Hammocks - Why People Who Use Hammocks Smile

TV commercials and magazine or Internet ads featuring hammocks often show someone lying in one under palm trees with an orange sun in the sky. That image, obviously, is designed to create a certain mood in the potential buyer. But it is only successful because there's a lot of truth in it. Hammocks are great.

Though you may not always be so fortunate as to enjoy one near a sunny beach with a refreshing drink at hand, lying in a hammock is indeed a great pleasure. The material and distinctive geometry have been in use for centuries in Central and South America. They know a thing or two about how to have a fine siesta.

But even strung up between two trees in the yard, or on a hammock stand on the porch, a hammock can be a thing of beauty. They come in hundreds of individual designs, which have a variety of colors, material and shapes.

Some follow the Mayan tradition of being woven loosely to allow plenty of air flow and lots of stretch. Others are more like the Brazilian design, which use a tightly woven wide strip of cloth to form the bed. Spreader bars, though not part of these traditions, are sometimes used (an adaptation of the Polynesian method). They thread through or attach to the support ropes and turn the banana shape into a rectangle.

But whether thread or cotton strip, nylon or linen, curved or flat, they all offer a delightfully relaxing experience. Even a simple rope hammock can offer a cool, comfortable rest. With a wide mesh and very stretchable thick twine, they're a great way to stay refreshed and enjoy a summer day.

Campers or backpackers have yet another style. Made from strong nylon, often with mosquito nets or rain tents, a camping hammock can be a great alternative to a standard tent. They typically tie up to trees, keeping occupants off the ground and away from insects or snakes.

But before you can use one, you have to construct one. Fortunately, that's now easier than ever. Tree straps make hanging a hammock a job that only takes a few minutes. For those without conveniently placed and spaced trees, hammock stands offer a strong, simple-to-assemble support.

Along with a variety of styles of support, there are dozens of handy and decorative hammock accessories available. Pillows, cup or glass holders, replacement springs and much more are low-cost and simple to order.

They're not only comfortable to use, but attractive furniture as well. And keeping them looking fine requires only modest care. A simple washing from time to time and a bit of polishing or spraying to coat the support will keep them looking new. Many stands are available in fine, elegant woods and some simple maintenance will make them shine.

Then when you're done with the care and re-hanging, you can crawl back in, grab that drink and imagine you're on some tropical isle with a cool breeze blowing. After all, you deserve a reward for all that hard work.

Hammocks - How To Choose a Hammock

Hammocks come in a wide variety of types, styles, materials and sizes. Which one is right for you depends on your size, your climate and the hammock's intended use.

Consider the length first. In order to lounge comfortably in a hammock, you need one that is long enough to not clamp your feet together. Unless you have spreader bars that are inserted in the ends to make the hammock rectangular, rather than banana shaped, you'll need one that is at least two feet longer than you are. Add an extra foot or so to allow you to put your arms above your head for true hammock sleeping comfort.

The hammock should be wide enough to accommodate you without excess compression. Part of the pleasure of hammock sleeping may be the feeling of being enclosed. But that can be taken too far. Allow enough material to come up alongside your body, but not to be smothered in a cocoon. If you use spreader bars, the width should be at least several inches wider than you on each side.

Weaving method plays a large role in the comfort of your hammock. Mayan hammocks, for example, are made with a much looser weave than Brazilian hammocks. Woven from thin fiber, they are much more breathable than their southern cousins. But for cooler climates that may not be desirable. The tighter weave used in Brazilian hammocks, constructed from bolts of cloth, makes them retain your body heat better.

Material choice is equally important. Among other things, the material affects the amount of stretch. A rope hammock or Mayan hammock will typically stretch more, especially after you first buy it. If you use a stand, it will need to be high off the ground to avoid touching. Hanging from a tree requires that you add a few inches in height to compensate from where you want the lowest point to end.

Modern materials have been incorporated into hammocks as they have so many products. But most are still made from cotton or nylon, though Olefin or polyester are available options.

Nylon will generally wear longer and often be more moisture proof. But cotton blends have come a long way. With special treatments they can often handle moisture reasonably well. But unless they're specially treated they can be more subject to mildew over time.

Polyester will weather extremely well, but it usually doesn't produce the most comfortable possible hammock. Still, for occasional use or even (as some hammocks are) just for decoration, they provide a modest-cost alternative. On the other end of the price scale, Olefin is used in some more expensive models. It wears well, cleans easily and can be woven into a very comfortable product.

If you want the least expensive option, a rope hammock may be your best bet. Often made from cotton blend fibers, they stretch like crazy, but can be very comfortable if you like a very wide and open weave.

Beyond the basics, taste will dictate your final choice, of course. Hammocks are available in a huge variety of colors and designs and you'll want one that complements your decorating scheme.

Hammocks - How to Use a Hammock

Using a hammock is trickier than it looks. Images of someone peacefully asleep under palm trees, swaying in a gentle breeze, are common from films and TV. But they rarely show you anyone getting in, getting out or changing position. That takes a bit of practice.

The technique varies depending on whether or not the hammock was strung with spreaders. Spreaders are bars of wood or metal threaded or attached to the material at each end. They allow the hammock to form more of a rectangle and less the more traditional banana shape.

With spreaders in place, the effort is relatively simple. Proceed slowly when lying down and you're unlikely to rotate around and be thrown onto the ground. Once on the hammock, if you don't make any sudden moves while turning on your side, for example, it's easy to remain stable.

Without spreaders, more caution is required. Even after you successfully get into the hammock without rotating, it's possible to get wrapped around. Getting out of a hammock that has 'swallowed' you may look amusing in cartoons, but that's best left for animated characters.

When getting in, or changing position, place one hand on each side of the hammock and keep the surface spread. Move slowly and enter at an angle, as if you were about to sit in a chair slightly sideways. Some hammocks are even designed to be slept in more at that angle than lengthwise along the hammock axis. That's especially important if the hammock has a lot of stretch.

With a double-wide or family-sized hammock you have more choices. Rotation is less a problem. You still need to be careful about excessive sway however, unless the hammock is secured at four points. There are those who would argue that you're no longer in a hammock at that stage, but a big, rectangular cloth. We'll leave that debate to dictionary makers.

If movement or a breeze starts you swaying, spread your arms and legs out over each side of the hammock and you'll slow down. That also helps to eliminate any angular momentum that will tend to make you rotate. If you're tall enough, put one foot on the ground to stabilize you. But make sure to offset the weight distribution by extending the other leg in the opposite direction.

When you're ready to get up again, reverse the procedure of getting in. Put one hand on each side of the hammock and extend a leg over the side. Proceed slowly, and make sure your weight is balanced before sitting up. Sitting up without extending any limbs tends to provide a thin lever arm that produces torque pushing your body around in a circle.

The first few times you use your hammock it's a good idea to have a pad or mattress underneath in case you get dumped on the ground. If your hammock is on a wooden porch or over cement, rather than soft grass, you'll be glad you planned in advance.

Hammocks - Hammock Hanging Guidelines

Talk of hammocks brings to mind the image of a cloth bed hanging between tall palm trees in a tropical breeze. But there are in fact many ways to enjoy the comfort of a relaxing hammock bed - once you get it hung.

In tight spaces, like small spare bedrooms, college dorm rooms and others, a hammock might be just the thing. Hung from the walls, you can still have ample storage space underneath. You can hang it onto hooks, making it easy to remove during the day or when not in use. Be sure to search for studs to ensure a good hold, since obviously drywall won't support the weight.

The back porch is a great place for a hammock. But most houses don't have trees conveniently placed to provide support. In this case, a hammock stand is the perfect partner. Be sure to get one sturdy enough to stand up to a force several hundred pounds more than your weight.

You generate more force when you sit up, push off or plop down than you do when just lying. Also, anyone sleeping in a hammock is a magnet for someone to sit or lie on top of them. That substantially increases the dead weight and adds even more to the accelerated weight.

If you have them, tall thick trees make for great traditional hammock supports. The hammock looks good that way, and you'll have the shade from the trees to supplement your enjoyment. But be sure to hang in a way that doesn't damage the tree and still supports the hammock.

If you attach the hammock by wrapping, the rope used to wrap the tree should be thick enough not to scar the bark. A large enough ring in bark, made deep enough, will kill a tree. Once that happens, not only do you lose the shade from the leaves, but the wood will become brittle and lessen the support. Not to mention killing your nice looking lawn decoration. Even a small opening in the bark can provide easy access to tree-killing insects and parasites.

If the rope is thick enough to support the hammock, but thin enough to do damage, it's easy to solve the problem. Just wrap that portion of the rope with a towel or piece of thick rubber such as a few layers of sliced garden hose. Screwing a 1/4 inch diameter screw into a tree will usually cause no damage, provided the trunk is at least several inches thick and you don't penetrate more than a couple of inches.

Once you've settled on the type of support, the rest of the job is usually easy. Be sure to allow enough height, accounting for the expected stretch of the hammock. Mayan hammocks are made of looser weave and often stretch more. Some hammock stands aren't even high enough to keep the hammock off the ground when occupied. A Brazilian hammock has a tighter weave and typically stretches less.

Hammocks - Mayan Hammocks

There are a half-dozen different styles of hammock available today. But one of the oldest, and still very popular, is the Mayan hammock.

Traditional Mayan hammocks use a loose weaving style, building the platform up slowly from small fibers, usually cotton thread. Different colored threads are used to create different designs and each one is as unique as the craftsman who created it. Mayan hammocks are often highly colorful, vibrant and add an outstanding decorative element to their extreme comfort.

They come in a variety of sizes, but most are large enough to envelope the user in a banana-shaped enclosure that provides a very relaxing experience. The material and loose weave make for a very stretchable platform, sometimes a little too much so. As a result, Mayan hammocks will often require a little extra breaking in and care.

Extra height is needed to hang a Mayan hammock because of the extent of the stretch. And, at different stages, that stretch can vary. Until the hammock has been used several times, it is likely to stretch quite a bit. That requires the hammock be strung higher to ensure it doesn't make contact with the ground.

At the same time, a traditional, untreated Mayan hammock will benefit from a good wash and dry even before first use. Just as new shirts can change size and shape after being washed and dried, so too will a Mayan hammock. The fiber material and the loose weave give plenty of room for change. Drying in moderate heat will shrink and stiffen the fibers.

Some hammocks using fiber blends created with the Mayan weaving style won't require this first wash, though. You need to be careful not to erase any modern fiber treatments. The fabric care directions that come with the hammock will guide you.

Though knock offs are often done using machines, traditional Mayan hammocks are all hand woven. The result is an individual design that makes for a beautiful decorative element around the home. Styles range from the Mesoamerican red, blue and green stripes with yellow accents to diamond shapes and many more.

Craftsman have been creating these outstanding cloth beds for hundreds of years and techniques have been handed down from one generation to the next. Many began learning the skill as children and have become accomplished artisans by their twenties. A Mayan hammock made by an elder craftsman is sure to be a thing of beauty that will last for years.

Though hammock styles have hybridized, traditional Mayan hammocks don't use spreader bars. Those are metal or wood bars that thread through or attach to each end of the hammock. They transform the more traditional banana shape into a rectangle.

Most users find the shape and stretch extremely comfortable, though some with back problems may want to avoid the style.

Hammocks - Brazilian Hammocks

There are today a half-dozen popular styles of hammock. But for centuries one of the most widely used was the Brazilian hammock. Similar in design to its northern cousin, the Mayan hammock, this type has some key differences. Traditional Brazilian hammocks are made from a relatively thick, tightly woven sheet of cotton. Mayan hammocks, by contrast, are a much looser weave. That design method yields a hammock that is strong, warm and very comfortable.

The thick, tight fibers of a Brazilian hammock allow it to bear a lot of weight given the proper supports, of course. A typical hammock can easily support over 400lbs. That's useful not only for larger people who want to enjoy the comfort they provide, but smaller individuals as well.

A hammock has to support much more than just the dead weight of someone lying in one. When you sit down, move around or stand up out of a hammock, much more force is applied to the surface than when you lie still. Mayan hammocks are also very comfortable, but they have much more stretch than the Brazilian type so the latter will not give so much as you move in, around and out.

That relative lack of stretch has other advantages. A Brazilian hammock can be hung much lower than some other types because the surface doesn't sag near the ground when it's in use. That makes finding a place to put one easier. It also makes the hanging process simpler, since ladders aren't usually required. Hammock stands are in much wider use with Brazilian hammocks, since there's less reason to worry that the lowest point will hit the ground.

Like others, though, Brazilian hammocks do require some care. The canvas-like surface is durable and long-wearing, but cleaning and protection is still needed from time to time. Left in the sun, colors will fade. Ink dyes are invariably changed by long exposure to UV and Brazilian hammock fabric is no exception. Washing is still needed occasionally.

Because of the large size and thick fabric, it can be a challenge to wash a Brazilian hammock in the washing machine. Fortunately, that's rarely needed. You can just hang one end of the hammock from a pole or branch and spray with a hose. For stubborn dirt or stains a simple fabric cleanser will usually do the job.

Be sure to let the hammock dry properly, and don't allow it to be wet continuously for long periods in general use either. Because it's made from natural material, mildew and other organisms can grow on the hammock. That makes clean up much more difficult and also weakens the fibers.

The ropes used to support the cloth bed are subject to the same cautions. They're often stretchable cotton and need to be kept clean and dry. Traditional Brazilian hammocks don't use spreaders - bars threaded through or attached to the cloth to make the bed a rectangle. But hybrid styles are available for those who prefer the flat surface they create.

Individual designs are colorful and available in a variety of styles, often as much as 5 feet wide and 12 feet long. Finding one that suits your decorating desires and body style is easy.

Hammocks - Camping Hammocks

Camping hammocks are a great alternative or supplement to tents on a backpacking trip. In previous generations, they were made of very thick and durable canvas like tent material was. Today, they are lightweight, ultra-strong and thin. Often made of nylon, many can support up to a thousand pounds.

Camping hammocks almost always attach to a tree or rocks, since taking along a stand is usually more weight and trouble than anyone wants. The low weight and the need not to erect poles are among their chief virtues. It's easy to set one up by tying off to two nearby trees and there's little likelihood of damaging the bark, which would open the tree to insects and parasites.

They're equally healthy for humans since they keep you off the ground. No need to worry about ground snakes, insects and other potentially dangerous creatures. Of course, those sometimes exist in trees or the air, too, but one thing at a time.

For those airborne pests, many camping hammocks offer netting or small, lightweight tent additions that fit over the top of the hammock. That provides a complete sleeping environment that's safe and comfortable. Mosquitoes, no-see-ums and other biting insects can't get inside the mesh to feed.

Camping hammocks often have extra features not found in more traditional styles such as Brazilian or Mayan hammocks. Beyond the netting or tent already mentioned, they often have pockets for storing small objects. Those can be great when you want to empty your pockets of a compass, GPS or other small items in order to sleep more comfortably. Some also provide a pocket that makes storing the netting or the covering tent very convenient when packing up.

Fabric choices other than nylon are available, but take care. You don't want to have to carry around or use a soggy hammock. Fording through streams or being caught in a downpour can easily wet your hammock. You may not have the option of drying it out before use. That makes it unusable for sleeping and heavy to carry. And every backpacker knows how annoying it is to carry gear you can't use. It's possible to get an enclosing sack for a cloth hammock, but that will add weight. Choose accordingly.

There are some potential downsides to camping hammocks that potential users should keep in mind.

Modern camping hammocks are designed to be very thin in order to keep them lightweight and easy to fold. Many weigh less than 2lbs and can be folded up into a rectangle a few inches on a side and an inch thick.

But that very thinness can sometimes make them poor as insulators. On a hot summer trip that isn't usually a problem. But in the mountains at night, or on trips at other times of the year, that can make sleeping in one a bit cool. Dress accordingly.

Camping hammocks are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes to suit all body types and intended uses. Be prepared to spend a little more to get one that's quality made and has strong hanging ropes. The last thing you want is to have your hammock fail on a trip. If it does, you'll once again be carrying gear you don't use. Not fun.

Hammocks - Hammock Safety Tips

On a scale of 1 to 100, hammocks are not particularly dangerous. Let's more or less arbitrarily set the number around 10. But there are nevertheless a few things it's a good idea to watch out for, in order to drive that number even lower.

The first, and most, obvious issue is to take care about support. It's important to ensure that ropes don't get frayed or weak and that the points where they attach to the bed and the hooks are strong. The supports themselves, whether tree, post or stand should be strong too.

But given that it can sometimes be hard to tell when something is about to break, always treat the hammock as something of an unpredictable animal. Enter gradually, change position slowly and exit carefully. Practice the proper technique. Put a hand on each side of the hammock when getting in and spread the material. Then sit as you would in a chair and move your legs in. Reverse the procedure getting out.

Keep the area around the hammock clear, so that if a support does give way and dump you on the ground, nothing is around to do major harm. Don't hang the hammock over large tree roots if you can help it. Don't set glasses underneath or nearby - use a cupholder accessory instead. The first few times, while you're still testing and getting familiar with using it, have a mattress or pad underneath to cushion any fall.

When you hang the hammock, consider using spreader bars. Some hammocks are designed to accommodate them, others won't. These are metal or wooden cylinders that thread through or attach to the hammock to make the bed more of a rectangle than the traditional banana shape.

While no miracle cure, changing the shape of the surface has a number of effects. Since it's flatter, children and the infirm are much less likely to get wrapped up in the hammock. That makes them easier to get in and out of, and makes getting "swallowed up" less likely. It's still possible to roll off, but it's almost impossible, then, to get cocooned if the bed rotates around the ropes.

More generally, any risk associated with hammock use is larger where children and the infirm are concerned. Supervision is important in those cases. The elderly, someone recovering from an illness or operation, or those too young to be strong or wise enough to use a hammock properly will all need a little assistance.

For anyone of any age using a hammock, it's important to keep the hammock itself free of anything that could produce illness. Mildew, mold spores and other organisms often make their way onto the bedding material, especially if it's often left outside in the morning dew. The user's face is often near organisms that can cause respiratory problems. A simple spray can help eliminate the problem.

But hammocks have inherent risks, too. Since they're not firm pliable mattresses, they can present neck or back problems. Though Brazilian hammocks are less stretchable than the Mayan design, both (and other types, too) can produce discomfort over time. Those prone to neck or back problems should take proper precautions.

But used wisely, a hammock can provide a relaxing and pleasurable experience like no other. Not for nothing do those lying in one have smiles on their faces.

Hammocks - Hammock Care the Easy Way

A small effort exerted periodically will keep your fine hammock in top shape.

Though nylon is an option at the lower end, most hammock beds are made from cotton or linen, with ropes of nylon, cotton or composite fibers. While modern manufacturing techniques have made these materials stronger and longer lasting, they can still get dirty. Not only does that reduce the attractiveness of a piece of fine lawn furniture, it contributes to its decay.

The first step is to acknowledge the old saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

• Keeping your hammock protected from continual exposure to sunlight will help. UV radiation fades ink dyes and weathers cotton and other materials, weakening the hammock. It also will cause any wooden stand to age faster than one that is covered or shaded.
  
 
• Taking care of the bed is simple if a few elementary precautions are observed.
  
 
• Keeping the bed out of continual sun is one step. The next is simple washing. A mild detergent and water is adequate for monthly care. If possible, lay the bed out flat on a large, clean surface so you can use a brush over the surface. Then hang and rinse. Allow to dry thoroughly.
  
 
• Mildew and other organisms will grow on a hammock when parts of it are moist for long periods. Cleaning it off is usually easy, but keeping it off is best for long-term protection. Mildew will weaken fibers over time so even after cleaning they may have done damage. Some fibers are embedded or coated with molecules that act to prevent it, but over time it usually wears off. Simple-to-apply mildewcide sprays can solve the problem easily.
  
 
• Rope care is equally important. The nylon strands that are used to support some hammocks are very easy to care for, but UV radiation will weaken them over time. Cotton will take a bit more effort. Here again it's important to keep any mildew at bay.
  
 
• Be sure to repair any rope breaks or tears before continuing to use your hammock. Apart from the obvious fact that a split in the bed will widen readily under pressure, any missing support will distribute load to the other parts, both bed and rope.
  
 
• When that extra load is placed on the remaining material, any weaknesses that might have otherwise been fine may cause the whole structure to collapse. Four relatively weak ropes might have enough margin of error to continue to support your weight safely. Straining three can create a domino effect that splits even more. Better to make the effort today to repair one rope rather than four or more tomorrow.
  
 
• Make sure any splits in the wood, cracks in metal or loose bolts in a stand are taken care of, too. Wood can be splinted, glued or otherwise repaired without much cost or effort while the problem is still minor. Metal cracks can be healed with metal glues or welding. Bolts can be easily tightened or replaced.

Problems left untreated or unrepaired, replacement becomes your only option.

Hammocks - Hammocks Stands

In many cases, there are no conveniently located trees from which to hang your hammock. Porches, lawns and many other locations don't offer a nearby pair strong enough to support your fine piece of outdoor furniture. Digging post holes and erecting supports is an option, but a lot more difficult to get right than it looks. One of the best choices is to opt instead for a hammock stand.

There are two basic types, wood or metal, with a wide range of choices within those categories.

Wood Stands

Wooden hammock stands are sturdy, stylish and complement your colorful Mayan or Brazilian hammock with a design all its own. Any shape that supports the two ends and provides a stable base on the ground can be and has been tried.

They're available in a variety of woods, with cypress a popular choice. Oak is very dense, hard and sturdy but correspondingly expensive. Teak is a highly expensive option, but one that offers great beauty and long lasting support.

But wooden hammock stands have some drawbacks. As a natural product, even when processed and coated with modern techniques and materials, they will deteriorate. UV radiation, moisture and other natural environmental factors will cause wood to age and eventually rot. Though with proper coatings (re-applied as you would to your home) they can last years, their lifetime is shorter than metal hammock stands.

Metal Stands

Metal hammock stands offer long-lasting support and come in an array of designs.

Inexpensive aluminum or stainless steel stands are an option. Painted in an attractive color that complements your hammock and home design, they can be a lovely addition to the decor. But unpainted, they are prone to oxidation. If painted, they may eventually look old due to chipping or fading. Expect to exert some effort to care for them.

Regular care to keep your metal hammock stand clean and dry will extend its lifetime and beauty. Keeping it rust free requires that it not sit in or be exposed to continual moisture. Grass, rain or sprinklers, and other sources of water that make their way onto the stand will promote rusting. If the paint or coating has wear spots, scrapes or chipped areas, that process is accelerated.

Whether selecting wood or metal, stability is fundamental. Any hammock stand worth buying should support at least 500lbs. Even if you weigh only 100lbs, you exert much more force when sitting down or getting back up again than you do simply lying still. Also, you never know when someone is going to want to join you on such a relaxing piece of furniture. You want a wide margin of error in any case.

Hammocks - 101 Hammock Accessories

Ok, it's true. Actually listing 101 hammock accessories would be excessive. But the number and variety available today do make for an astounding array of choices. Modern shoppers are fortunate to have so many things to supplement their relaxing experience. Here are just a few...

Tree Straps

Tree straps are a popular option. They're often in the form of nylon straps about 3 inches wide with metal loops on the end. They make erecting your hammock a very simple affair. You wrap the strap around the tree then hook a carabiner to a hook or loop on the hammock support rope(s).

A carabiner is a small, oval-shaped device with a section that opens with a push and self-closes by spring pressure. They're familiar to anyone who has seen a rock climber scaling a cliff.

Tree straps also provide a very easy way to support your hammock without damaging your tree. Because of the material and the wide, flat surface, they don't scar the bark, which would create an opening for insects and parasites that can kill the tree.

Cup Holders

Cup holders are another very welcome item. Whether integrated into the hammock or available as an add-on, they provide a useful place to hold a glass or cup. Some are made of a wrap of rope that would complement the style of a rope hammock. Others are U-shaped plastic or wood cups attached via hooks, snaps or other means.

Cup holders can be hung from the side of the hammock or where the support rope meets the bed or several other places depending on the design. But whatever the specific type, they eliminate the need to have a table nearby. That's a great advantage since most hammocks will experience some sway, especially when entering or exiting. Eliminating the risk of knocking over the table is just one benefit of these ingenious little accessories.

Wheels

Some hammocks are tied to trees or posts, while many others are supported by a hammock stand. But in either case, they're typically stationary. That can be an inconvenience when you want to move your hammock into the shade or out to the sun. There are wheel kits that make it easy to roll your hammock wherever you want it.

While dragging a hammock on a stand is an option, it can damage the grass and many stands are very heavy in order to support large amounts of weight. Having a wheel kit makes it easy to move those heavy stands without damaging the grass or your back.

Pillows

Pillows are among the most sought after hammock accessories. Lying in a comfortable, stretchy Mayan hammock can be a very relaxing experience. But after a while, you often want something to support your neck or cushion your head. A variety of pillows are available, some of which have velcro strips to keep them in place on the hammock.

Pillows make for not only a comfortable convenience, but add a nice design element to a lovely Brazilian hammock. Available in hundreds of shapes, sizes, colors and designs they can add a wonderful decorative element to an already fine piece of outdoor furniture.

Hammocks are for fun!

You can have hours of fun lying in your hammock with your wireless laptop, searching for just the right accessories. But don't forget to take some time to just lie back and relax.