I began camping thinking that a hammock was a luxury, a nicety as opposed to a necessity. Once I got one, I realized ~ I was mostly pretty much wrong.
Shop at: wiseowloutfitters.com
Me, enjoying my Wise Owl Hammock in Millersylvania State Park.
A hammock increases your reclining relaxation options by 100%.
If the trees are a little sappy, you can improvise with some paper towels!
I was gifted my Wise Owl by a dear friend as a thank you for a weekend Girl's retreat. I was delighted, as I'd seen other folks posting on instagram about where they had hammocked. It seemed like a portable chair. But it wasn't until I threw it into my gear bag for my 58th birthday trip that I realized - it is so much more than a camp chair. Relaxing in a hammock is like being in a gentle sailboat in movement... and other than in your tent (which is ALSO nice, especially without a rainfly if sun is certain) you don't really have another camping reclining relaxation option without one.
Features & Functions
I haven't been in any hammock other than my Wise Owl... so some of these features may also exist in other hammocks. Here's what I do know, though: they are in the Wise Owl, and the construction and product design are great.
Easy to pack/unpack: It comes with an attached duffle that doubles as a beverage or phone holder (so handy!) when the hammock is deployed. It actually fits, easily, into the duffle, just stuffing it in; no tricks to maneuver or contort, no particular order, just stuffs right in there. And since attached - you won't lose it.
It is complete: Comes with two very sturdy flat straps, and hooks; everything you need to get it around a few trees right out of the gate. The straps, rolled tightly, really DO fit back into the duffel at the top once it's packed with the hammock.
It is comfortable size. The single fits well, I am a 5'5" average, not-tiny woman who is NOT in triathlon shape, and it is comfortable. They DO make doubles as well... I'd say if you are bringing your dog, get a double. If you are hammocking with a friend, get everyone their own for maximum relaxation.
Lightweight material, very sturdy construction. I've been using mine both at home (I told you... it's kind of addicting) and camping for a year now, and it shows no signs of wear.
I add some bedding for max comfort. A light blanket below, a small pillow, and a light blanket above. the material is nylon, so it conveys the coolness of the air temp to whatever is laying in it.
Comes in fun colors. There are a ton of fun duotone color combinations to express your inner owl. And, for those times when you ARE camping in community, you'll know your owl from the others.
Affordable price. Around $28 for a single. They make an amazing gift.
You can accessorize. You can go crazy and get mosquito netting and even a rainfly to go over it, so you can still hammock regardless of rain or bugs. There is bedding you can buy to sleep in your hammock out under the stars.
A year ago, I'd have said that was extreme. But, that was a year ago. Before my Wise Owl.
