| When they were first designed, quilted hammocks | | | | be used again soon after a rain shower. No |
| probably seemed like a really good idea, as there | | | | waiting around for days while sodden quilting |
| were apparent advantages to quilted fabric. Of all | | | | slowly dries. |
| the available hammock styles, they most mimic | | | | Dry days create another problem because quilting |
| the feel and comfort of beds. Also, the quilting | | | | attracts dirt and dust, but cannot be washed and |
| retains warmth, making the hammock inviting in | | | | used soon thereafter because of the slow-drying |
| cool weather. | | | | problem. One can clean just the surface fabric, |
| Long Drying Time | | | | but the filling never really gets clean unless the |
| Quilted hammocks are generally made with two | | | | whole hammock is fully drenched during the |
| layers of fabric, either polyester or canvas, with a | | | | laundering process. |
| polyester fiber filling sandwiched in the middle. | | | | Temperature Discomfort |
| Often the fabric is water resistant, which is not | | | | Promotions for quilted hammocks assure that |
| the same as waterproof. Multilayered fabrics take | | | | added warmth will be appreciated in cool |
| time to dry, which is the first liability of the quilted | | | | environments. That leads to the third liability. At |
| hammock. If exposed to rain, it may retain | | | | night, the warmth may be comfortable, but the |
| wetness like a sponge. It is an awful sensation to | | | | filling in the hammock makes it hot on a warm |
| climb into a hammock that appears dry, only to | | | | day. By contrast for example, single layer |
| have your clothes drenched by the water hiding | | | | hammocks made of Sunbrella fabric ventilate well |
| within! | | | | and are cool to the skin. |
| Other Water Problems | | | | Rather than purchasing a quilted hammock, a |
| Once the quilt has retained water, the door is | | | | better solution would be to choose a rope |
| opened to all kinds of mischief, which leads to the | | | | hammock constructed of soft ring-spun polyester |
| second liability. Mildew and mold can find a home | | | | cord, or a single layer hammock made of a |
| between the layers. Dampness entices a variety | | | | breathable fabric such as Sunbrella. Both of these |
| of insects, which will happily transform the quilt | | | | materials can be found in certain makes of |
| into their new habitat. By contrast, single layer | | | | exceptionally comfortable hammocks. On cool |
| fabrics of manmade materials dry much faster. | | | | evenings, simply carry a quilt or blanket out to |
| Not only is the hammock no longer a potential | | | | your hammock, and take it back indoors when |
| residence for mold, mildew and insects, but it can | | | | you are done! |