LET’S HANG
HAMMOCKS HAVE BEEN CALLED MANY THINGS: ONE OF LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES, AN AFFORDABLE WAY TO FEEL LUXURIOUS AND A GIANT NET FOR CATCHING LAZY PEOPLE. GEAR EDITOR MATTHEW STERNE WENT THROUGH THE GRUELLING TASK OF TESTING AS MANY AS HE COULD FIND.
1| J’ai Du Sleeping Hammock
R1 400–R1 700 jaidu.co.za
The most comfortable of the hammocks I tested, this one received a solid thumbs up from all I asked to climb into it. The bars on either side create a wide space to laze across and the netting makes it breathable (or breezable, as we joked). The ultimate holiday indulgence, it’s the kind of hammock you take two books to in case you finish one and need to have another handy.
2| Naturehike Canvas Hammock R1 900 naturehike.co.za
Another hammock that was celebrated for its comfy-ness, this canvas option comes in two colours (antique white or dark olive green) and has a natural look and feel to it – the hessian-style rope and wood ensures this would look good in your garden or home. It comes with two long straps to help set it up, two pockets attached to the hammock and a cool carry bag.
3| Natural Instincts Adjustable Hammock Stand
R2 000 outdoorwarehouse.co.za
When two well-placed palm trees aren’t easy to find, a hammock stand can save the day. Because of the way the poles are shaped, it’s not super easy to transport – even though it can be broken down into parts. It’s best for in your garden or on a balcony, and will ensure you’re always lying securely in your hammock.
4| Cotton Hammock R500 outdoorwarehouse.co.za
This simple cotton hammock, with a size of 200x100cm and a max load of 100kg, is best suited for children. Adults can lie in it, but not with the same confidence as the other hammocks we tested. The looped ends are reinforced with metal.
5| J’ai Du Hammock Chair R1 650, jaidu.co.za
This ‘outdoorsman’s La-Z-Boy’, as I came to call it, is as comfortable as it looks. It can work as a chair or be kicked out to work as a kind of suspended lounger. Quick and easy to assemble, as long as you have a branch or something similar to hang it off. It comes with a cushion and has 14 fabric options. For those who are a bit older, this hammock is by far the easiest to get out of.
6| Naturehike Africa Single Hammock
R450 naturehike.co.za
What sets this compact hammock apart are the loops at either end. They’re the size of a CD as opposed to a R5 coin, which means the hammock isn’t so tight to climb into – you’re more of a laptop than a taco. That makes all the difference and why I’m happy to agree with Naturehike Africa’s description that it’s a ‘bed in a pocket’.
7| Ticket to the Moon, King Hammock
R950 outdoorwarehouse.co.za
A brand with 20 years of hammock-making experience, Ticket to the Moon has three different sizes (it also comes in Compact R800 and Original R850), but there’s not a huge difference in cost or weight so I’d go for the king-size option (320x230cm and 700g). The material is high-grade triple-stitched parachute nylon fabric, which is stretchy and fairly soft on the skin, and comes with a 10-year guarantee. It packs into something that looks like a moonbag, which is fitting considering its name.
8| First Ascent Lightweight Double Hammock
R900 outdoorwarehouse.co.za
If you like your cuddle puddles elevated, this could be the thing for you and your partner. This Nylon Diamond Ripstop 210T 70D parachute fabric (300x200cm) can support two people with a combined weight of 200kg. It comes with custom-made carabiners, a built-in compression sack, for easy packing and storing, and weighs 650g.
9| CityROCK Hammock
R350 mountainmailorder.co.za
Light, affordable and effective, this hammock is ideal for any campsite or crag. Made from 100% 210T Nylon with a weight limit of 185kg, this 260x140cm hammock weighs just 550g. The stuff sack is attached to the side of the hammock (which I like for someone as loskop as myself) and it comes with two strong alloy snap-hooks and two two-metre cords.