Enjoy the last rays of sunshine and chill out in one of these great holiday hammocks – because home is where you hang it.
Kagga Kamma.
Tips for a happy hammock
- It’s believed that Central and South American natives were among the first to use hammocks – as protection to sleep away from creatures that might harm them on the ground. Most modern hammocks are based on this original Mayan style with a tight weave, gathered ends and a deep sag.
- When setting up your hammock, remember: if the material feels loose and relaxed, you will too.
- Look for hanging points roughly three metres apart. If using trees, avoid thin cord and opt for polyester or polypropylene webbing straps (about R55 from Outdoor Warehouse) which are low-stretch, help disperse weight and reduce damage to tree bark.
- If trees are scarce, you can park two 4x4s next to each other and set your hammocks up between them. Use the bow shackles and ratchet straps in your recovery kit and secure the ends to each roof rack.
- When storing your hammock, prevent tangling by tying a loose knot in the webbed ends before rolling it up.
- Double hammocks (as opposed to single ones) are best, even for one person. They are usually longer, wider and have a more generous maximum load capacity.
1. Kaufmann Hammock With Pillow
R289, kaufmannoutdoor.co.za
Weight: 1400g
Packing size: 80cm x 10cm
Length: 200cm
Style: Spreader bar
Fabric: Cotton and washable
Maximum load: 100kg
Verdict:
The fabric is hardy, it’s colourful and comes at a great price. The spreader bar is quite short (100cm), so this hammock is not as stable as the other styles. It comes with a matching compact travel pillow.
2. Oztrail Siesta Queen Hammock
R799, takealot.com
Weight: 1800g
Packing size: 35cm X 46cm
Length: 240cm
Style:Brazilian
Fabric: High thread count, 100% colour-fast polycotton
Maximum load: 250kg
Verdict
Long, wide, sturdy and incredibly comfortable. The cotton feels good on the skin and nothing will snag and rip the fabric. There’s a metal lining on the loop-ends for better durability and the webbing keeps the hammock open well.
3. Ticket To The Moon Double Parachute Hammock
R590, thehammockman.co.za
Weight: 600g
Packing size: 40cm x 15cm
Length: 320cm
Style: Camping hammock
Fabric: High-grade parachute nylon. Breathable, anti-mildew, rot-resistant, quick to dry and machine washable
Maximum load: 200kg
Verdict
It’s lightweight, durable and has a compact carry bag. However, on a hot day the fabric can make you feel sweaty and the lack of webbing on the ends creates a cocoon effect. The single is R490, but for an extra R100 I’d opt for the roomier double option (pictured).
4. Mayan Single Hammock
R750, thehammockman.co.za
Weight: 600g
Length: 350cm
Packing size: 27cm x 25cm
Style: Mayan
Fabric: 100% cotton and machine washable
Maximum load: 150kg
Verdict
The knitted weave makes it great for summer and the lightweight, thin string design is flexible and exceptionally comfortable. It’s bright, attractive and very supportive.
Read the full article in the January 2016 issue of Getaway magazine.
All prices correct at time of publication but are subject to change at each supplier’s discretion.
