compare hammocks

Compare: Mexican Net Hammocks to Cloth, Fabric, Canvas & Brazilian Hammocks

Closed weave cloth, fabric or canvas hammocks are the most common alternatives to open weave Mexican net hammocks. The most commonly available cloth or fabric hammocks are from Brazil and are made using a semi-automated process on a hand-operated loom. Whilst we identify with our Brazilian compadres when it comes to the need for more investment in local co-operative development projects, we cannot realistically compare the quality of the end product or the conditions under which the hammocks have been manufactured. Cloth, fabric and canvas hammocks just do not have the same degree of stretch as Mexican net hammocks. The structure of the material with which they are made limits their ability to mould to the shape of the occupants body. There is no "give" in the hammock and the result is relatively constictive.

In short - there is no comparison when it comes to comfort - Mexican net hammocks win hands down over cloth, fabric and canvas hammocks.

Compare: Mexican Net Hammocks to Rope Hammocks

Compare: Mexican Net Hammocks to Spreader Bar Hammocks

Spreader bar hammocks incorporate a rigid bar at each end of the hammock body to space out the connecting arm ends. This is a classic example of modifications being made to a thoroughly tried and tested design in order to attract consumers who may not have the space needed to accomodate a real hammock. The addition of spreader bars results in a hammock which is "set" in it's shape and cannot adjust itself to the user's form. Spreader bar hammocks are notoriously unstable and difficult to get into and out of. They represent the classic accident prone comedy hammock and should not be compared with a real Mexican hammock.

In short - for safety and comfort, choose a traditional Mexican hammock - a design which has been in use for over 4000 years.

Compare: Cotton Mexican Hammocks to Nylon Mexican Hammocks

Cotton Mexican hammocks are the most comfortable hammocks you will find. Nylon Mexican hammocks are more resistant to wet weather and less prone to thread breakage, however there is a noticeable difference when it comes to the general feel of the hammock and the overall comfort.

In short - A cotton Mexican hammock is the most comfortable choice and will last many years when used with a reasonable amount of care.

Looking at: Family, Double & Single Hammocks

Looking at: Handmade, Handwoven & Fairtrade Hammocks

Handmade, handwoven and fairtrade are terms which are used ad infinitum in todays marketing literature, often with no apparent justification for such claims. All cloth or fabric hammocks are made using modern factory techniques or semi-automated processes with hand-operated looms. This is in stark contrast to the traditional hand weaving methods used by rural Mayan villagers. In these remote hamlets hammock weaving is not a wholly commercial affair but also a tradition and an integral part of ancient Mayan culture. The terms handwoven and handmade can be used here in the true sense of the words. The Mexican Hammock Company was set up with the specific aim of developing a reliable alternative source of income in an area of high unemployment and relative poverty. The weavers themselves work on a job share basis and there are several villages involved in the scheme, the work and income being divided equally. The flow of hammocks from each village is deliberately kept from expanding too rapidly. This maintains a mixed local economy without disrupting the traditional cultural base of the village. The Mexican Hammock Company works directly with these villagers and follows a strict ethical trading code.