Suspended slings that serve as resting seats, beds and instruments of relaxation outdoors and even indoors, are the world current craze called hammocks. These bright and colorful slings are seen hanging from tree trunks and branches, from stands and poles with their occupants looking completely relaxed with all stresses and strains of life forgotten. This is perhaps the biggest reason for the popularity of hammocks, that is, their ability to make people unwind and forget their worries for sometime and just enjoy the beauty of nature surrounding them.
Hammocks are made out of different types of materials and jute is one of the newest additions to the range. Jute is a natural fabric that is part of the “go green” wave, and made out of plant fiber that is first made into strong shiny threads that are later woven into cloth. The ecologically aware hammock users prefer to use jute hammocks because of the feel of natural textures and their ethnic appeal.
Jute hammocks are ideal for gardens and though jute is dyed into various colors its most attractive shade is the natural gold it comes in. Jute hammocks are handmade in countries like India, which ranks as one of the top jute producers. Besides its durability, it is one of the cheapest hammocks available today. They are hand knotted with jute strings attached at the ends and is convenient to store with the jute bag provided. They are as comfortable as cotton hammocks in warmer places since jute is as much a breathable material as cotton. Though otherwise coarse and a little rough against the skin, the jute fabric used for hammocks is treated for softness and softer textured jute is used for making hammocks. It is quick to dry and tougher for rough use since it does not tear easily and is more weight bearing. The biggest advantage of a jute hammock is that it is low on maintenance.
Jute hammocks are available as chair hammocks, rope ones made out of jute or fabric hammocks that use jute instead of cotton. Jute has been in vogue as fabric for clothes as well and jute hammocks also caught on in popularity very recently. The poorer sections of Asian countries have been using jute hammocks to keep their babies secure, hung from a tree or on hooks indoors.
While jute hammocks are portable in their own jute bags they remain a little more bulky than other hammocks especially nylon ones. Hence they may not be the best camping hammock where space is very limited, but they can be used for camping vacations.