Hanging Camping Hammocks, Swinging Chair Hammocks, & Portable Hammocks
The traditional hammock has a unique and long history with primitive tribes - peoples used to being on the move, with few possessions. These peoples use hammocks to this day for sleeping and sitting, and packing up these items are easy, and the hammock itself is lightweight and very portable. So it is no surprise that hammocks have found a place in the heart of the camping enthusiast. Camping hammocks are simply specially-designed hammocks for the camping experience. Some folk take their a regular, traditional hammock - typically made with a rope into a sort of 'netting' - along with them when they go out camping. These units, however, usually come with a heavy metal frame that can be inconvenient to pack when traveling, so camping hammocks are usually used by hanging them between two trees or poles (although some lightweight frames are now being produced for these units.) A key feature of many camping hammocks is that they are made using very lightweight fabrics - like nylon or rayon - that are very durable also. Camping hammocks can also be equipped with nets to protect the outdoorsman from insects and mosquitoes; they are also available with such accessories as cup holders, book holders, inflatable pillows and cushions. The camping hammocks with netting are particularly ingenious, incorporating a net that zips around the hammock, creating a kind of a 'house' that keeps you free from the bugs! Special purpose 'jungle' style camping hammocks are also available that are designed for harsh outdoor conditions, such as near a stream or river, where the ground is uneven or uncomfortable. Some camping hammocks are extremely lightweight - some a little over a half a pound, and use a minimum of hardware (ropes and other devices to attach and stabilize the hammock). Selecting Good Camping Hammocks When selecting camping hammocks, keep in mind their purpose: camping, mountaineering and other outdoor environments. You will need to choose a camping hammock that is lightweight if you will be bringing in everything to your campsite via backpack. Camping hammocks that can be stored in their own special bag are great, as you can keep all the ropes and other hardware together, and separate from all your other gear, and then just pull it out when you need to set it up. Cleanup and maintenance of the units is an additional consideration. Make sure that your camping hammock can be cleaned easily, especially when out on the trail. It must be made of a very durable material . Some swear that nylon - particularly parachute nylon - is the best, being lightweight and extremely tear-resistant. Safety Considerations As with all hammocks, you must make safety a priority when using camping hammocks, especially since if you sustain an injury from a hammock in the wild, you may be very far from medical facilities. Inspect all the hardware and materials of your hammock daily - ideally when you take your unit down and when you put it up in a new location. Also be sure to inspect it before setting out on your adventure. If it shows signs of wear and tear, you should purchase a new one. Also, never exceed the person/weight capacity of your camping hammock. A unit in perfect condition can still break if it is overloaded. |
