Hammock

Everywhere, people of all ages spend roughly a third of their time resting or sleeping. After physical disaster, for our very survival, this ratio will need to be reinstated. The conventional mattress bed is heavy, cumbersome, rather expensive, difficult to protect when moving, easily ruined by moisture and mold, and difficult to dry and clean. Conversely, the hammock is lightweight, handy and easy to stow, cheap, washable, virtually indestructible, easily dried and also easily tailored to an individual's height. For these and other reasons, the indigenous people of the Amazon basin and of Central America have used hammocks for centuries.

People in the US are relatively unaccustomed to the hammock. The only thing most of us know is the yard hammock, which is often climbed into lengthwise which curves the spine and is less than comfortable. Native hammock users know that the trick is to sleep at an angle to the suspension line as one reclines flatter as one approaches the perpendicular to the hammock line.

The hammock is the epitome of simplicity: a rectangle of cloth (heavyweight denim is good) 60" wide and 3 or 4 yards long depending on one's height. Spreader bars at the ends are not necessary- just a hem through which a rope is threaded for hanging the hammock between supports about 13' apart. Suspension of the hammock by two hooks or by a tubular frame keeps one off the cold, damp, or wet ground, or even above running water. It can be covered with a waterproof and/or reflective cover or with netting for insect protection, all easily stowed and carried, and adaptable to a variety of climates.

Offered by Phil.