There’s no way I would have originally thought that a hammock would be an item which you could easily throw into your hiking pack or carry-on, though now it’s an item which I won’t even consider leaving home without. And I’m not talking about the old school American rope style hammocks –  the ones which hurt like hell and leave a horrible imprint on your skin. I’m talking about the new generation of hammocks; those super compact, lightweight and portable, made from a comfy and durable parachute nylon, making them an excellent travel accessory to have in your bag. How to travel with a hammock.

Picture this: hours spent lying in a hammock you’ve strung up between two trees on a picture perfect beach, watching the sunset over the water as you decide it’s finally time to sleep. Or coupling it with a canopy to keep the rain off while spending the night in your luxury digs listening to the sounds of exotic wildlife jump through the jungle. Or quickly throwing it up if you’ve been kicked out of the airport overnight and need a comfy place to hang.

The fact is, hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation, and traveling with one doesn’t have to be about roughing it or sacrificing comfort – in fact it’s just the opposite. And surprisingly, purchasing a good quality hammock doesn’t have to break the bank. Which hammock should I buy for travel.

After shopping around, Hobo Hammocks have proven to be by far the best value for money, with a few fun added perks thrown into the mix. As such, here are seven reasons you should always travel with a Hobo Hammock.

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Hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation options.

Hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation options.

Everything You Need to Get Your Hammock On!

When you’re shopping around for a hammock to accompany you on your travels, make sure you’re aware of what’s included. There are a lot of options for portable hammocks out there, though most require you to purchase a suspension system for an additional $14-$40 on top of the $70-$100 you’ve already spent.

Hobo Hammocks however come with everything you need to get your hammock on already included in their much cheaper price. For instance a Hobo Hammocks Double Hammock will only cost you $55, including straps! That means your hammock arrives on your doorstep ready for adventure. And you’re still paying for a high quality product – their competitors use the same materials they use.

Each purchase includes:

• 1 Parachute Nylon Double Hammock (10 ft x 6.5 ft) with attached pouch;
• 2 Steel Carabiners, ultra strength design to keep you hanging high;
• 2 Hobo Straps, each one 10 feet long so you can hang anywhere;
• 1 Delicious Meal delivered to the hungry in your name (see reason #7 to travel with a Hobo Hammock).

Attracts Friends

Everyone loves a hammock, and with one you’re bound to attract a wealth of new friends.

The Hobo Hammock can safely take up to 540 lbs – there’s enough weight support in there for you and a couple of friends, or even you and your pet llama! Here’s the video to prove it:

Compact & Lightweight

Hobo Hammocks aren’t going to take a large amount space and weight in your bag. They’re compact and super lightweight, and one of the best features is that the pouch comes attached, so you’ll never loose the bag!

Cheaper Accommodation

Traveling with a hammock obviously gives you the option for free camping – if you’re heading out on an off the beaten path adventure then a hammock provides easy camping with a lot less gear to carry and set up. Stringing up a hammock takes 2 minutes and you’re sorted.

Though if you’re worried about security, a lot of hostels and guesthouses will have an option to allow you to sleep on their grounds at a cheaper price. Call to check in advance that this ok, though can be a fantastic money saver if you’re looking for ways to cut the budget in half.

A lot of hostels and guesthouses will have an option to allow you to sleep on their grounds at a cheaper price.

Traveling with a hammock obviously gives you the option for free camping – if you’re heading out on an off the beaten path adventure then a hammock provides easy camping with a lot less gear to carry and set up.

Hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation options.

You’ll Sleep a Lot Better

Sleeping in a hammock is good for you! And it’s so much more comfortable than most accommodation. You’ll likely get a better nights sleep than you’ve ever had camping (because let’s face it, sleeping on the ground absolutely sucks, and floating wins every single time), and you’ll have spent the night breathing in 100% pure fresh air. Trust me, you’ll notice the difference. You don’t have to make the bed, and sleeping in a hammock is actually healthy for you! What hammock is the best for travel.

The Hobo Hammock is a little larger than some of the other hammocks I’ve tried, which is actually more comfortable and easy to sleep in. You’ll fall asleep completely relaxed, and wake up happy, comfortable and totally recharged – never having to worry about tossing and turning because you set up your tent over a tree root or rock. In fact you can set up your hammock over the top of as many rocks and tree roots as you like and still enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep with the added bonus of not having to worry about creepy crawlies or critters.

Doctors say that the best way to sleep is lying on your back with the head slightly elevated 10 to 30 percent.  This is optimal for blood circulation to the brain, and also allows for un-obstructed breathing. Sounds like they’re talking about a hammock to me! Can I travel with a hammock.

Sleeping in a hammock is good for you!

Sleeping in a hammock is good for you!

Doctors say that the best way to sleep is lying on your back with the head slightly elevated 10 to 30 percent.

Because it’s Not Just a Hammock

Don’t you love traveling with versatile and multi function items? Well, portable hammocks are not just hammocks! Rig them up as a sunshade, as a ground cloth or blanket, or even as a cover for your hiking pack if you’re outside when it downpours.

Ever been to a hotel or hostel where one look at the bedding makes you want to sleep on the floor? Pull those off and roll out the hammock to use as a bed-sheet liner! The parachute silk nylon is super smooth so you’ll sleep comfortably without a worry!

And, a hammock stuffed into it’s pouch is the perfect travel pillow. As we mentioned, the nylon is incredibly soft! So remember to pack it in your carry on, because this beats lying your head up against a hard plane or train window anyday!

Helping the Homeless

Hammocking represents the simplicity in life that we often dream of. It is an escape from responsibilities, deadlines, and stress. Some less fortunate souls out there have become a little too distant from these harsh yet necessary realities and now find themselves homeless.

That’s why for every Hobo Hammock sold the company is providing a hobo with one healthy, delicious meal. So while you’re chilling in your hammock, you can relax knowing that someone out there is eating thanks to you!

For every Hobo Hammock sold the company is providing a hobo with one healthy, delicious meal.

For every Hobo Hammock sold the company is providing a hobo with one healthy, delicious meal.

The company has also just announced a new hammock recycling program! It’s never been easier to replace an old hammock, and help the homeless all at the same time!

• Send in your old Hobo Hammock including $20, or any other brand of hammock with $30.
• The company will send you a brand new Hobo Hammock in the color of your choice!
• They’ll fix the old hammock, and give it to the homeless so they can sleep better at night!

That’s just another way they are trying to reach out and help the homeless, while getting you an awesome deal at the same time! So what are you waiting for?! Do yourself a favor, and hook a hobo up!

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Hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation options.

Hammocks are more comfortable, more enjoyable and far more adventurous than many other forms of accommodation options.

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.

Photo credits: Colorful Hammocks “Cheaper Accommodation” by Bailiwick Studios. Sunset Hammocks courtesy of Hobo Hammocks. Pinterest images courtesy of Mapping Megan and Hobo Hammocks. Homeless man by Karim Corban. Homelessness by Derek Mindler.