Have you been stargazing and hammock-camping lately and feel it’s time to give your hammock a little wash? Or maybe you spilled something on it while lounging or accidentally poked a hole in it? Depending on the amount of cleaning and TLC your hammock needs, we have the tips and tricks for keeping your hammock in great shape!

What if my hammock gets wet? 

That’s ok!  ENO hammocks, made from nylon taffeta, can withstand normal outside conditions. Nylon is commonly and widely used in outdoor fabrications due to its quick-drying, flexibility, and yarn strength properties. When you are done with your adventure, just hang it out to dry. 

Spot cleaning and washing 

Before any type of cleaning, make sure to remove the carabiners. Also, make sure the carabiners are clean, dry,  and free of any sand or dirt particles that can cause erosion overtime on the metal. 

• Spot cleaning. This is the easiest and quickest way to clean up your hammock if you have a small spill or stain. Use a soft cotton rag that will not be too abrasive on the material. Grab a small bucket or run the rag under cool water and blot the spot with the rag as many times as needed until the stain is removed. Let dry. If needed, you can use a drop of mild detergent or Woolite if the stain is more set. 
• Hand washing. If it needs a full wash, this is the most recommended method as it is the most gentle method. You can easily wash your hammock in a sink, bathtub, or a bucket filled with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent or Woolite. Soak it and work the detergent around gently. Once cleaned, rinse it, carefully ring out the water, and hang to dry. 
• Front-load washing machine. If you have a reliable front-load washing machine with various settings, you can use this option if you do not prefer to hand wash. If you choose to use the washing machine method, make sure to run it on the delicate or hand wash cycle, with cold water and a mild detergent. Hang to dry.

How to store an ENO hammock

The ENO hammock comes with its own storage bag already attached. We recommend using it! Make sure it is completely dry before you put it away and make sure it’s stowed in a dry, cool place. This will help keep your beloved hammock in top-notch shape for years to come.

If you have the perfect spot for your hammock and you like to keep it set up, go ahead! Just know that leaving it outside in the sun and weather can deteriorate the fabric over time. UV rays also can fade the fabric’s colors and break down its fibers. Just be mindful and check your hammock before each use to make sure it is in safe and working condition.

Repairing your hammock

Before each use, be sure to check it for any tears, holes, or any other signs of fabric wear.

If you get a small tear or hole in your fabric that is 2 inches or less, you can save your hammock with an easy-to-use repair kit. We suggest grabbing some of these fun gear patches ahead of time just in case something happens. Eagles Nest Outfitters also offers free repairs or replacements if your hammock is qualified under their warranty guidelines! Check out those guidelines here as well as other helpful information like what to do if your hammock knots get untied!

 

Find the best summer gear at Alabama Outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Summer is here, which means music festival season is right around the corner! From July 14th to 15th, Birmingham will once again trek out to enjoy the Sloss Music and Arts Festival at Sloss Furnaces. We’ve put together a list of ten essentials to help you stay cool and look cool through two days of music in the great outdoors.

Empty Reusable Water Bottle:

While outside food and drink are prohibited, we encourage all festival goers to bring an empty reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is key to an enjoyable festival experience. For the ultimate in festival-friendly hydration, try the lightweight and ultra-portable Que Collapsible Water Bottle.

Day Pack:

The festival has strict rules on bag size. However, most bags under 12 x 6 x 12 will be allowed in. Find a lightweight day pack or fanny pack with comfortable straps to carry your festival essentials.

Point and Shoot Camera:

Be sure to pack your point-and-shoot cameras, disposable cameras or phones. No GoPros, recording devices or cameras with detachable lenses will be allowed in.

Sunscreen:

There is nothing worse than getting a nasty sunburn on the first day of a festival. Be sure to wear at least 30 SPF sunscreen and reapply. We love Sun Bum’s sheer and weightless Face Lotion Sunscreen and SPF 30 Lip Balm (we’re bananas for the banana flavor!). 

Blanket or Towel to Sit On: 

Take a load off and enjoy the music from the grass. Bringing a light towel, blanket or beach mat to get off your feet and relax during your festival experience. We love ENO’s Islander LED Blanket — it’s trimmed with LED lights, so you’ll never lose sight of your spot again! For the ultimate in festival relaxation, come hang out with us in The Outdoors Eno Hammock World! 

Sunglasses:

Protect your eyes! Sunny days spent entirely outside can be super hard on your eyes. Invest in a protective and stylish pair of sunnies to top off your festival outfit. If you’re looking for a sweet pair of aviators, these Serpico sunnies come with polarized lenses that also repel water, grease and dirt.

Hat or Bandana:

Stay cool and comfortable with a hat or bandana. This essential will keep moisture and sun off your face. Or you could try the versatile UV Buff, which can be worn in twelve ways. Not only is it super stylish, it’s super good at blocking UV rays and odors.

Portable Phone Charger:

We all know how important a fully charged phone is at a festival. Pick up a fully charged portable battery to charge your phone on the go. At the very least, bring a phone charger to recharge your phone at a charging station.

Comfy Shoes: 

Comfortable footwear is a definite essential for an enjoyable festival experience. When it comes to comfy and supportive summer footwear, you can’t do better than Teva. They’re durable and washable, too — two must-have qualities for outdoor festival footwear!

Good Company:

Of course, the best way to enjoy any festival is with people you love. Good people means good vibes and a great time. Want a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets and a stay at the Westin? You’ve got until July 11th to enter our online giveaway.

Have a safe weekend and enjoy these amazing artists! And should you forget something, don’t worry! We’ll be there along with Teva, Smith, The North Face, and Eno to help you out!

 

Text by Amy Haupt