Why Does Anyone Purchase a Rope Hammock?

The rope hammock, while it looks hideously uncomfortable, is actually one of the most—if not the most—popular hammock models on the market today. It is generally composed of several dozen ropes interwoven into a consistent pattern—and can often support more than one adult at the same time, provided that it is an XL or XXL model.

People often think that a rope hammock will pinch their arms and legs, but this is actually a fairly rare occurrence. The only complaint that most users have is that it is easy to get tangled into the ropes and it is also easy to get buttons and zippers caught on the ropes. So if you plan to spend an afternoon on the hammock reading and watching the clouds, also plan on wearing a sweatsuit.

Why do most people get a rope hammock over competing models, such as a fabric hammock or a hammock chair? There are two basic reasons. The first is that the rope hammock will stretch to support a person's weight. This means that after 15 minutes, you will actually fit quite nicely in the hammock and wont feel like it is constantly trying to eject you, as you might with a fabric model. The other reason is that the rope weave isn't solid, which means a breeze can easily flow through the bottom of the hammock, making for an enjoyable afternoon lounging experience.

There are a number of popular variations of the rope hammock on the market today. The most popular, perhaps, is the Island Bay model, which is a fairly standard rope weave with wooden bars on either side. The rope is made out of polyester and stretches nicely to fit several people on larger models. This model usually sells for around $100, but if you get a free-standing version, it may be cheaper.