The thought of a hammock brings to mind a picture of a suspended sling made out of rope or fabric that beckons the spectator to try out the blissfully relaxed feeling it can bring. A single experience of reclining in a hammock is sufficient to have everyone hooked to it and tempts them to invest in one of their own. However when it comes to buying a hammock, the most crucial decision is which hammock to buy, a rope or fabric one. A lot depends on personal preference and the relative advantages of each make the choice of a hammock difficult.
Rope hammocks are made out of strong and sturdy ropes that have holes in them and have the following advantages:
• Rope hammocks are generally attached to spreader bars which make them spread out more and give the body more room to lie down;
• They do not wrap around the reclining form and bring an open feeling;
• Rope hammocks have holes and make ventilation possible both from above and below;
• They are also better equipped to handle exposure to the elements
The flip side of rope hammocks is that they:
• Absorb moisture that times to dry and hence there are higher chances of getting mold and mildew;
• Are a bit tough and poke the soft body at various points and even leave an imprint on the skin;
• In colder places they make the individual feel colder since he gets exposed to the cold from above and below.
None of these however, detract from the popularity of the rope hammock. Used extensively in the western world rope hammocks are the most preferred beach and garden accessory.
In contrast, come with their own distinct features that make them preferable to some people. Fabric hammocks most often are made out of pure cotton fabric, though recent innovations involve a synthetic blend which helps the fabric become fade resistant and stronger even after persistent exposure to natural elements, quick drying and more portable. Fabric hammocks score over rope hammocks since they absorb the warmth of the body and hence remain warm in winter and cool in summer. Their overlapping weave style makes them strong and more weight bearing Besides they do not their impression on the skin and instead offer smoother comfort. Some of the principal advantages of fabric hammocks are:
• They enfold the body that lies in them
• They are strong yet soft to feel
• They are quick drying and do not take long to get rid of moisture
• Fabric hammocks remain warm in winter and cool in summer since they absorb the body temperature and prevent ventilation from below
It is difficult to generalize which of the two is better. Both rope and fabric hammocks have their advantages and disadvantages, therefore it is more a question of individual preference and the climatic conditions that they are likely to be used in that will help to decide which hammock must be bought.