You might be thinking: “Hey, I’m not a sitcom dad. I don’t live on a beach. What could I possibly need a hammock for?” Well, let me tell you, the hammock has come a long way from its humble beginnings and is now a great addition to any modern yard or park. If you think hammocks are just string and twine, think again! It’s time to meet the modern hammock. Here are all the benefits of modern hammocks and why you should add one to your own backyard this summer.
5. Modern Hammocks Are Way Better Than the Ones You’re Thinking Of
Like most other outdoor equipment and accessories, hammocks have come a long way from their invention thousands of years ago. Modern hammocks are made from lightweight materials and come in different sizes. If you’re looking to relax in the park, a single hammock will be fine; if you’re looking for a hammock you can sleep in, you’ll probably want a double hammock. And despite the advances in hammock technology, hammock prices haven’t gone crazy. Sure, if you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight backpacking hammock that you can use for camping in the backcountry, fully equipped with a bug net and underquilt, then you’ll need to spend extra cash. But if you just want a simple hammock for summer chill without busting your wallet? You have plenty of options, even if your budget is capped at $50. At that price, you’ll still get a lot of mileage out of it. Some cheaper but still solid hammock brands include ENO, Klymit, and Kammok. If you’re looking for something fancier, you might want to opt for a brand like Hennessy Hammock.
4. You’ll Probably Sleep (or Nap) Much Better in a Modern Hammock
I say you may sleep better in a hammock because everybody is different. And if you just toss yourself into a hammock and try to sleep through the night right off the bat, you’re probably going to have a bad night. There’s a bit of a learning curve to knowing how to sleep in a hammock comfortably. The key to sleeping in a hammock is all in the angle! Instead of lying in the middle of the hammock and ending up in the shape of a banana, it’s better to position yourself diagonally across the hammock. Now you can sleep on your back or your side without worry. Some people like sleeping in hammocks so much that they’ll even install them indoors—but, like I said, it’s not for everybody.
3. Modern Hammocks Can Help You Relieve Stress and Anxiety
The same gentle swaying motion that makes it so easy to drift off to sleep in a hammock is also great for relieving stress and anxiety. If you’re having a rough day, try getting into a hammock and letting the breeze rock you into a gentler state of mind. There’s also something to be said for relaxing with purpose. By this, I mean, don’t listen to a podcast or text with a pal while chilling in a hammock. Instead, consider putting your technology aside and kicking back with nothing but the breeze and sway. A modern hammock can help you relax anywhere, but they’re most relaxing if you can find a quiet spot among nature outdoors. A shady spot under a tree is perfect, but if you don’t have any shady spots nearby, you can always hang a tarp over your hammock. Many modern hammock models have tarp accessories that can integrate into whatever system you use to hang your hammock.
2. Modern Hammocks Are Easy to Use
How difficult is it to hang a hammock? It was a lot harder in the old days, when you needed to know special knots and rope know-how. These days, modern hammocks are extremely easy to set up. You don’t have to have a pro at wrangling rope and tying knots; instead, most modern hammocks come with easy-to-use hanging systems. My hammock, for example, has two removable straps. You wrap each strap around a tree, then attach the hammock with carabiners. The straps have multiple attachment points, so you can easily adjust the hammock’s height and the hammock’s tightness. If you’re serious about sleeping in a hammock, you’ll also want to add a few other accessories—but those are just as easy to use. Instead of a sleeping bad, you can use a quilt. And for additional warmth, you can add an underquilt beneath the hammock. Hang an optional bug net to keep you bite-free during buggy months and throw on an optional tarp to provide shade and keep off the rain. It’s easy!
1. Modern Hammocks Are Super Portable
With modern hammocks built with durable modern materials, they’re not only getting stronger but also lighter. This strength and lightness, when combined with the aforementioned ease-of-use, means that you can carry a modern hammock with you anywhere you go and set it up in just a few minutes. Even if you don’t have a permanent spot for a hammock, and even if you don’t have a backyard, none of that is a problem with modern hammocks that can easily fit in a backpack. Take it with you to a nearby park, trail, or campsite and you can hang it up for just a few hours. If you enjoy being outdoors and feel like you could use a little more relaxation in your life, give hammocks a try. Even if you don’t use it all the time, it can also come in handy when you need extra outdoor seating! Read next: Backyard slacklining, explained: Why you need to try this outdoor hobby this summer
