The first hammocks were used in the tropical forests of South America and were made out of the bark of the hamak tree. The basic purpose the hammock served was as a sleeping place above the ground, to be saved the prospect of sleeping on wet grounds and getting bitten by creeping crawling insects. Hammocks were also used as a means of carrying people and things in the tropics. In the thousand years that they have been used, they have emerged as a wonderful way of relaxation in the garden, by the sea, within homes, on ships and on treks and camps.
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.