Good vs. Great Hammocks: What Makes the Difference?

When it comes to finding a new hammock there are plenty of good options out there, from large cotton hammocks for the bedroom to tiny, portable hammocks for camping. But what separates a good hammock from a great one? Here are a few pointers.

The Weave.

The number one most important factor in a hammocks quality is the weave. The most comfortable hammocks – by a large margin – are the double spring woven hammocks from Mexico and Nicaragua. No other hammocks come close. Why? This double spring weave moves, flexes and adjusts according to the weight and shape of whoever’s using the hammock. So whether you’re a 90 lb. gymnast, 300 lb. security guard, or a pampered 700 lb. mule, you’ll be extremely comfortable. (And given the strength of the weave, you’ll be safe too; some of the larger Mexican hammocks can hold up to 800 lbs.!)

The Material.

Cotton hammocks tend to be the most comfortable. But this depends more on the weave than the material. So a double spring woven nylon hammock will be extremely comfortable as well. And nylon tends to fair better outdoors and in more humid climates as well.

When choosing a hammock fabric be weary of “all-weather” solid fabric hammocks. Despite any claims, these non-woven hammocks lack the breathability of a woven hammock; on a warm summer day you’ll find yourself lying in a pool of your own sweat…not fun.

The Look.

Hammocks don’t have to look like white fishnets with a pair of sticks on either end. An American rope hammock of this style makes a good hammock for backyard decoration but not much else. Fortunately there are scores of beautifully designed hammocks in all sizes and colors available online. A cotton hammock will tend to have more muted colors while synthetic fabrics like Nylon or Polyester will be more bright and vibrant and hold their color longer.

Those Tiny Details.

Other small details can make a hammock jump from good to great. For example some Nicaraguan and other hammocks feature scalloped fringes that hang from the bottom. These add an attractive visual touch and serve as a very handy blanket on a cool evening. If you can find one of these in the right color and weave you’ll have found yourself a very unique and worthy hammock.

Hopefully this advice helps you find a great hammock at a fair price. And if it does, please share the article with a friend or share your comments below.

Always RememberThe weave, material, look and those tiny details.Happy napping. Happy shopping.