I Bought a Hammock and It Lived Up to the Hype

Let me start off by saying that I am not very "hip." While I may be young, 22, I have never been guilty of being called "trendy" or with the times when it comes to popular happenings or the like. 

Recently, at least to me, it seems more and more outdoor adventurers are opting outside with hammocks. Some are even turning in their tents for them when camping. I suppose my main exposure to this idea and trend comes from none other than Instagram of course, where it seems just about anyone who spends time outdoors has posted a first person point of view picture of the world from their eyes as they lay in a hammock with their feet stretched out. For some time now, I have also noticed many popular outdoors outfitters or brands have been sporting advertising images with hammocks as a central feature or backdrop. Though this could simply be since spring and summer were recently upon us. Regardless I recently I decided to join the bandwagon and a hammock for myself, after purchasing an ENO Double Nest Hammock at my local REI. 

I first tried my new toy out on my last big trip when I went to Great Basin National Park. Living in Las Vegas and the greater Desert Southwest, I don't exactly have an abundance of trees with which to break out the hammock, unless I escape to the mountains like I did for this trip. 

As if by a stroke of pure tactical genius, which actually turned out to be pure luck, I found a campsite in the park that was bordered by a stream with trees that lined its banks. So after setting up camp, I of course had to set up my newly purchased hammock so I could soak up the sights and sounds of the stream from my cosy new outdoor couch. 

After setting it up, I of course relaxed in it in order to take in the experience. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the sensation of sitting in a hammock. It was quite comfortable, especially being off the ground and able to sprawl out and relax as if I was floating on air. Having a gorgeous view set out in front of me only added to the experience. 

Overall it was a very comfortable way to kick my feat up, relax and take in the sights and sounds of nature. In this case I sat for some time taking in the beauty and peace of the stream that bordered the campground and the sound of nature's radio it provided for my entertainment. Later I found myself relaxing yet again in this suspended state of comfort reading a good book and even taking a nap. To top it all off, I of course had to take some selfies and first person point-of-view pictures as I enjoyed my hammock.

Let's just say that those two days of lying in my hammock sold me on the experience and my purchase. In fact it even made me starting thinking that if the location and conditions were right on further backpacking and camping trips I may ditch my tent and shed a few extra pounds while packing just my hammock to sleep in under the stars. You could say I drank the Kool-Aid I suppose. This is definitely a trend I now can say I am a part of and would recommend to others. 

Grab your gear, and in this case your hammock, it's adventure time.