are still young, I get answers like ‘I just like it!’ or ‘because it’s good’. Therefore, I will have to substitute some of my own theories as to why my boys, and kids in general love hammocks so much:
You are never really still in a hammock. Every time you make a slight movement, it triggers a general swaying at least. Any bigger movements make more momentum, which then has to be controlled. Children love moving or perhaps they just can’t sit still. So I think a hammock allows a child a place to rest and relax without being still.
There is always some feeling of some physical risk or instability when in a hammock. This feels quite exciting for children. Even though the worst that can happen is a drop of a few inches on to a lawn or carpet.
If there is more than one child in the hammock, they will inevitably tumble in to each other. Everything contact seems to be ticklish and hilarious, and sharing a hammock makes contact inevitable.
You can kind of disappear in a hammock. Many children like to be in the vicinity so they know what’s going on without being the focus of attention. When you lay in the middle of a hammock, with the sides up high, it is quite a concealed little hidey-hole. It is also a very comfortable place to be ensconced. It’s a place where you can carry on reading the book you were enjoying without disruptions, but still be around the rest of the family.
When two children are in a hammock, they can make their plots and plans with a feeling of being in a den. You can easily also put a string above the hammock and hang a blanket over it to make it even more den-like.
A hammock is a good place for make believe and role playing. Our boys like to pretend they are on a pirate ship or in a spaceship. The hammock provides the feeling of flying or floating so it allows the imagination to work it’s magic.
So, that is why I think they love it so much.
6 Other Reasons To Buy A Kids Hammock
From my dads-eye point of view I love how much they enjoy it and that is the primary benefit to me, but I have noticed how having a hammock around gives them a space to read. This means they read more which I like.
By the way, the kids hanging chairs are also a great hit with the boys. They never sit still in them, constantly pushing off from a nearby wall, and they can do that for a long time and read a book at the same time. I have to admire the coordination going on there. If it was me I would be crashing in to the wall all the time.
You can just about fit an adult in one of our kids hammocks. I am 5feet 10inches and it is just about comfortable. I only have one position I can lay in , which is straight, but it is perfectly comfy for an adult until someone comes and jumps on you!
Because the kids hammocks are smaller, they are more easily transportable. They weigh under a kilo and will easily fit in the bottom of your hand luggage if flying. Next time you are stuck at an airport due to drones, you can just whip out your hammock and tie it between two benches, so the kids can have a sleep. At least until someone comes and tells you off.
It is perfect to take on any picnic with you. The ropes are built in and it comes in a handy carry bag. It is the most portable of the cotton hammocks. The travel hammocks are more portable, but the cotton is more cosy than the nylon.
A hammock always makes a great present. The price is in the range of normal niece and nephew gifts and everyone will love it.
The last reason to buy a kids hammock, or at least something that you don’t have to worry about, is that it is machine washable. Simply tie up the ropes at the end and wash it like you would with anything else that is colourful and made from cotton.
Why Buy Your Kids Hammock From Hammock Heaven ?
Now you have read the arguments as to why you might want a kids hammock, we think you should buy one from Hammock Heaven, especially hammocks of our own Hamaca brand. Here are 3 reasons why.
Great quality – a thicker and stronger hammock means it will last as long as you need it.
Gorgeous designs – very nice colours and patterns which means it looks better than other hammocks.
If you disagree with anything, or think we missed anything, please contact us. We love to hear from people interested in hammocks outside of just shopping.
We define a family hammock as a traditional style hammock with a fabric width of at least 175cm, or a hammock with spreader bars with a fabric width of at least 155cm.
We use this definition because it means there is room for three people. To be specific, three people can lay on a family hammock without touching each other. That sounds a bit unfriendly doesn’t it ?
The maximum size of a family hammock is unlimited according to our definition. That is why the Supernova hammock, which is probably the biggest hammock in the world, is in this category. Maybe it should have a category of it’s own? something like party hammocks ? Tell us what you think.
Three Reasons
First, here are three reasons to buy any hammock from us. Especially hammocks of our own Hamaca brand.
Great quality – thicker and stronger means it will last as long as you need it.
Gorgeous designs – very nice colours and cadejos which means it looks better than other hammocks
Free overnight delivery in the UK – so that the price you see is the price you pay and you can expect to receive your hammock tomorrow.
6 Reasons To Buy A Family Hammock
Reasons to buy a family hammock .
The first question to answer is compared to what ? In this case I will argue why yuou should buy a family hammock, when compared to a double or single hammock.
More people is more fun It is fun to have 3 or more people in a hammock. It is a great way to spend an afternoon outdoors. Gently swaying between two trees, chatting and laughing.
You can have your own space With 175cm at least of width, even with 3 adults in hammock, you can have your own space. You can lay in the hammock top to tail so that you each get your own section with a soft ridge in between. I love how hammocks arrange themselves to fit the people. This advantage is magnified if you get the Supernova hammock, or if you have just 2 adults in a family hammock, or a bunch of children. Although hang the hammock nice and low to the soft grassy ground if a load of kids are going to be playing in it.
You can lay any way you want. Even in our Raya Hammock which is 175cm or (5ft 9inches), you can lay perpendicular to the hammock. This is 97% of women in the UK, or 99.97% of Nepalese women. We do business with Nepal (mypashmina.co.uk), so I was curious. Half of men in the UK are under 5ft 9. Our Mammoth hammock is 210cm wide, so only 1 in 685 men will be too tall to lay widthwise.
It means that if you lay at any angle you will be able to find quite a flat laying surface if that is what you prefer. It all comes down to flexibilty. Surely more comfortable positions is better than less.
You can close the hammock around you. I was toying with the idea of adding straps and holes to the sides of the mammoth hammocks, so you can join them together at the top and make a little tent. Or how about installing some little LED lights. It sounds very cosy to me. My boys love to make the big hammocks in to dens. The bigger the hammock, the better this idea will work. As the hammock is made from strong cotton (recycled by the way), you can add what you like to it’s design. Please tell us you ideas.
More space with less weight You could take 5 hammocks on a picnic, but they you would need to take 5 sets of ropes and hooks too. With a family hammock, you can be sure of room for everyone, but you only need to take one bag. Hamaca family hammocks come complete with a matching shoulder bag, which is big enough to hold the hammock plus ropes and a book and a drink. We made the bag generous on purpose, because we found with other brands we used to sell that it was an inconvenience to fold up the hammock and try and fit it in to a ‘just right’ bag. We wanted it to be relaxing, and it is.
It looks impressive I know this is a shallow point, that people don’t like to admit, but why do people spend £50k on a car when a perfectly good car can be had for a few thousand pounds? It’s a status thing. Many socialogists would claim it is a mainly male status thing. So if you have a supernova in you garden, people will be impressed. Then everyone will jump in the hammock, and think what a smart cookie you are for buying the biggest hammocks available in the world.
Disadvantages of Family Hammocks
Some disadvantages of family hammocks
Maybe you want some peace. If you have a single hammock, at least you can say to the kids or the other half that it is a single hammock, so sorry but there is no room. Then you can go back to your book and glass of wine in peace.
Bit big and heavy Compared to a single hammock, a family hammock will weigh more, so is not really suitable for using up your Ryanair baggage allowance. A single hammock weighing under 1kg is perfect for this, but the family ones , not so much.
Depends how much space you have. Obviously if your trees are too close together, or your indoors space for a hammock is not big enough, then a family hammock won’t work. If you have the right space, then bigger is better in my opinion. It is only the length of the space that matters when calculating the space, because when you are not using the hammock, it closes itself and takes up hardly any room at all.
Price Family hammocks cost more per hammock, although they do cost less per hammock user. For example the Supernova hammock is easily good for 8 people, and at £199 that works out to less than £25 per person. A single hammock costs at least £39 per user. The Raya hammock costs £90, so with 3 users, thats £30 per person, still cheaper per simultaneous hammock user than a single hammock. I wonder if they use the same units on the other side of the pond !
Tell Us About Your Experience With Family Hammocks ?
If you think I have missed any obvious advantages or disadvantages of family hammocks, please let us know. We love to hear from our customers outside of the transactional.
TLDR: Everyone is buying hammocks, so you should too!
Millennials are hung up on hammocks. Once typically just for retirees and their country estates, the lounging beds are now appealing to everyone including college students and hard-core outdoor enthusiasts.
Hammocks are now more popular than ever before
Sales of hammocks increased a whopping 30% for the 12 months ending in March, compared with the year-earlier period, according to market research firm NPD Group Inc., which found that overall sales of the product have doubled since 2014. Amazon promoted a discounted hammock on its site during its annual Prime Day this month–the item ended up selling out, with a reported 24,000 units sold by afternoon. Retail experts say the sales uptick is led by millennials, who love the hanging contraptions for their ease of use, convenience and portability. With prices starting below $100, they’re also affordable for younger consumers. And finally, hammocks also tap into that other all-important buzzword in retail: experience.
“Millennials are looking for products they can share with their friends that they can turn into an experience,” explained Matt Powell, sports industry analyst at NPD, noting that many college kids use them around campus for activities like sitting in the quad. “Hammocking is a way of hanging out with your pals—you don’t have to be in a deep forest, you can be in a backyard. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to spend an afternoon.”
Mammoth Hammock – room for all!
Of course, hammocks are nothing new. Around for roughly 1,000 years with Central American origins, the product has had centuries to marinate with manufacturers. Now, brands have modernized hammocks with more lightweight, portable fabric and various iterations like the colors of the Jamaican flag, geared to more relaxed consumers.
Manufacturers like HAMACA are designing their products for everyone, rather than just the seasoned outdoorsman, experts said.
“They’re trying to remove the barriers to participation by offering products that make it easy for folks to get out—it’s not necessarily super technical, you don’t have to rough it anymore,” said Mac McKeever, a spokesman at L.L. Bean.
Other retailers are also hanging their hopes on hammocks. “Be a swinger,” read a hammock email sent to customers of Moosejaw, a Madison Heights, MI-based outdoors industry retailer, in June. The company, which operates an ecommerce site and about a dozen brick and mortar stores, reports that the business is booming. Between March and July, sales of the product were up nearly 100% over 2015, said Eoin Comerford, president and CEO. He noted that a new craze is the tent-hammock hybrid, which is a suspended tent that makes sleeping more comfortable for campers.
“These hammock tents are exploding right now,” he said, noting Moosejaw, which offers some 40 different hammock styles already, is prominently adding the product to its inventory.
Cayo Coast Hammock from Hammock Heaven
Ecommerce home furnishings site Wayfair, which owns Joss & Main and DwellStudio, is also capitalizing on the uptick, in a different way. Alex Bowman, a trend forecaster at the Boston-based retailer, said many consumers are bringing their hammocks inside as a new seating option—it’s an extension of the trend of bringing other outdoor items, like porch rugs, inside because of their durability.
“The times when you’re happiest are when you’re living in a hammock outside—this is a cheat to bring that moment of relaxation inside so you can close your eyes and pretend you’re outside,” said Mr. Bowman. Sales of hammocks at Wayfair are up 140% year-to-date over the year-earlier period as customers gravitate to styles like the cocoon-like egg-chair hammock or one of the site’s other 599 iterations. Since hammocks popped up in popularity, Wayfair has been tracking them through more specific promotions.
“Hammocks is not a new category but it is a category that not everyone has—it’s a great trending item,” said Nancy Go, VP-brand marketing at the 14-year-old company. “As we see things trend, we end up promoting them more.”
One of the most common questions asked is how far apart do hammock posts need to be?
We will answer that question with the definitive guide to hanging your hammock between posts.
Follow installation directions carefully. Prior to each use, inspect your hammock, hardware, installation points and objects supporting your hammock for wear or weakness. Proceed carefully and take your time getting into and out of your hammock. Any hammock may tip if your weight isn’t centred. Swing gently. A hammock is not a playground swing or a trampoline. Excessive swinging and other rough play may result in falls and may wear out your hammock and hardware prematurely. Small children should not play unsupervised in your hammock. Maximum safe weight limit is 450 pounds (205 kg).
Hammock Length
Your new hammock may initially be shorter than its full length (approximately 13 ft (396 – 411 cm) for a family size and approximately 11 feet for a single size). It will stretch to its proper length after a short time in use. Based on this information, how far apart do hammock posts need to be?
Hanging Your Hammock
Hammocks are versatile! Although traditionally slung between two big trees, you can also hang them between posts set in the ground, on a porch, or on a hammock stand. We recommend trees or posts be a minimum of 6″ (15 cm) in diameter or posts a minimum of 4″ x 6″ (10 cm x 15 cm) in size. Make certain the wooden supports you are using are strong enough. Do not use wood supports which are cracked, split or rotten or which are too soft to properly hold the screw hooks.
Setting posts in the ground allows you to install your hammock wherever you like, even if you don’t have trees. Post holes should be at least three feet (0.9 m) deep and carefully back-filled with concrete. Remove air pockets. While concrete is fresh, posts may be tilted slightly away from the direction of the hammock. Wait at least 24 hours before hanging your hammock.
It’s easiest to hang your hammock in a space a foot (30 cm) or two longer than the overall length of the hammock. In such a space, the hardware to hang your hammock should ordinarily be mounted five to six feet (1.5 m to 1.8 m) off the ground. If the distance between the hanging points is shorter, try mounting the screw-hooks higher, though this will make the hammock hang more bowed. If the distance between the hanging points is longer, you can mount the hardware higher and use extra chain and S-hooks, and the hammock will hang as normal.
Drill a pilot hole where you want your hooks. This pilot hole should be approximately 1/2 the diameter of the screw of the hammock hook. For example, if the hammock hook screw is 3/8″ (1 cm) in diameter, then the pilot hole should be approximately 3/16″ (0.5 cm). Screw the hammock hooks into the pilot holes. Be sure to set the screw deep enough that the eye is against the wood but do not over tighten the screw or allow the hook assembly or eye screw to be twisted or bent. Install screw hooks only on the side of the tree or post facing the hammock. Your hammock should not pull sideways on the hook.
Safe Hammock Installation
Use one or two lengths chain and S-hooks as necessary to reach between the hammock and the hooks. See first illustration. It is normal for your new hammock to stretch considerably when it is new, so the first time you hang a new hammock stretch it very tight, and then be especially careful when getting into the hammock the first time! As it stretches under your weight be careful not to hit the ground, or if using a hammock stand not to hit the center pipe. Be careful not to let the hammock tip as you get in.As it stretches, keep shortening the chain. If you store it for months, you may have to stretch it like this again. After it stretches you can get into it much more easily.
How far apart do hammock posts need to be?
Once the hammock is stretched out, it should be hung loosely enough that when the hammock is in use (when there is weight in it) the angle of the chain as illustrated in second illustration is at least 25 degrees from horizontal. Hanging your hammock more tightly than this greatly increases the load to the hardware and supports.
Around 1590, hammocks were adopted for use in sailing ships; the Royal Navy formally adopted the canvas sling hammock in 1597.[citation needed] Aboard ship, hammocks were regularly employed for sailors sleeping on the gun decks of warships, where limited space prevented the installation of permanent bunks.
Since a slung hammock moves in concert with the motion of the vessel, the occupant is not at a risk of being thrown onto the deck (which may be 5 or 6 feet below) during swells or rough seas.
Likewise, a hammock provides more comfortable sleep than a bunk or a berth while at sea since the sleeper always stays well balanced, irrespective of the motion of the vessel.
Prior to the adoption of naval hammocks, sailors would often be injured or even killed as they fell off their berthsor rolled on the decks on heavy seas.[citation needed] The sides of traditional canvas naval hammocks wrap around the sleeper like a cocoon, making an inadvertent fall virtually impossible.[original research?] If suitably packed, they could also be used as emergency flotation devices.[8]
Many sailors in the Royal Navy, during the 1950s at least, used a spreader – a length of wood with a V cut in each end to engage the second hammock string on each side. The first string was set up more tightly than the others so that it raised a protective lip along each side to keep out drafts and prevent the sleeper being thrown out.
A narrow mattress was also issued which protected the user from cold from below. In addition naval hammocks could be rolled tightly and stowed in an out of the way place or in nets along the gunwale as additional protection during battle (as was the case during the age of sail).
Many sailors became so accustomed to this way of sleeping that they brought their hammocks ashore with them on leave. The naval use of hammocks continued into the 20th century.
During World War II, troopships sometimes employed hammocks for both naval ratings and soldiers in order to increase available space and troop carrying capacity. Many leisure sailors even today prefer hammocks over bunks because of better comfort in sleep while on the high seas.
Hammocks have also been employed on spacecraft in order to utilize available space when not sleeping or resting. During the Apollo program, the Lunar Module was equipped with hammocks for the commander and lunar module pilot to sleep in between moonwalks.[citation needed][9]
We think Hamaca hammocks from Hammock Heaven are easily the best, but how about a quick look at some others from around the web.
There are some interesting styles here. You will notice that other traditional style hammocks are much more expensive than ours. That is for the simple reason that we have cut out the middleman (or 2). We design and import our own hammocks direct from hammock manufacturers in Colombia, Brazil, El Salvodor and India.
Feeling stressed, need some time out or just want to bask in the sun’s rays? Hammocks are a fun way to lounge outdoors, while gently swinging yourself to sleep.
First developed in the jungles of South America where they were used for sleeping above the wet ground, hammocks have come on leaps and bounds in the style stakes since then. Made from fabric, netting or rope, they were designed to be tied between two trees, but these days many come with their own stands – and, if not, the stands are easily available to buy separately.
Singular options are great if it’s just for you, but there are also double and family designs available, too – plus ones with cushions, canopies and all manner of shapes and sizes. Swinging chairs, tent and even bed styles are all the rage and are growing in popularity as dreamy napping nooks for indoors as much as out. Then there are the portable options, which are ideal for taking away with you – and they’re not limited to tropical destinations, either! If you’re off camping then choose a model that’s light to carry and just as easy to pack away as it is to put up.
Hammocks with spreaders are a modern invention, designed to spread the weight load more evenly and in turn making it easier to get in and out of the hammock. If you like to feel quite cocooned, you’ll want to go for an inline option (also called jungle or tropical hammocks), which are one of the most stable and comfortable, and allow you to sleep like a pea in a pod, surrounded by the hammock’s sides.
Still undecided? We’ve pounded the pavement to find you a selection of good-looking favourites to help you kick back and swing your worries away. Here’s our pick of designs that hang way above the rest.
Bohemian hammock
Free spirits will adore this bohemian-inspired design, which looks like it would be equally at home on a palm-lined beach as it would in a north-London suburban garden. Made from hand-knotted natural cotton, we love the tassel fringing and airy material, which makes it easier to keep cool in the hot weather. As stylish as it is mellow, this laidback design is perfect for throwing a few cushions on, laying back with a cocktail and whiling away the hours while basking in the sun. FYI: mounting ropes are included with the hammock but any additional fixings would need to be purchased separately at any local hardware shop.
£59.99 | Cuckooland
Copa La Siesta Brazilian hammock
This sizzling scorcher of a hammock certainly lives up to its name… who wouldn’t want to have a siesta in this design? The Brazilians have been making hammocks for years, dating right back to the Mayans and this vibrant model features fringes, macramé elements and suspension cords that are all typical of hammocks from Brazil. Made from pure organic cotton, it has a diagonally flexible weave that is said to follow the contours of your body for extra comfort and is a double-width design, so there’s room for two. Just tie the ends to trees, walls or a hammock stand (which you’d need to buy separately) and then lay back and enjoy some R and R.
£149.90 | Lagoon
Patterned hammock chair
So, you would be right in thinking this is part chair, part hammock and we think it’s the perfect spot to curl up and read a book or just enjoy the sun. Hanging on an airy rope construction, it’s a Danish design that will have you feeling like a kid again with its swing-style cotton seat. Tie from a tree to enjoy during the summer months and then bring it indoors for the winter where its stripy pattern will be equally at home inside. With a height of 96cm and width of 50cm, it takes up to a 120kg weight.
£75 | Out There Interiors
Fatboy hammock
If you’re all about the comfort factor then this is the hammock for you. In fact, it’s one of those buys that you know will be worth its weight in gold for the hours of relaxation you’re likely to get from it. Made from polyester with a PVC coating, the hammock is filled with 5mm foam for the ultimate in luxury. It’s dirt and moisture repellent and sits on a sturdy metal frame – and there’s a choice of 10 different colours, including this dreamy turquoise shade. You can fit up to three people dependant on their size (the hammock measures 330cm x 110cm and takes up to 150kg) and if you’re buying a hammock to nap in, then this is our suggestion for your well-deserved snooze.
£349.95 | Amara
Tiipii hanging hammock
The perfect pocket away from the world, this versatile, floaty number is ideal for packing up and taking with you on your travels. Whether you’re off camping, to the beach or on holiday, it’s extremely light and packs down into a small carry-bag, making it easy to transport. Once you’re there, it can be assembled in just five minutes. Designed to hold two adults or up to five children (200kg in total), the hammock’s canopy is removable if you’d rather feel the sun on your face. Although it’s light in colour, it’s machine washable and if you don’t have a tree to hang it from, The White Company sell a matching Tiiipii hammock stand. Dreamy!
£280 | The White Company
Garo/Riso hammock with stand
Isn’t it great when someone designs a product and thinks of all the handy little touches that just make it so EASY to use – and then puts it at a beautifully affordable price? That’s what we thought when we saw Ikea’s new Garo/Riso hammock and stand combo, which is available in other colours as well as this pale orange. Firstly, it has a wheel on one side of the grey frame so it’s easily manoeuvrable if you need it repositioned when the kids want to use the space for games – just tilt the stand and roll it out the way. Secondly, it has a small pouch on the side that is perfect for keeping a newspaper, suntan lotion or your sunglasses without having to reach down to the grass (and risk toppling over). The best part? It’s just £75! Well done Ikea.
£75 | Ikea
Outsunny hammock with stand
More bed than hammock, we can see this design being more of a whole-afternoon snooze affair rather than a quick catnap. Set on a curved durable steel stand that might as well be guaranteed to put you to sleep thanks to its ‘rocking’ design, the hammock bed is made from an all-weather PVC-coated polyester fabric that can hold up to 220 pounds. Also included in the price is a pillow to rest your head on, so it’s a nice comfortable option and quite frankly, it’s a bit of a show-stealer. Set it outside along with a side table for your cocktail and some music to drift off to. Heaven!
£74.99 | Wayfair
Leaf-print hammock
When you want a hammock for right here, right now, but don’t want to pay a lot then this botanical beauty could be the one. At the bargain price of £15, it’s a two-metre long hammock featuring an on-trend green leaf pattern that will blend perfectly with the greenery of any garden. It measures 200cm x 100cm so although it’s not the largest design on the market, it’s certainly roomy enough to be able to relax comfortably in. It doesn’t come with a stand, so you’d need to buy that separately (unless you have a convenient set of trees from which to string it) but at that price you really can’t go wrong.
£15 | Hema
Cacoon hammock
If being at one with nature appeals to you then a tent in the trees is certainly your bag. Designed with outside relaxation in mind, the enchanting Cacoon hammock is the ultimate place to unwind and its easy-to-assemble kit means you can pop it up in your garden quickly and with little stress. Suitable for indoors and out, the design is influenced from the intricate cocoon-shaped nest of the Mexican Weaver Finch and is made from a polyester and cotton blend, which has been treated against mould, bacteria, water and UV rays. Hang from a tree or buy a tripod stand separately, it’s suitable for one person at a time – but we wouldn’t want to share this outdoor hideaway anyway.
£255 | Houseology
Personalised hammock
When you want something to be totally unique there’s no better way than to personalise it. With companies offering their services to add your favourite words on everything from notebooks and bags to cushions and mugs, we know they make a great gift – even if it is a gift just for yourself! When we spotted these personalised hammocks we couldn’t resist adding them to the mix – after all, if you’ve got a favourite quote, saying or song lyric, why wouldn’t you want your wise words down on canvas? Each hammock measures 270cm in length and what they lack in luxury they certainly make up for in novelty value.
£70 | NOTHS
Kajito bamboo hammock
If you like the style of a hammock but aren’t sure about the heavy immovable frame, then this one but take your fancy. A bit of a hybrid design, the Kajito is an update on the classic deckchair in that it collapses in five seconds, but still has the supportive feel of a hammock. The frame is made from bamboo wood and it comes with two separate covers to suit your mood: Moon (beige) and Earth (taupe) shades. The fabric is durable, anti-mould, water-repellent and bacteria treated, and it makes a comfortable option for the garden or round by a pool. When it’s unfolded it measures H88.5cm x W180cm x D190cm and we love that it’s easy to put away and store when not in use.
£499 | Graham & Green
Amazonas American Dream Petrol hammock
This hammock truly is the American Dream – a bright and beautiful design that’s large enough to fit all the family. Yes, that’s right, the extra-strong fabrics and hardwood spreader bars give it the strength for up to a 180kg load, so you can fit the kids and dog on too and enjoy some quality time swinging in the sun together. The petrol blue shade makes for a colourful choice and the fact that it’s padded and comes with a pillow for extra comfort really makes this one work that little bit harder for you. Nice and durable, it can be left outside and comes with its own matching bag for storage, although you will need to buy the stand separately. A great family choice.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that lying on a slowly rocking bed helped each subject in a small test group
Scientists have proved that a swinging hammock promotes sleep. The research sounds exhaustive if not exhausting. Each and every volunteer coddled in a gently swinging hammock soon fell into a deep sleep. Explaining the phenomenon, researchers cited slow oscillations of brain waves and flurries of sleep spindles. These seem more like consequences than explanations of the hammock effect.
The actual scientist writing the actual report on hammocks 😉
It is notable, however, that hammocks are thick on the ground, or between the trees, this year. Last year trampolines were the garden favourite. The nation appears to have more restful ambitions this summer, when rain showers allow. What the scientists have yet to establish is the optimum distance for planting two trees from which to hang a hammock. Variables of shade, sag and swing will provide research material for years to come. It might be a problem best slept on.
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