Hammocks: Invention That Changed the World

Hammocks (Spanish hamaca, borrowed from Taino and Arawak hamaka) are slings made of fabric, rope, or netting, suspended between two points, used for swinging, sleeping, or resting. - Wikipedia
Hammocks have been used for more than 800 years in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, providing a safe place for people to sleep, off the ground, away from snakes and other dangererous creatures. Christopher Columbus brought hammocks to Europe after discovering the “New World” in 1492. This form of bedding has subsequently been adapted for many different uses.
Videography by Ken Kramm, November 24, 2017; Canon Vixia HF G10-30, IPhone 7+, Final Cut Pro X; Creative Commons / Public Domain photographs were sourced from the Internet and pictures taken by Ken Kramm.
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[@deeswaveyy5014]

The hammocks from Yucatan 🇲🇽 are a must!

[@lockhurst7680]

Home is where my hammock is.

[@KennethKramm]

Yes!

[@FullSpectrumSurvival]

Ken. This is an amazing, educational, and enjoyable video. Thank you for all the research and work that went into this.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Brad for recognizing and commenting about the research and "film time" to make this type of video. Much appreciated. ...ken

[@LionheartLivin]

AMAZING THANK YOU!!!;)❤🎉

[@KennethKramm]

No problem!!

[@maitlandmoore6426]

I wouldn't doubt that the curvature of the body and the movement reminds your inner you of being in your mother , the most secure and warm place in the world .

[@vickis.9363]

That's exactly how I feel.

[@theprophetez1357]

That scarf hammock fail is one of the best bloopers anywhere.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks. It was fun!

[@ilovemoneyalot101]

I'm doing research for a hammock company's scholarship and honestly, your video far surpassed what I thought I was gonna be seeing. Great filming and voice over!

[@susan4180]

I grow every time I watch one of your videos and have subscribed. Enriches my life daily.

[@ጂዩዝ]

Hey guy, nice video. You should try to go sometime to our festival of the Hammock in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico. It's a tradition and part of our culture here in Puerto Rico from years and years, since the tainos lived here. You would enjoy our cultural festival with Hammocks of all types hand made. They also show the biggest hammock in all Puerto Rico wich is 37 feet and its made by artisans from all over the island. Crazy right!? The town also has a museum dedicated to the cultural aspect of Hammocks in Puerto Rico and its pretty nice too.

[@AJSRider20]

Excellent vid Ken. Anytime spent in a hammock is time well spent. Like the history bit.😁

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Steve ...ken

[@vickis.9363]

I've been sleeping in my jumbo Mayan hammock (same one!), indoors, for 17 years now. I'm a yogini and massage therapist of over 30 years. I can say that this form of sleeping is very therapeutic for the back. I have zero aches and pains when I wake up, the likes of which I do experience when I'm forced to sleep in a bed while traveling. Because the hammock is so comfortable, there is no need for tossing and turning, which means deeper sleep. It's a very cheap, practical solution to the exorbitant and toxic mattress industry. Highly recommended...

[@zalkona5051]

Ken, you had me sold on hammocks when I made my first one from a bed sheet. Awesome video. Glad that you didn’t get hurt (but I did laugh 😄) You are def a Ninja!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks. I pretend to be a Ninja ... just an old guy playing in the woods....

[@ScottWorthington]

I really enjoyed the history lesson along with the wonderful camping spots. I can't believe you didn't mention all of the years that Gilligan and Skipper slept in bunk bed hammocks.

[@KennethKramm]

Oh yes, you reminded me Scott... Thanks for watching and commenting ...ken

[@ledraps22]

Nice video, ken. I like the effort you put into this.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome ledraps22

[@nicktrav]

Very informative Ken. Thanks for another great video. Happy holiday to you and your family.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome

[@7hilladelphia]

Best vid all day long. Love your style. Great voice and creative as all get out, thanks man.

[@riccartwright5623]

I always look forward to your videos my friend... I love hammocks but did not know the history of them and was surprised.... enjoyed

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks ric. much appreciated....ken

[@ZZoutdoors]

Very cool Ken! Thanks fer the history! Hope ya' had a great Turkey Day! ZZ.

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome ZZ

[@redsorgum]

Excellent history lesson! You really got into the "swing" of things while making this video! Great editing...........until next time......✌🏻

[@KennethKramm]

Yes! Thanks for watching and commenting....

[@stoneman886]

Great video as ever Kenneth .. thanks for sharing

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks stoneman886

[@angiatrocker]

One of the best and funny video I´ve ever seen!

[@PeterRAllen]

Dear Kenneth One the greatest short films I have ever seen, truely enjoyable, informative and fascinating regards Peter Allen - Australia

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Peter! Made my day... ATB, Ken

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Fascinating and full of art as well as inspiration. I hope your channel gets 'hotter than a rocket stove!'

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks James. Much appreciated ...ken

[@billyjoedenny]

what a great video ken , you covered all the hammocks and swinging chairs except one , lol it is time for a winter hang here, thanks for the history on hammocks ken . some of the pictures gave me some ideas to test .. see ya in the spring ken . ..bill

[@KennethKramm]

Getting cold here bill; average night temperatures are in the mid 50s ... and if we're lucky, we will get a few nights with temps in the low30s/below... Stay tuned, the series about the history and use of hammocks is continuing. There are literally thousands of approaches, that have not yet been described, including the "Mechanical Ridgeline." I'm waiting for low temperatures to get close to freezing, to demonstrate advantages of hanging low, and tight with a ground hugging tarp. I will measure heat loss with my new Lasergrip 774 Infrared thermometer. The hammock you made for me is like a palace inside, with no cold spots; especially when hung the way you do. The advantages are most obvious in cold weather; weather so cold my fingers and feet tour white/blue. I want to demonstrate the effects of Renayuds Syndrome, with and without this hammock setup. ...ken

[@pedro_claro]

@@KennethKramm hey I’m curious about that video. Can I get a link or a name?

[@7thSpring]

Great job Ken as always 👍

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks...

[@PHARRAOH]

Gilligan and the skipper put them on the map for us kids out this way

[@KennethKramm]

Oh yes Pharraoh, Thanks for mentioning. I remember Gilligan and Skipper... So cool....ken

[@calista910]

lol this was so entertaining and im glad I got to learn more about hammocks I really wanted one for the sake of minimality.

[@GreyOwl8]

You finally resting in that ninja scarf made me think of how I used to carry my son in a scarf type cloth wrapped around me when he was a baby. Does that count as a hammock? :D

[@KennethKramm]

Interesting Kerstin that you mentioned carrying your son in a scarf. Yes, it counts as a hammock. Ive seen several pictures labeled scarf hammocks, that carried children in the way you describer. Peace, Ken

[@gogonkt]

Ken.I really enjoyed the history lesson

[@budharpey]

many interesting facts and beautiful hammock pictures. I liked this kind of video

[@KennethKramm]

Thank you J. Charles for watching and taking time to comment. Much appreciated ...ken

[@timmyhunterpcp]

Thank you for all your videos and information. ❤️

[@KennethKramm]

You are so welcome!

[@williamreeder4902]

Great Video....thanks for sharing

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome William

[@curtforeman8936]

Ken, you make me laugh in a good way..the ninja hammock was cool!

[@KennethKramm]

Awesome. I laugh every time I see the clip....

[@peterhulleman5407]

Very nice and relaxed video

[@KennethKramm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shampoovta]

I seen a lot of hammock videos and non talk about it's history. maybe Primitive technology but he don't talk. I recognize the mind of an educator here. did you teach? I was a teachers aid and you do your videos like a teacher. history and it's connection to the present is always the focus of your videos it's why I am here

[@shampoovta]

PS: I did a tie dye a bed sheet and made a tee pee for the beach. you should try it for your bead sheet hammock. rit dye just never worked for me but that Tulip dye stuff was very bright if I left it sit the full time and soaked the sheet in soda ash first. tons of you tube videos on how to do patterns with the dye your followers could do camo colors or something. I used the project as a fun family craft so we did a ton of stuff all at one time

[@KennethKramm]

kelley davis Thanks Kelley. Smiling... yes, I was a college teacher (forestry and biology) at Michigan Tech in the 1970s and retired 12 years ago from Compaq Computers / HP as Director of Training for the Americas.... Ken

[@sosteve9113]

i agree,well explained Ken

[@FrankBenlin]

Very nice, thank you.

[@ceciliacoch5722]

Great video Ken. Peace !

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Cecilia ...ken

[@TexasScout]

If you have the room, find an old piece of shrimp net. The bigger the better. String it tightly in the trees. You will never have more fun than this.

[@KennethKramm]

Will do. Thanks for the suggestion...

[@Aporqpyn]

Great content and great production. Good job!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Will

[@gordonpage1]

Utterly, utterly brilliant! You’re an inspiration to me.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Ahmaf. Much appreciated my friend ....ken

[@Sherrilynn27]

I have been sleeping in one for about a decade and my back is better now than in my youth. I have a 'bunk' hammock niw for when my granddaughter stays with me. I'll never go back to a bed.

[@theranger7974]

ty for the Share

[@dominikwolf1660]

Awesome! Thanks for the good Idee's. I was yesterday bow Shoot in the Snow. Is was so great. Greetings form Heidelberg Germany.

[@dominikwolf1660]

Oh want say bow shooting!

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Domink for watching and commenting from Heidelberg. Wishing you success bow shooting! ...ken

[@lalleprutt868]

Great video👍👍

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks!

[@bernardweaver2416]

I love the pupae inspired hammock, very cool.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Bernard.

[@slickwillie3376]

How do you make one from a bed sheet? Aren't bed sheets prone to ripping?

[@drcsep]

Thanks for the historical hamaca background

[@KennethKramm]

You're welcome Carlos...

[@ilonaanoli1593]

Hallo Kenneth, just one question: how many bruises did you have after that experiment? I don´t believe your position was comfortable. I´ve tried that too.

[@KennethKramm]

Ilona Anoli which experiment? I did many. Very comfortable in the last example on the video with scarf hammock. After adjusting the scarf. ... before adjustment ... uncomfortable. I’m testing a related sleeping system in the forest tonight. Wish me luck.... ken

[@ilonaanoli1593]

Hallo Ken, I mean that one with the ninja hammock? I tried many things when I grew up on a farm, especially with bedsheed-hammock in trees, and I has some accidents too.... I really enjoy watching you... Good Luck for this evening, Greeting from Vienna.

[@harrylegrand1339]

Every family members house had one in Puerto Rico. Nothing like the mountain or ocean breeze and taking a nap.

[@truckertom3323]

Nice video you did there.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Tom...

[@pedro_claro]

I could totally imagine a butterfly chrysalis being turned into a hard shelled one person tent. Or a cot bed being hung from wires out of a single tree (I might have to patent that)

[@monicajones8450]

the problem with the fail was you were not wearing black the first time. Great video. Thank you

[@KennethKramm]

You've got it Monica. I should always wear black when pretending to be a Ninja. Thanks for watching and commenting. You put a smile on my face... ken

[@SurviveN2]

Good info Ken, I like hearing the history part too ;-)) TFS

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks my friend...

[@jerryvelez-cedeno1441]

Great history

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Jerry

[@MrPlayfulOtter]

You look like you're living the good life and having fun doing it - I hope that's so!

[@KennethKramm]

Oh yes. I'm just an old guy having fun in the woods.... Good life...

[@lauriedavis7471]

Discovered by Columbus, but they were already in use. He saw people using them. better words to describe Columbus would be to say Columbus took the invention he saw back to Europe.

[@sweetbeep]

I want to sleep in a hammock full time inside , but I can't find a safe stand.

[@vickis.9363]

I've been indoor sleeping in my hammock for 17 years. I don't have a stand, just eyebolts directly in the wall. I hang it on one wall during the day for extra space in my studio apartment.

[@sweetbeep]

@@vickis.9363 hmm.. are those eyebolts screwed into the wooden planks behind the wall? Do you own the place so you are able to do that?

[@vickis.9363]

@@sweetbeep Yes, screwed into the studs behind the drywall. No I rent. The holes are easily repaired with spackle and paint when I move. I recommend sleeping in a jumbo Mayan hammock as it moulds around the body comfortable and has plenty of room for winter bedding. I use a flannel sleeping bag and a cotton sleep sack inside (like sheets). You don't really need a pillow but I use a buckwheat crescent pillow propped under my cheek to secure my head.

[@sweetbeep]

@@vickis.9363 oh ok thanks so much! I hope it's not hard to match the paint tho ..that could be a complication?

[@vickis.9363]

@@sweetbeep A good handyman can repair wall holes when moving out, no problem. I've done it twice now.

[@rlamb51]

I learn something every day. I thought sailors had been “heaving out and tricing up” long before Columbus’ day..

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Roger for watching and commenting ...ken

[@rainbowrefraction_2414]

i am swinging in a Hammock while watching a video about other people swinging in Hammocks.

[@KennethKramm]

Awesome....

[@lionelyork4960]

Bonjour and bravo! I Always have à string (3 m~ 10ft?~) helping me to swing(?balancing?) on my hammac. A peg on the ground, one end fixed on the peg, the other end in my hand and just à little mouvement back and forth(?) and its Magic and hypnotic! Take care

[@KennethKramm]

Awesome idea Lionel. I hadn't thought of strings for hammocks. Thanks for the idea. I've notice diagrams swings from Ancient Greece used strings in the same way you describe.... Ken

[@FrankBenlin]

I do that too, just rock yourself to sleep.

[@joellewis4806]

Holy Toledo, Ken. What a fun-to-watch video.... Loved the FAIL scene... laughed my butt off. However, you might have neglected one aspect of hammock-ing seldom seen or considered - the lightweight apparatus mountain climbers use to sleep on the face of cliffs; generally framed and suspended single point they are too similar to hammocks to be excluded from the discussion. Another thing I had in mind is a hammock that...... email me privately and Ill tell you the rest... you might be interested in the idea.

[@KennethKramm]

Excellent commenting. mountain climbers use awesome high-tech hammocks. I'm interested in learning more...

[@WiltshireMan]

Chrysalis Ken hangs in his hammock beneath the sloping branch, What will he Morph into we wonder? His caterpillar years are done! A Ninja perhaps?Or maybe an Oldster! Yes an "Oldster" full of wisdom and learned experience, Peacefully accepting natures commands for none can avoid the passage of time! But Ken will grow young with advancing years. Putting many half his age to shame! Teaching us youngsters how best to live, by example don't you see! And to cherish the natural world. And also to leave our camp sites better than when we found them. Live long and prosper, Oldster Ken The Hammock is the future for Oldsters and Oldsters to be. Just don't do a "Molby" and rotate. It's a painful end you see:) Oldster to be Sandy

[@elderhiker7787]

This Jacklore poem cuts to the chase. This Jacklore poem cuts to the chase providing support for the journey, and not the race. The Wiltshire Man hangs from his hammock high in the sky while providing wisdom and edge; he's not too shy.

[@WiltshireMan]

LOL My poetry needs some improving:)

[@KennethKramm]

Yes! Wow. I love the verse Sandy. ....ken

[@DannyWalker1949]

HI Ken, Are you telling me you're alittle Buggy? he-he just kidd'n with ya my friend.

[@KennethKramm]

I'm smiling Danny ... ATB, ken

[@katgore99]

Awesome

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Kat...

[@johnlord8337]

I have an "opinion" that the first hammocks came from the Knight Templar trade and fishing fleets in their trans-Atlantic trades of the 1100s-1300s-1500s, ... and the sailors (like always) had their sleeping hammocks in the ships. The natives would then import this into their housing. Whereupon, ... later 1490s, ... the Spanish/Portuguese of the Conquista area found the natives using these devices. They were then re-imported back into those other southern European areas as an invention for their culture. It is known that as far back as the early 1500s, (and probably further back) that there were European cod-fishing fleets (Norse, Danish, Irish, British Isles) that were in the Canadian waters and down along the East Coast. The same for privateers and pirates along the coast of those times, raiding such trading and fishing fleets of their produce. It was that same English-captured native Squanto, who was taken to England, learned English, bought his way back to freedom, returned back to the East Coast, and was the native who first contacted the Pilgrims (my ancestors) with the first words of exchange, "Do you have any beer ?" This was the 1620s, and even earlier.

[@Oddinuff]

Kenneth Cool Kramm :)

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Brent...

[@3flashcan]

Is it a clove hetch .

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks my friend...

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Hammock camping is not necessarily lighter the no hammock camping, unless you live in a warm climate.

[@KennethKramm]

Correct.

[@VanishingNomad]

Its my understanding that the hammock actually goes back to ancient primitive times. I was once reading that they are likely the very first piece of furniture ever invented by man kind...they may even predate our species.

[@KennethKramm]

Interesting comment VanishingNomad. Exactly who invented hammocks isn't know, with a probable origin in Latin America. That being said, swings have been traced back to ancient Greece; many primates uses them (long before people), as well as other animals. Swings and hammocks are closely related. ATB, Ken

[@RangerKooky]

Give me the share I see you at the next voo if you coming

[@KennethKramm]

Ranger Kooky hi Ranger Kooky. I’m stealth camping for the next several days. When I get home, I will share / shoutout some of your videos on my Facebook page, Bushcraft and Nature... ken

[@MadUncleAndy]

The knot looks like something I know as a J-bend.

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks Andrew...

[@MadUncleAndy]

KennethKramm thank YOU for work you do on your excellent channel!

[@eliasrodrigues171]

No Brasil chamamos esse nó de boca de lobo.Um abraço.

[@KennethKramm]

Obrigado, meu amigo, um nó de lobo. Paz, Ken

[@meccagold2009]

I am now ready to try Yoga.

[@KennethKramm]

Go for it!

[@Jonessen]

👌

[@desbravador1674]

A merican. Dint knoe the reds?

[@jchrg2336]

Amaka, it's still the name and still how in my language we call it when we going to a creek.... "* Hè, no vergiti fu teki a amaka, nanga oenu *

[@KennethKramm]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated my friend