A hammock is an age old solution to comfortably sleeping in the open air or under a tarp, even on board ship where the occupant is gently rocked to sleep by the boats motion. Today a hammock is usually made from a wide variety of materials from the net like mesh hammock which is light and easy to carry and pack though because of the knots in the mesh it can be less than comfortable, through to modern synthetic materials such as pu coated nylon. Parachute silk is a very comfortable material being soft and warm but few hammocks are made of it as the cost is high. The webbing that is part of the construction and suspension mechanism of a hammock is a vital component needing to be both strong and light.
The Modern Hammock
A modern hammock is made from nylon or a closely related man made material come with a host of features and refinements. These features found in a modern hammock are designed to keep the sleeping or dosing occupant both comfortable and in some cases free from mosquito or midge bites. Integral to the construction of a modern hammock is the inclusion of an integral mosquito or midge net to protect the hammock user from the predations of these unwelcome irritating insects. Integral with the net are suspension points that keep the net a sensible distance from the you when sleeping in a hammock.
Small items of the camper's or hiker's personal kit, such as firesteels, signalling mirrors, tinder and shaving gear, can be hung from the underside of the hammock keeping them safe and within easy reach. To further help achieve a good night's sleep the inclusion of a double layer of fabric in the base of the bammock closed with a full length good quality nylon toothed zip allows the insertion of a sleeping mat or even a self inflating camping mattress of the thermarest type.
This additional padding achieves several important things that give the hammock occupant a really good peaceful and restful nights sleep. Firstly it protects the sleeper's back from stinging insects that could make his or her life unpleasant. Secondly it makes the whole experience much more pleasant by spreading the base of the hammock out and thirdly and most importantly it helps to retain body heat adding greatly to the comfort of the outdoorsman ensconced in this most comfortable of sleeping arrangements.
Some hammock designs include a waterproof base to allow the contrivance to perform either in the traditional way suspended between two sturdy points or erected in a tent like manner. The way in which the hammock is suspended depends on the local conditions, two suitably spaced trees are not always available, sometimes ingenuity is called for. The roof rack of a Land Rover, Jeep or (perish the thought) Toyota Land Cruiser could make an adjustable suspension point with the single tree in the wilderness of the dusty windswept out back or even desert landscape. Two sturdy poles firmly attached to the roof rack front and back and sticking out over the side of the vehicle allow the adventurer to sleep or rest in his hammock even in the heat of the desert afternoon. A good tarp can be deployed over the hammock to shield the occupant from the worst of the sun.
One of the most popular brands of hammock in the UK is DD Hammocks. ArmySurplusUK.org stocks a wide range of hammocks from this brand. DD Hammocks are recognised to manufacture hammocks of high quality and useability. if you are to sleep well while out in the wilderness it is vital that you get the best hammock that you can afford. To choose the correct hammock for your needs you should assess what kind of situations you intend to use your hammock in. Some people need a lightweight hammock as they are going to be carrying it in their backpack. Others need a sturdy hammock which is heavier in a rucksack but is likely to withstand harsher environmental conditions. Browse our selection for your next DD Hammock from Army Surplus UK.
Hammock video review of DD Hammocks Camping Hammock and Tarp
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