There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.
Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes)
Initially, I did not want to get into naming names and recommending vendors. There are a lot of them out there, and prices really vary, so I did not want to exclude any mom & pop hammock shop. However, because I ALSO wanted to include their advice on hammocks as well as steer you toward Fair Trade certified vendors, I’ve decided to list some of the vendors I have used in the past, and only those with which I have personal experience. Some have a large array of choices and prices.
Hammex Hawai’i
(Call Paul at (800) 488-2756)
One of the places I have purchased hammocks from for years is actually based in San Diego, a company named Hammex Hawai’i (with Maui roots). Paul is tuning up his web site, but has sold quality hammocks and chairs for years. He is a wealth of information on all things hammock, and was just drafted to review this blog. Thank you, Paul!
They include a nice stuff sack with their product, and I just confirmed that their supplier is Fair Trade Certified. I will link to a web site when available.
Seaside Hammocks
This Florida company shipped me one of the longest lasting hammocks I own, the bedside model, over twenty years ago. Their web site has many choices, from small and inexpensive all the way up to vast hammocks. They have crocheted and mercerized cotton models (who knew) and their latest Venezuelan moriche palm fiber hammocks, praised on their blog for the ability to capture man-funk?
“He (the dealer) proclaimed that, when your man is away, you will always be reminded of him, as “his essence” remains in the palm fibres of the hammock!
Seaside Hammocks Web Site
Their owner, Tommy, retired from the California wine country and found hammocks a great way to resolve painful back issues. I can relate. His tale is so good I wish I had written it. Read his story here.
They are Fair Trade certified, and the web site has a fascinating array of hammock factoids.
Style Mexican
Based in Vancouver, Canada with production in Merida, Mexico, this company also has a lot of information on their web site about the production and trade. They mention Fair Trade, but I am seeking more information, as many use this term rather loosely. Stand by.
Design Your Hammock
In my search for a “cammock” I found this company. They had the thicker weave, but also said they could do a thinner weave as a special order. You choose the colors and after some back and forth via e-mail – voila! While shipping from Merida, this company makes their hammocks in Tixkobob, Yucatan. I’m adding it to my “100 places to go before heaven” list.
Neither their flyer nor website mention Fair Trade, and they have not responded to my question about it – never a good sign.
This shop was just behind the main, HUGE, flower market. I do hope they are still there. I could have spent hours, but my wife believed there was way too much Amsterdam still to explore!
Mi Mayan Hamaca 