Enjoy the Final Weeks of Summer from a Hammock
Utah arguably has one of the best backyards in the country and coincidentally, I just happen to live in the state. Utah boosts five National Parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef); 43 state parks; and many campgrounds and hiking trails. If you can’t get a hold of me on a weekend, chances are I’m in the mountains somewhere with my family enjoying the sunshine and scenery far away from cell service.
My weekend warrior inventory will usually include the following:
- Kids (given)
- Dog
- Kayak
- Lifejackets
- Food
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Toys
- Hammocks
The last item on the list is a relatively new one to us. Hammocks used to be too bulky to drag around, but technology has now made hammocks easier to carry around and set up. You can now take a hammock to the beach or even on a hike. I’ve also seen news stories of folks setting up hammocks on the side of cliffs and mountains. You definitely won’t see me doing that anytime soon.
On a recent trip to Payson Lakes, I took three hammocks test from the following brands:
- Fox Outfitters
- Foxelli
- MalloMe
Initial Thoughts
Each of these hammocks are similar in size and durability. The hammocks are stored in small bags that you can pack in just about anything you need to enjoy a day in the mountains. I can also tether the bags to the hiking pack I use for my infant son. The bags are large enough to also include the straps you will need to tie the hammocks to a tree or posts. These hammocks can hold up to 1,000 pounds of weight and are wide enough to accommodate at least 2-3 people. Or in my son’s case, wide enough to accommodate him and his 1,678 cars and trucks that he has somehow collected in his 4 short years of life.
The cost of these hammocks is also similar. You should expect to spend about $20-$35 for a single or double portable hammock (including the straps, carabiners, and the storage bag). 
Differences
The differences between each hammock really came down to the straps. The MalloMe straps were really each to use with the carabiners. The straps had a loop system that could be adjusted depending on the length between the trees or posts. The one downside is that the straps are bulky, preventing the hammock from really swinging for longer than a few seconds.
The Fox Outfitters hammock had a different strap system that still worked with the carabiners, but also required you to tie the hammock to whatever object you may need. My husband – a former cub scoutmany years ago – couldn’t remember his knot tying skills, so we kind of ‘winged’ it when it came to tying the hammock. Nonetheless it worked and because these straps were not as bulky, we were able to enjoy a slow swing of the hammock for several minutes while enjoying the views.
The HikeGuru starps are truly a ‘one size fits all’ for any hammock. Its versatility with the loop system gives you ample flexibility whether you are at the beach or setting up your hammock in your backyard. Like most straps on the market, HikeGuru is water resistance and can withstand rain, snow, dust, and sunshine.
For the Foxelli Hammock, we used the Hike Guru straps, which were nearly identical to the MalloMestraps. Same system with the carabiners and the same non-swinging hammock. I did like the fabric of the Foxelli hammock at lot more than the Fox Outfitters hammock and the MalloMe hammock. The nylon was easier to clean after use and the funky purple color and design was fun! In fact, my oldest really enjoyed playing in this hammock.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong with any of the three hammocks mentioned above. It will come down to preference. If you are like me and want to enjoy swinging in a hammock while curled up with a good book, then you may want to use the Fox Outfitters hammock. If you want something that is fast to set up and you don’t have to rely on your subpar knot-tying skills, then I would stick to the MalloMe
