What Are Portable Hammocks?
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When shopping for a hammock, you can be easily confused by terms like ‘Portable Hammocks.’ In truth, many would consider just about any type of hammock to be a portable hammock since they are never a permanently installed piece of furniture. After all, any standard hammock only needs two stationary supports for hanging or a hammock stand. In any case, hammocks are easily moved.
Real portable hammocks are intended for camping activities and offer additional benefits to the user. When kayaking, canoeing or hiking, you naturally consider the weight of your food and equipment. In my opinion the best feature of a true portable hammock is that is can replace your tent. True camping hammocks come equipped with insect and rain protection. The netting is fine enough to even keep out mosquitoes and gnat flies while giving the user the benefit of sleeping out in the open and not inside some tent. The more expensive camping hammocks selected by experienced campers will include a rain fly and good quality sealing to protect from the weather but if you go with a basic travel hammock, just carry a small tarp to tie up over you and you’ve managed to do away with the need of carrying a tent.
In most cases, a camping hammock will be made from single piece of material that can be stretched between two supports or trees. Some types of camping hammocks also come with portable stands which adds to their flexibility. This type is especially nice if you have a tarp to hang above for weather protection. But the serious camper will probably desire that special location hanging between two trees on a side of a stream for atmosphere. If you do decide to go with a portable hammock which includes stands, do your homework. Be sure to read the online reviews which might reveal any flaws in the construction.
Another detail to be aware of is the weight and height capacity of various hammocks. While some camping hammocks might have a rating of 200 to 225 pounds, you’ll find better ones with 250 pound ratings and higher. This is something to consider if you are going to do away with your tent. On some camping trips you might add a sleeping bag or mattress and stow away food or other necessities with you. I personally like the Skeeter Beeter travel hammock by Grand Trunk. This hammock is exceptionally well made and will keep out those pesky mosquitoes. You can also add things, such as hammock tree slings and waterproof shelters that will protect you from the weather. There are other camping hammocks for those over 6 feet tall and up to a total weight of 300 pounds. These heavy duty hammocks have special accommodations for stowing additional equipment.
All in all, when you consider these hammocks enable you to leave the tent home, and provides off the ground sleeping and protection of your food, back pack and such, they are a great deal.
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