Imagine you’re floating in the air, not a care in the world, a book in your hand, a fresh breeze ruffling your hair, maybe with a casual evening cocktail or kombucha on a hot summer’s night. Imagine you’re cradled in the embrace of a secure, quilted cocoon. If that sounds like a dreamy escape to you, we've got you covered. Let's embrace all the ways of the hammock and reimagine relaxation for National Hammock Day on July 22.
Hammocking is the perfect way to experience the outdoors while reaching a level of comfort that other outdoor furniture has yet to match. Join us in appreciating these unique lounging vessels on this special day.
Our top 5 hammock picks
2. Vivere Double Cotton Hammock
3. Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock
5. Pillow Top Black Stripe Outdoor Hammock
What to do about bugs
Hammocking in nature is a beautiful practice that comes with a small price; bugs. While we relax in their stomping ground, eager insects are going to join in the fun, which may not be enjoyable for us or our pets who lounge next to us. Insects are all around us; spiders, ants, fleas, ticks, mosquitos, and fruit flies to name a few. So how do we enjoy a calm day on the hammock without pesky critters killing our buzz? Let us offer some help!
Wondercide’s Insect Repellent for the family repels ticks and mosquitoes while releasing a pleasant aroma of your choosing, whether your pick peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass, or rosemary.
For dogs and cats enjoying hammocking with you, use Flea & Tick Spray, which comes in the same fresh scents. These plant-powered products will help defuse the bug problem while remaining safe for the family and pets when used as directed.
Fleas and ticks have a bad habit of latching onto us or our animals and drinking our blood. These vampire bugs are difficult to find right away due to their small size and ability to hide in fur and dark crevices. So, doing a tick check after spending a long day in the hammock is a good way to get ahead of the problem.
If you want to protect your sacred at-home hammocking space from insects, using Wondercide’s Outdoor Pest Control for your yard and garden is a great way to combat the pest problem. This easy to use spray will take care of mosquitoes, ticks, ants, fleas, and other bugs. The residue is safe for pollinators, so you can enjoy the company of a colorful butterfly without the annoyance of a creepier crawler.
How to make your own hammock
Are you interested in a fun arts and crafts project to really get in the National Hammock Day spirit? Here’s a simple, perfect step-by-step breakdown on how to make your own hammock!
Materials:
- Fabric of your choosing. You'll want to use a sturdy fabric that can support your weight. Often used materials include canvas, ripstop nylon, and polyester.
- Thick rope or webbing. You’ll also need some kind of rope or webbing that can support your weight as the rope is what holds up the hammock.
- Sewing machine or needle and thread. Depending on your fabric choice, you'll need a way to stitch the hammock together.
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Carabiners or S-hooks (optional). If you choose, you can use these to provide an easier way to attach your hammock to trees.
Instructions:
- The first step is to measure and cut your fabric. It’s up to you what size you’d like it to be. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, cut your fabric to these dimensions, adding a few extra inches for hemming. A typical hammock is around 6 to 7 feet long and 4 to 5 feet wide.
- Hem the edges of the hammock by folding over and sewing a hem along all four edges of your fabric so the material doesn’t fray.
- Next, you’re going to cut two pieces of rope or webbing to fit your desired length, which are commonly around 10-12 feet long each. These will be used to hang your hammock.
- Sew one end of each piece securely to each end of the hammock. Make sure the attachment points are strong and reinforced so it doesn’t come crashing down when you’re trying to relax.
- Next, you’ll need to do some location scouting. Find two sturdy anchor points, whether it’s trees or posts, that are spaced apart at a distance slightly longer than the length of your hammock.
- Tie the loose ends of the rope around the anchor points, making sure they are properly secure.
- Before fully committing to your hammock, make sure it can support your weight by gently sitting or lying in it. If necessary, make any adjustments to ensure your own safety.
- The final step is to relax!
Hammocking can be the perfect tranquil activity for a sunny summer day. Whether you choose a cozy backyard retreat or an adventurous wilderness escape, hammocks offer a wonderful blend of comfort and freedom that we all could use more of. Join us in embracing a day of appreciation for these nifty relaxation sanctuaries.
