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Hammocking 101

If you’ve ever visited our Austin stores, you might understand why some folks think of us as the hammock store. Out front you’ll see rope hammocks, Yucatan hammocks and a selection of hammock chairs and people stretched out, taking a break from shopping or sightseeing, chatting with one another or catching a quick catnap – all perfect examples of basic hammocking. For advanced hammocking, add a cool drink, a book and a substantial nap.  

Whole Earth has been importing hammocks from the Yucatan for over 40 years. They’re perfect for Texas Summers. When the lowland Maya want to get comfortable in hot and humid weather, they stretch out in a colorful Hamacas Rada, a Yucatan hammock. They serve as air-cooled lounge chairs and beds. The woven body of the hammock is made of soft cotton, dyed in rainbow colors, while the ends are made of nylon for additional strength.

Yucatan hammocks are remarkably strong and can easily hold several hundred pounds. The hammock forms a web that conforms to your body providing gentle support and great stability. Rather than resting from end-to-end, your body lies across the hammock from side to side, giving added support and lots of room. Some folks bring the color and comfort of Yucatan hammocks indoors for year round relaxation. And if you’re looking for a wedding gift that stands out, give the happy couple a beautiful, handmade hammock.

You can also find traditional, American-made rope hammocks from Hatteras at our stores. Hatteras uses a soft-spun polyester rope that’s durable and comfortable and doesn’t require rigorous upkeep. We also sell hammock stands if you don’t have trees or other supports handy for hammock hanging. Our rope hammocks and hammock stands are available only in our brick and mortar stores.

If your space is limited, you might consider a hammock chair. With it, you’ll have the comfort of a hammock with the “footprint” of a chair. We have the colorful Brazil hammock chair and the Swinger chair, both from Byer of Maine.  The Brazil Hammock chair is handcrafted and can be used both indoors and outside. The Swinger Chair has an adjustable headrest and footrest for lounge chair comfort that swings. Our hammock chairs are also available only in our brick and mortar stores.

And finally, with camping hammocks, you can take the comfort of a backyard hammock with you wherever you go.  Whole Earth offers a wide selection of camping hammocks made of breathable materials, in single and double sizes, by ENO and Kammok.  Accessories include hanging straps and other suspension systems, insect shield netting, rain tarps, drip strips, storage bags, lights and hanging kits, should you wish to hang a camping hammock in your home. Think of it as an emergency guest bed. 

So stop by your favorite Whole Earth store and try out the hammocks and hammock chairs. Pick out your favorite and soon, you too will be hammocking!