While hammocks are primarily used for leisure and relaxation, there are a couple of things many people use hammocks for. Some people use a hammock for storage, while others use hammocks for a host of other things. With the setup of a hammock, you might be wondering if it is possible to use your hammock as a parachute.
Since hammocks such as the quilted hammock look pretty much like a parachute, you might be tempted to go ski-diving with your hammock. You might also wonder how safely using your hammock as a parachute is. Well, we’ll discuss all of these things and more below.
No matter the type of hammock you use, you shouldn’t try to use your hammock as a parachute. Although a hammock looks great and handy for one, it cannot be used as a parachute.
Jumping off the sky with a hammock as a parachute wouldn’t only get you injured, it might likely get you killed. You might even be tempted to use a quilted or a nylon hammock as a parachute, do not act on this.
No matter the hammock material, you will not be able to float on air if you try to use them as a parachute. You can use a hammock for many things, and a parachute isn’t one of those things.
Table of Contents
How About a Parachute Hammock?
A lot of people often wonder if they can use a parachute hammock as a parachute because of its name. Well, the answer is a big no! You cannot use a parachute hammock as an actual parachute.
It isn’t crazy for you to have such an idea because of the name. Parachute hammocks are called that name because people use the same nylon to make parachutes. Although parachute hammocks have several similarities with actual hammocks, you will be putting your life at risk if you want to jump off a plane using a parachute hammock as an actual hammock.
For relaxation, you can only use a parachute hammock-like other hammocks, such as quilted or rope hammocks. Although parachute hammocks offer comfort just like other hammocks, they feel quite different. Also, hanging your parachute hammock is a super easy thing to do. Other brand of hammock that your should know Eno Hammock, Sunyear Hammock,
How Do I Set Up a Parachute Hammock?
Like setting up a rope or quilted hammock, setting up a parachute hammock is very simple. All you need to do is follow the steps below, and you are good to go.
Step 1: Choose the Right Trees
No matter the type of hammock you intend to set up, the first thing you must do when setting up your hammock is chosen the right trees for it. You have to take your time to check the tree you intend to use to hang your parachute hammock.
Check the firmness of the tree, as it is very important. Once you check, look for signs of dead leaves or branches around the trees. If there are none, you can hang your hammock from those trees.
Step 2: Tie the Hammock Rope or Strap to the Tree
Since you are using a parachute hammock, there is a good chance you will use a rope instead of hammock straps. This is because most parachute hammocks come with ropes for hanging when you order them.
Before tying the rope around the tree, make sure you create a loop in the rope. Ensure you tie a loop and possible knots on the rope. Once you have done this, wrap the rope around the tree and pass one loosed end of the rope through the loop. Firmly pull to the loosed end and wrap in the opposite direction.
Wrap the rope around the tree at least 2 to 3 times and pass the one underneath one of the layers of the wrapped rope. Firmly tie through one of the layers and leave an anchor point hanging or knot hanging in the direction of your hammock.
Step 3: Connect your Hammock to the Rope Using an S Hook and a Carabiner
This is the next thing you must do if you want to set up your parachute hammock. Most parachute hammocks come with an S hook instead of a carabiner. Simply connect your hammock to the rope using the s hook.
Ensure the hammock is firmly connected to the knot or loop on the rope, as a bad connection can result in your hammock slipping off when you get into the hammock. At the same time, you must try to check and ensure the hammock isn’t too far from the ground when connecting it to the rope.
Repeat the same process for the other end of the hammock connecting it to a nearby tree.
Step 4: Check All Safety Precautions and Sit in your Hammock
Once you are done typing your hammock to the tree, you must check for safety precautions to reduce the risk of anything going wrong when you get into your hammock. You must check if the straps or ropes are firmly tied. You must also check if the hammock is not too far from the ground( ideally, your hammock shouldn’t be more than 5 feet off the ground).
You can lie in your hammock once you check all these. Remember to lie down diagonally when sleeping in your parachute hammock, as it will help give you more balance.
What Are the Safety Precautions to Consider when Setting Up a Parachute Hammock?
There are a lot of safety precautions to consider if you want to set up your parachute hammock. These precautions don’t just guarantee your safety, but they also help the hammock last longer. Here are some of the safety precautions below.
1. Never Hang your Hammock too Low or Far off the Ground
This is the most important safety precaution you must observe when you want to set up your hammock. You must never hang your hammock too far off the ground. When you hang your hammock too far from the ground, it not only becomes complicated to get into your hammock, but it also becomes risky.
At the same time, you must never hang your hammock too close to the ground. Doing this won’t only reduce your comfort but also exposes you to creeping insects and animals, especially when you are out camping in the wood.
2. Always Ensure the Stand or Anchor Points Are Strong Enough
People often mistake hanging their hammocks to a stand that isn’t strong enough. This results in the stand folding or breaking when they get into their hammock. Often, this also happens with anchor points holding their hammocks.
You shouldn’t just use a random stand or anchor point when setting up your hammock. If you are using a tree or pole, you must check if they are strong enough. Also, ensure the anchor points are strong enough if you hang your hammock from the ceiling.
3. Do Not Steam Dry your Parachute Hammock
Just like every other random hammock, you have to take your time to wash your parachute hammock often. When washing your parachute hammock, always use mild detergent, as bleach or other strong detergents will reduce the quality over time.
Once you are done washing your parachute hammock, you must air dry your hammock. Do not steam dry your hammock with an iron; you should not try to put your hammock in a dryer. Trying any other means apart from air drying will likely destroy your hammock.
4. Do Not Get into a Torn Parachute Hammock
This is another safety precaution to observe when setting up your parachute hammock. You must take your time to check if your parachute hammock is torn at any place. If your parachute hammock is torn, you shouldn’t try to enter or lie down inside the hammock.
The reason for this is very simple. Your parachute hammock might further tear, leading to a much-reduced level of comfort whenever you get into it. Always check out torn places in the hammock and try fixing them before setting up your hammock.
What Other Things Can I Use my Parachute Hammock For?
You can always use your hammock for many other things besides relaxation. However, using it for an actual parachute isn’t one of those things. Here are a few unusual uses for your parachute hammock.
- Food Storage
As unusual as this may sound, you can use your parachute hammock to store and carry food for camping purposes. The size of the hammock doesn’t just make it easy to carry your food around; it also makes it easy to store your food hanging on the tree.
Simply tie the hammock to the tree in your camping location and store as much food as possible. You wouldn’t have to worry about the food getting sour or spoiling as long as what y are storing isn’t perishable.
- To Hold Water and Rain
You can always hold rain inside your parachute hammock if you are out in the wood and looking for a medium to hold rain. Since your parachute hammock is made of nylon, it will be pretty easy to hold water.
Remember, you shouldn’t put excessive weight inside your parachute hammock. You shouldn’t use your hammock to hold too much water.
Conclusion
Although you can always use your hammock for a host of things other than relaxation, you should never attempt to use your hammock as a parachute. You can always use your hammock for several things, from storing equipment to food.
Also, the steps for setting up your parachute hammock are pretty much the same as setting up other random hammocks. All the steps and more have already been discussed in the article above.