Venezuela is famous as a country that has raised large families in hammocks. The Venezuelan hammock design is distinct due to the material used as it had pores that allowed air to pass and prevent fungal infections, with a thin layer of sandfly netting to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from biting. Rain protection came in the form of a top waterproof sheet and the occupant could sleep undisturbed by the weather. It is the Venezuelan design that evolved into jungle hammocks. These became insect resistant as the end ropes of the hammocks were dipped into insect repellents to prevent creature from crawling along the ropes to reach the hammock. The jungle hammocks gained popularity during the Second World War, as these were used extensively by the U.S. Army in Burma. The low illness rate was attributed to the hammocks used by the army personnel for resting.

Venezuelan hammocks are rated as the most comfortable ones. The breathable material used helps the circulation of air, keeping the occupant cool. The use of synthetic blends makes them more durable and they also dry easily. The suspension ropes of the hammocks are made out of a material called Dacron, which is not stretchable, but extremely strong. The hand woven hammocks appear to be a work of art, comfortable and sturdy. Most of the artisans are women, and the art of weaving has been passed on from generation to generation. The weaving is done on vertical looms with cotton threads of various bright colours, and then the ends are attached to a heavy braided lazo string. They are devoid of spreader bars and are therefore, more relaxing.

Venezuelan hammocks are ‘in-line’, that is, the occupant is supposed to lie along the length of the hammock and not across it. The polyester used helps a slight amount of stretching allowing the hammock to adapt to the occupant. They remain spacious enough for the occupant to be able to move about and stretch reasonably well.

Venezuelan hammocks are the most likely choice for jungle treks and adventure trips to wild life reserves. Modern ones come with additions like mosquito proof fabric, zippered entry, detachable waterproof covering, pockets for storage, folding bag system, and they are all easy to set up, in less than five minutes’ time. The ultra light varieties can weigh as little as 15 ounces to a maximum of 2 pounds. They stay above the ground at all times and are the ideal solution for a ‘leave no trace’ holiday. Moreover, it is virtually impossible to fall out of a Venezuelan hammock.

While buying a Venezuelan hammock, the weather it is likely to be used in, must be kept in mind. They may not be ideal for winter as the breathable material of the base will ensure that the cold air passes through as well. Hammock sites provide season ratings, which prove to be extremely helpful. Venezuelan hammocks could be entered from the middle or from the side, when the occupant wishes to rest. Their shape could be bed-like or in the shape of a cocoon. Colors could be bright and vibrant or a blend of multiple greens ideally suited for camouflage for the jungle.

There are various types of hammocks available and it is important to know one’s requirements before short-listing one for buying. The web offers a world of information on hammocks and browsing through various websites would help in finding the most appropriate hammock. Firstly, the customer needs to know the exact purpose of the hammock and where it has to be put up, whether it is needed in the garden, near the pool, on the terrace or verandah. For such requirements, the hammock need not be very light and even fabric or cloth hammocks may be just as suitable. Hammocks for indoors may also be similar, though perhaps coordinated with the colors of the room, except that they need not be water resistant or as tough as the ones needed for outdoors. Baby hammocks are a different category altogether. Choices would also have to be made whether one would prefer single, double or family hammocks. Another issue to consider is choosing between hammocks with stands that are self supporting, or those that can be hung from trees in the garden or poles around the pool.

The advantages of online purchase of hammocks can never be highlighted enough. Online ordering makes buying so simple and hassle-free that the customer couldn’t ask for more. Firstly, the websites offer each and every detail about their range of hammocks. They offer all possible colors and designs, and in case there is a specific color that the customer wants, they are willing to order it or even get it custom made specially. Their rates are far more competitive than any retail outlet in town, as they do not have any overhead expenses that need to be covered in the mark-up prices. All products come with guarantees connected to durability, color fastness, and quality. Above all, the final mouse click and payment may often bring free home delivery as well. Shopping could not have been made more convenient.

Other benefits of online ordering of hammocks come to the customer indirectly. Websites or online shops scour the world to find the various reliable varieties of hammocks, and offer them to clients. They also test products thoroughly as they have to offer quality wares to their customers to ensure that they return for more. Besides, if they are sure about the quality, they can offer the bait of buy back if the product does not meet customer expectations. As a result, the customer gets tried and tested products without any effort.

Online choices of hammocks are numerous. The basic string, rope or fabric hammocks of the Mayan, Brazilian or Venezuelan styles are adapted to make the following types:

* Classic- These are the simple hammocks that have been getting made for the last century in their simplest form that can be tied to trees or as stand alone hammocks, complete with stand and metal frame. These could be single, double or family size, quilted or plain.
* Cotton-All cotton hammocks are bright and colorful made out of dyed fabric, which is pure woven cotton. These can be of all sizes from single users to large family ones.
* Olefin Hammocks-These hammocks have a synthetic thread added to the traditional cotton hammocks and this makes them easy to maintain, quick drying, stain resistant and light weight despite being stronger and more weight bearing. They are supported by spreader bars.
* Mexican hammocks- Also called Mayan hammocks, they are the most soft and comfortable ones, giving the user the elevated feeling of floating in the air. They are traditionally hand woven out of the purest cotton, and are very colorful. Available in different sizes, they are popularly used all over the world.
* Chair hammocks-these are more for sitting down and reading in a reclined position, instead of a lateral position. Most generally, with strings that can be tied to a tree or other raised bars, they are generally without stands that can be placed to rest on the ground.

camping hammocks are another sought after variety, needed by back packers, trekkers and campers. The sites offer multiple lightweight travel hammocks as well. The best part of online shopping is the cost saving involved. Various discounts are offered over and above the reasonably priced hammocks. The economics of buying online is totally justifiable. The customer can read product reviews before making his final choice and even post his own query, which will be answered by expert panelists.

The list of different types of hammocks is endless as companies have created their own brands and variations and popularized them through advertisements. Some of the other hammocks available are tree hammocks, Duracord, Jobek, folding and rainbow rope, to name just a few. The sites offering hammocks online also offer all the accessories required, and details about setting them up. Additional tempting offers and freebies are given to customers from time to time, especially during the peak summer season, when people like to be outdoors. Some even provide repair services. All this makes the online purchase of hammocks the easiest way to own a hammock.