Durable Polyester Hammocks
When most people think of Hammocks they think of sunshine, peacefulness and relaxation. You should be able to jump into your hammock when every you want. They should be maintenance free and durable. Well most people are starting to realize that it requires a lot of maintenance and provides more stress then relaxation.
Performing research to select a durable hammock is key. They are made from many different materials such as cotton, rope, nylon and other commonly used fabrics. One issue with all of these is the sun. The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause these fabric types to break down, fade and even split. Cotton for example is very susceptible to mold and mildew when kept in moist climates. After much review a polyester hammock is the most durable out of all the different fabrics. Polyester is strong and is machine washable. You can also dry clean it if that is your desire. Some other benefits of polyester is that it is resistant to wrinkles, mildew, stretching, shrinkage and abrasions.
If you don’t like the feel of polyester and want to select one of the forementioned fabrics, be sure to follow the care instructions. You can also treat the fabric with a water proofing solution that will help extend the life of the fabric. Another option is to not leave it outside when it is not in use and to store it in a cool dry area inside your home or garage.
Many people leave their hammock out all year long so it is important to have one that isn’t affected by the elements. If you want complete relaxation while using your hammock swing then you must seek out a durable one and polyester is the best choice when wanting one that will stay comfortable and last a very long time.
Cotton Hammocks
If you are looking for a hammock, but don’t like the feel of nylon. Try a cotton one. Cotton hammocks will stretch to the contours of your body. They tend to be much more comfortable that nylon hammocks which help with hammock back care.
Since cotton is a good absorber of moisture, leaving a cotton hammock outside for long periods of time can make it more susceptable to mildew and mold. Be sure to store your cotton hammock correctly, or clean it regulary to avoid mildew build up.
Cotton hammocks will usually be made with spreader bars that keep the material from wrapping around you when you lay on it such as brazillian hammocks do.
They may be a little less sturdy than a regular nylon rope one, but the comfort can’t be beat. Select yours based on what is important to you!
History of Hammocks
Everyone loves hammocks, but have you ever wondered where hammock swings came from? Let us not forget that hammocks and hammock swings are a fairly rudimentary concept. We have just perfected the concept by making them more comfortable and durable. They can be traced back 1000 years ago to the Mayan Indians in Central America. Early ones were created from the bark of the Hamak tree. Hamak trees are not abundant so over time the sisal plant became the choice material. The sisal plan fibers could also be softened by working them with your hands. This provided for more comfortable experience when laying on one. Only in the last 50 years did cotton versions appear.
The hammock made its way from Central America to the states via trade routes. Once America Indians adopted them, they started to expand on the idea making such types of hammocks like rope, quilted, and fabric ones.
The Europeans also took on the hammock craze. They used canvas cloths in them and distributed them to their Navy which they used for many years. These hammocks were small and compact. When they went into battle, they were rolled up and places against the ships walls to provide another layer of protection against gun fire.
Once hammocks were adopted by Americans in the eighteenth century, they were not what they are today. Most required great balance to use them so as not to flip over and fall to the ground. Over time Americans perfected the materials and structure to help make them more stable and comfortable.
Throughout the world millions of people use hammocks as their primary bed or furniture. Us Americans use them as a way of relaxing outdoors, but that should shadow the importance of them in the history of the world. I currently have a a cotton one and wouldn’t trade it for anything. There is nothing better than rocking in the breeze on a warm summer day.