Hammocks have come a long way since they were first discovered by Spanish colonists in the West Indies.

One of the reasons why hammocks were used in Central and South America was to protect inhabitants from sundry horrors which attacked gratuitously from the ground – snakes, ants, venomous spiders, scorpions and so forth. Originally they were woven from the bark of the hamack tree but this source was later replaced by sisal fibres which were more abundant. Christopher Columbus was allegedly so impressed that he brought several hammocks back to Europe with him when he returned from his exploits.

In the late sixteenth century the canvas hammock was adopted by the Royal Navy. Not only did it provide extra sleeping space on the gun decks where there would have been insufficient room for the traditional bunks, but it was realised that as they swung in tandem with the movement of the ship on the sea they were actually far more comfortable for the sailors than more traditional beds. The sides of the canvas naval hammocks would wrap around the sleeper rather like a cocoon, making it virtually impossible to fall out and thus minimise the risk of injuries that had actually been quite commonplace hitherto.

The hammock found further military use with British and American troops serving in the jungle during World War Two and by both sides during the Vietnam War. During the latter conflict US forces actually suspended the hammock in a hole beneath ground level as a defence against machine gun attacks.

Modern hammocks are usually to be found within a much more peaceful environment, as an item of leisure and outdoor relaxation. Rather than being affixed to trees they are freestanding and swing gently upon a sturdy steel frame.

Constructed from a tough polyester fabric and coated with PVC the Fatboy hammock is rain, stain and UV resistant. The fabric of the hammock is moisture and dirt repellent and can be wiped clean quite effortlessly with lukewarm water and soap. It arrives in two practical polyester bags and is simple to set up.

Like most Fatboy products the Headdemock Hammock comes in a wide range of vibrant colours, from plain white to lime green, from subtle taupe to deep red and bright turquoise. It is large and sturdy and is capable of sustaining the weight of almost any potential user.