Outdoor Hammocks Tips
Read these 17 Outdoor Hammocks Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Hammock tips and hundreds of other topics.
Outdoor Cotton Hammocks
If you love the outdoors, hammocks, and the feel of cotton don't let the fear of the elements keep you from buying an outdoor cotton hammock. :et common sense be your guide and follow a few prevention tips. Never leave your hammock outside for extended periods. Never leave it out in the rain. Cotton is naturally absorbent and will not only shrink but will absorb any chemicals that the rainwater has in it. This can cut your hammocks life in half not to mention fading. Buy a care kit and be diligent about when to take your hammock indoors.
Outdoor Hammock Vs. Portable or Camping Hammock
A portable hammock for camping should have one very important difference form your ordinary backyard variety, a bug netting. A camping hammock serves as a bed and shelter so to keep out the bugs a zippered bug net is essential. The most restful bed in the kingdom will turn into a nightmare with hundreds of biting insects. Keep in mind to get a net that zips on both sideds for easy access. Bugs can also get in through a porous bottom of your camping hammock, regular inspections can keep you snoozing peacefully.
Transporting Your Outdoor Hammock
It's very important to move your hammock by the loop ends or connection ends. This helps avoid tangles and keeps the hammock neat. Do not drag the hammock on the ground for the same reason, but also to avoid picking up brush, debris and sharp objects that could tear your hammock. Many outdoor hammocks develop tangles that are not permanent, but they do take some time and patience to undo. Many learn the hard way that transporting a hammock takes care; if you are one of them, don't give up on untangling your outdoor hammock. Unfold it completely and keep at it. Eventually you will get it back to normal.
Keeping your hammock outdoors.
You can keep a cotton hammock outdoors for extended periods. The fibers will weaken and discolor over time however. You should try to always bring your hammock indoors when not in use. If the folding your hammock up consistently is not to your liking, I suggest going with a synthetic hammock that will withstand the elements.
Different ways to hang your outdoor hammock
If you're in your backyard the easiest way to hang your outdoor hammock is with a hammock stand. You can pick one out easily that matches the motif of your other yard furniture. If you have two trees in proximity you can try two different options. First you can put mounting screws into both trees or you can use a less permanent strap metnod that's a little easier in the tree. The last option is the mounting pole option. This option is the least scenic but it can offer permanence if you use concrete.
Hammocks and the need for stands
If you haven't got your heart set on the exact spot you want your hammock a stand is a good idea. If you mount your hammock on a stand it can be moved about until you find your favoriet spot. If you never find your favorite spot perhaps a hammock wheel kit is the answer. It will enable you to move your hammock by lifting one end and wheeling it anywhere you want. Maybe your favorite spot depends on the time of, so experiment with your outdoor hammock.
Outdoor Hammock Buyer's Tip
If you want to buy an outdoor hammock online, you will run across many sites that don't offer pictures of the product. These are sites you should definitely avoid. Don't order an outdoor hammock without seeing it first! There are far too many varieties, designs, and hanging configurations to order sight unseen. Some of the best websites are the ones that show their outdoor hammocks in use, and offer customer feedback for you to read.
Outdoor Hammocks And Wet Weather
If you use an outdoor hammock long enough, eventually you will encounter some wet weather. Some people use a simple tarp to cover up with; others are fond of the elevated shelter type of outdoor hammock. No matter what solution you choose in a wet environment, chances are your outdoor hammock will get wet on the ends from the rain trickling down the ropes. One way to funnel the water off the ropes is to tie a piece of string on each rope so that the water drops will run down the string and away from the hammock instead of traveling down the length of the outdoor hammock cord.
Outdoor Hammock Swing Care
If you have an outdoor hammock swing located in the yard, consider investing in a tarp cover for the swing. Some people buy tarps to prevent animals from getting trapped in the ropes or net construction of the hammock swing, but there is another factor to consider. An outdoor hammock swing is exposed to birds and, unfortunately, bird droppings. A tarp cover will keep your hammock swing free from droppings, and your tarp can be easily cleaned with a garden hose. The bird dropping issue is especially important if children use the hammock swing. The tarp is perfect for keeping little hands from being exposed to bird germs.
Using Your Outdoor Hammock for Camping
Many non portable hammocks can be used for overnight camping if you are not hiking. They can be easily adapted by adding an oversized rain tarp and bug net. Unless you decide to go extreme temperature camping these two accessories should suffice. If you should decide to go camping in teperatures less that 50 degrees you should do your homework on the internet and find proper insulation. Heat will leave your hammock through the bottom, that is wher you need to concentrate saving heat loss.
Rope Damage to Trees
The goal in hanging your outdoor hammock or when hammock camping is to leave nature as you found it. If you're using the wrong ropes you can damage and even kill young trees. A little precaution in this area is necessary. Pick trees to use that are four to twelve inches in diameter. Use wide polypropylene straps that will disperse the hammocks weight. This will prevent any bruising of the tree.
The Portable Hammock
The portable hammock can be a tricky buy, depending on what you expect from the product. If you are searching online, you will find a wealth of products that are basically a piece of fabric stretched across a support system. It is basically a self-contained unit and requires no hanging. Sometimes these portable hammocks are advertised as "beach hammocks". These designs are often rated for around 250 pounds, so it's important to check the label or FAQ page to see what an individual product is able to support. If you are looking for a more traditional style hammock you can take on the road, don't search for a portable hammock; instead use the phrase "camping hammock" to get the best results. Those who want the more self-contained version can hunt for "portable hammocks" or "beach hammocks".
Hammocks And Bleach
Outdoor and portable hammocks often get dirty; some get stored improperly and develop mold or mildew. If you need to seriously launder your hammock, you may need to do repeated washings with ordinary soap and water. Never use bleach on a hammock, as it will weaken connecting ropes, cords, and fastening strings. If you cannot properly clean your hammock with soap and water, you may need to replace your outdoor hammock, especially when it comes to mold. Some people prefer to Scotch Guard their hammocks upon delivery, which cuts down the risk of mold and mildew right away. Remember to store your portable hammock in a completely dry condition. If you need to dry it out right away, get a fan and put it on the highest setting, and place it in front of your fully extended or assembled hammock for quick drying.
The "Elevated Shelter"
There is a type of outdoor hammock well known by Army Surplus enthusiasts everywhere. It's called an 'elevated shelter' and is basically a hammock with a roof. This is the perfect sleeping arrangement for an adventure hiker or camper who doesn't want to worry about getting rained on, but still wants the outdoor hammock experience. Some of these rugged models are rated for a literal ton of weight, and come in the olive drab color Army Surplus shoppers love.
Outdoor Hammock Setup Tip
If you are taking an outdoor hammock on a camping or fishing trip, you will first need to consult your owner's manual to see what size trees you will need to hook up an outdoor hammock. Most outdoor hammocks without stands have a particular thickness or width that is recommended for proper installation. If you don't have a lot of experience in the outdoors, you may have difficulty spotting trees that are unsuitable because of disease, instability, etc. The most important quality in your tree is stability. If the tree budges when you press your full weight against it, do not hang an outdoor hammock on it.
The Outdoor Hammock As Camping Enabler
Those with arthritis or other kinds of chronic pain may be averse to sleeping on the ground, which can put a serious dent in their camping activities. An outdoor hammock may be just the thing to help resume the outdoors life. Best of all, you can experiment with an outdoor hammock or portable hammock at home first, to see how it feels without committing to a whole camping experience. If the outdoor hammock feels right, it may be possible to resume camping trips and continue enjoying parklands, wildlife and the great outdoors. As with any medical issue, always check with your doctor for advice on your particular condition before starting.
Accessorizing Your Portable Hammock
If you are the owner of a portable hammock or beach hammock, there are many accessories to consider. First and foremost for beach use, you should invest in a beach umbrella and holder. The holder is either pounded or screwed into the sand or turf and will hold the umbrella upright for you. The shade these umbrellas offer is a major enhancement to your portable hammock experience. It reduces your sun exposure, and offers an area to cool off. If you fall asleep in your portable hammock under the umbrella, there is no worry about sunburn or excessive UV exposure.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Candi Wingate |
