Few outdoors accoutrements leave as little an impact on the environment as the traditional hammock, as these comfy seats don’t even touch the ground. And swaying in the breeze with a cool drink in hand, they are the epitome of splendid island idleness. The classic hammock has received renewed attention with the popularity of “leave no trace” camping, and there are now a wide range of styles and functions to choose from.

Perfectly suited to the adventure traveler, one of the most cutting-edge new products is the Hennessy Hammock, a revolutionary tent that is not only far more lightweight to carry than a conventional model, but extremely comfortable and earth-friendly, too. Coming in a variety of styles ranging from winter-ready to an inventive jungle design, these weather and bug-proof hammocks keep you off of the hard forest floor and have space to store all of your essential gear. No sign is left when you’re ready to pack up and leave, as even the webbing support straps are designed to prevent damage to your host trees. Hennessy has tested these hammocks in some of the most extreme conditions of the planet, and their intrepid guinea pigs report that they pass with flying colours.  

http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

For those looking for a traditional hammock, there are many unique choices suitable for a relaxing swing with a chilled beverage. Famous for low-rise jeans and revealing swimsuits, Brazil has a style all its own- and the country is also famed for some of the prettiest hammocks on the market. In hand-woven cotton with soft canvas beds, many Brazilian hammocks are ornately fringed and beautifully coloured. This breezy style is ideal for between palm trees on sunny tropical islands.

http://www.seasidehammocks.com/Brazilianhammocks.html

Another option are the very classic and New England-style rope hammocks, such as the Cabana Quickdry Hammock found through hammocks.com. Composed of a highly durable acrylic weave, the QuickDry fabric is exceptionally durable and has a smooth feel against the skin. For those who fear the dreaded flip-over, woven synthetic ropes and a spreader bar work together to give it unusual stability (also adding child-safety). With a chic blue and forest green stripe, these durable hammocks have a casual East Coast elegance perfect for an island hideaway in Maine or Nova Scotia.

http://www.hammocks.com/hammocks/poolside-hammocks/cabanastripepoolsidequickdryhammock.cfm#navbar=a

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