Shopping for a Nap - What to Look For and Where to Buy a Hammock?

There's a whole world of great hammocks out there, but you wouldn't know that from a stroll to your local sporting goods store. The key is to know where to look. This article will teach you what to look for in a hammock and where to find the perfect one for you.

Hammocks for Camping:

Camping hammocks are a world of their own. Any hammock for this purpose will call itself a "camping hammock." They are made of solid synthetic fabrics and often come with optional an optional rain-fly or mosquito netting. These hammocks will often fold up into a zippered pack the size of a softball to carry with you on your excursion.

Backyard or by the Pool:

For general outdoor use by the pool or in the backyard you've got more choices. Many people will choose either a Duracord American rope hammock or another a similar "outdoor" model made of Sunbrella or some other synthetic all-weather solid fabric. Both of these will resist the elements well, but they offer very little in the way of comfort and can feel ridged and don't breathe well.

A better choice would be an open weave (read: not solid fabric) hammock from Mexico or Nicaragua. Both of these countries produce a weave perfected over centuries famous for it's comfort, flexibility and ability to breathe and keep you cool. They come in a range of sizes, with large, double hammocks generally being preferred as they give you more space and freedom to find a comfortable position.

Patio or Indoor Hammocks:

If a hammock will be kept indoors or largely out of the rain and constant sunlight then comfort and style are the only factors that should matter. Ditch the all-weather, spreader-bar discomfort and look for a Mexican or Nicaraguan hammock in the colors you like.

Nylon vs. Cotton Hammocks:

There's a lot of debate about whether all-natural cotton hammocks or those made of nylon are better. The difference is fairly simple, however. Cotton, as a natural material, tends to be a bit softer and offers more stretch than nylon. All else being equal it is a bit more comfortable. Nylon, however is much easier to clean and will not fade colors in the sunlight as easy or succumb to mold or mildew if it gets rained on. Some people actually like the fact that Nylon is a bit more "slippery" and doesn't catch, or snag there clothes as much as a cotton hammock might. As long as you buy a hammock with a good open weave, either material should be very comfortable.

So, Where to Buy a Hammock?

As mentioned earlier, finding a wide selection of hammocks can be difficult. If you want a hammock for camping or a simple all-weather outdoor model and aren't too concerned with comfort you can probably find one at your local sporting goods store.

For the more comfortable Mexican or Nicaraguan models, however, you should look for them online. A simple Google search should reveal a wide variety of options and colors. Some even come with decorative fringes that can serve as a makeshift blanket on a cold night.

So, figure out exactly what you'll be using the hammock for and then flip open the computer and start exploring. Happy napping!

Costway US $259.00 3 pcs Outdoor Patio Table Chairs Set Acacia Wood Loveseat-Red Costway US $323.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa with 2 Bolsters and Side Storage Pocket-Light Gray Costway US $323.00 Modern Loveseat Sofa with 2 Bolsters and Side Storage Pocket-Pink Costway US $225.00 2-Person Rocking Loveseat with Mesh Fabric and Tempered Glass Table Costway US $225.00 2-Person Double Rocking Loveseat with Mesh Fabric and Center Tempered Glass Table-Turquoise Costway US $212.00 Living Room Wooden Leg Armless Loveseat Sofa-Multicolor Costway US $278.00 2 Pieces Patio Loveseat Bench Table Furniture Set with Cushioned Chair-Blue Costway US $175.00 Swing Glider Chair 48 Inch Loveseat Rocker Lounge Backyard-Black Costway US $139.00 50 Inch Patio Garden Bench Loveseats for Outdoor Costway US $348.00 Modern Fabric Loveseat Sofa for with Metal Legs and Armrest Pillows-Rust Red