Tag: outdoors

Top Hammocks for 2023

Posted on Noah Ryan
woman with a dog in a hammock near a lake
Courtesy of Ilya Kovalchuk
  • There are numerous hammocks on the market for all kinds of needs:
    • Best Overall for 2023
    • Best with a Stand
    • Best Swing Chair
    • Best for Camping
    • Best Rope Hammocks
    • Best Double Hammocks

Whether outdoors or indoors, hammocks boast several benefits for improved posture, enhanced comfort, and sleep efficacy. The structure of a hammock prevents tossing and turning, which results in back pain, and the swaying motion lulls one to sleep better than a bassinet. But, there are countless types of hammocks with varying fabrics, tensions, and support systems. To ease your purchasing questions, here are our top hammocks for 2023.

Best Hammock for 2023

Yellow Leaf Signature

Courtesy of Yellow Leaf

As seen on the hit show Shark Tank, Yellow Leaf Hammocks’ Signature Hammock is our pick for the top hammock in 2023. For only $199, the lightweight hammock boasts a sleek look, feels ultra-comfortable, and supports a good cause. The high-quality fabric is weather-safe and endures rain, snow, or shine without rot or mold. Each product comprises 15,000 hand-woven loops, and the Classic size stretches 10 feet and supports up to 400 pounds. Family-size versions are slightly larger at 11 feet and sustain up to 550 pounds. Their signature, eye-catching product comes in 13 variants and includes a customizable option.

Set up is easy. These versatile hammocks need only two sturdy connection points attached to the included straps. From there, it’s as simple as placing the main loop on the hook and relaxing the day away. While primarily hung, these pieces fit nicely into stands, and Yellow Leaf recommends their own Hammock Throne for the job. Tote bags for easy transport are provided with purchase, and they offer free shipping in the United States.

Courtesy of Yellow Leaf

But there’s a story behind how these pieces came to be. While on vacation in Thailand, the company’s co-founder, Joe, traversed the country’s northern regions on a motorcycle ride. On his adventure, he encountered the Mlabri Tribe, whose name means “The People of the Yellow Leaves,” and he rested from his journey in one of their hammocks. Today, Yellow Leaf works with the Mlabri people, and a significant portion of revenue from sales goes back to the weavers to support their community. Most of the weavers are women, and their names are stamped on every tag.

Best Hammock with a Stand

Outsunny Arc Hammock with Canopy

Outsunny’s Arc Hammock with Canopy is the quintessential pool-side hammock. Perfect for patios, pools, and gardens, its contemporary wood and cotton design inspires dreams of sand, coconuts, and the smell of SPF. The slender wooden curvature, made of Russian larch, turns upward to support a canopy, sometimes called a sunbrella, to shield the eyes and face from harmful sun rays. In addition, its fabric is weather resistant and reduces the likelihood of fading, staining, mold, and dry rot.

This combination of style and comfort will transport you back to the beach for just $355.99. Spending the afternoon in a sunny haze is what hammock days are all about.

Best Hammock Chair

Kings River Swing Lounger Chair

bright blue hammock chair from the front
bright blue cup holder
bright blue hammock chair from the side
bright blue traveling bag
Courtesy of Public Lands

The best of both worlds, this next hammock combines the leisurely bliss of a swing with the familiar trappings of a chair. Whether inside knitting or fishing by the lake, Kings River’s Swing Lounger Hammock Chair fits perfectly indoors or outdoors. This new travel and camping essential costs $74.99, supports up to 300 pounds, and comes in vibrant shades such as Pepper Green, Tap Shoe, and Hawaiian Surf. Made of lightweight aluminum, the chair offers trouble-free folding, and storage in the accompanying travel bag is as easy as squeezing the arms together.

Designed for comfort, the hammock includes an attached pillow for neck and head support. In addition, the ribbed chairback supports spinal stability, and the padding prevents typical and uncomfortable bending in the fabric. Among its many features, the chair includes an integrated cup holder attached to the hardware to ensure a never-spill situation. A tripod leg structure guarantees steadiness without compromising a full range of motion.

Best Camping Hammock

Warbonnet Original Blackbird

Warbonnet Original Blackbird Hammock in the woods
Courtesy of Warbonnet Outdoors

For the adventurer and outdoorsman, the Warbonnet Original Blackbird is the top camping hammock on the market. A world-class purveyor of hammocks, Warbonnet designs with camping in mind. This made-in-the-USA brand capably handles extreme climates, from the winter snow of New York to the arid terrain of New Mexico. Warbonnet makes the Original Blackbird with their proprietary Deam-Tex fabric blend, and its durable yet comfortable cotton-like texture retains its stability for several years.

For only $175, the Original Blackbird offers more features than typical hammocks. One of the primary draws for the product is the built-in bug net, which has a zipper for entering and exiting but is movable. The elastic guylines ensure the net is taut and out of the way. Sleeping comfortably in hammocks often proves difficult, but the foot box — an area towards the end with extra fabric — provides extra foot space. A desirable feature, the product includes a “shelf” — a pocket on the side — for storing essentials.

person sleeping in the Warbonnet Original Blackbird hammock
Courtesy of Warbonnet Outdoors

Additionally, Warbonnet sells accessories to improve comfort. For example, products such as top and under quilts retain warmth in exceptionally cold conditions, and tarps keep users dry and out of the rain.

Best Rope Hammock

Miami Rope Series

blue weave
green weave
white weave
Courtesy of Fab Habitat

From plastic to polyester, Fab Habitat‘s Miami Rope hammocks showcase classic boho charm. Fab Habitat uses recycled plastic bottles, typically soda bottles, to create a polyester weave. Due to their material, the Miami Rope series is resistant to mold, mildew, UV damage, and staining. Comfortably fit for two, the product sustains up to 460 pounds. The hardwood spreader bar keeps ropes taut and minimizes dipping and tangling. Miami Rope hammocks come in varying shades and are great for indoor and outdoor use.

Best Double Hammock

ENO DoubleNest

Two people in an ENO hammock looking off to the mountainside
Courtesy of NBC

After a long day of flying, birds return to their roost, and ENO’s DoubleNest cradles more than one egg. This double hammock — one that fits two people — is a refreshed and refurbished version of ENO’s original. The triple-stitch seamed product expands to 9.5 feet in length, weighs only 19 ounces, and supports up to 400 pounds. In addition, ENO hammocks come with integrated packing bags, and the sack rests on the side when in use. When packaged, the bag is about the size of a grapefruit. The hammock fits easily into the bag due to crinkle-resistant FreeWave® fabric and is secured with a drawstring and buckle. Despite the increased size, DoubleNest remains compatible with other ENO accessories.

ENO keeps sustainability and philanthropy at the heart of their company. DoubleNest and their other hammocks are approved by bluesign® — an organization that ensures sustainable sourcing and production practices. Additionally, ENO plants two trees per hammock sold. When purchasing the DoubleNest, consider buying from the Giving Back Series; hammocks from this series feature standout patterns and each print supports six nonprofit organizations, including Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Leave No Trace, and the National Park Foundation.

From hanging on the patio to hanging in the woods, these top hammocks for 2023 embody the spirit of summer. Now you need a place to go; check out our top lake-based travel destinations for your next adventure.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks was featured on the hit show Shark Tank.

Yellow Leaf Hammocks are made by the Mlabi people in Thailand

Unlike many contemporary hammocks, Outsunny’s Arc Hammock has an integrated hammock.

The Kings River’s Swing Lounger Hammock Chair is made of lightweight aluminum, easy to store, includes a pillow, and has a built-in cupholder.

Warbonnet makes their hammocks in the United States.

The Original Blackbird by Warbonnet costs $175.

A footbox is an area towards the end of a hammock with extra fabric that provides extra foot space.

Due to their material, the Miami Rope series is resistant to mold, mildew, UV damage, and staining.

bluesign® is an organization that ensures sustainable sourcing and production practices.

Hammocks from this series feature standout patterns and each print supports six nonprofit organizations, including Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Leave No Trace, and the National Park Foundation.

The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2021

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Clever Hiker

When embarking on a hiking adventure, having clean water is of the utmost importance. Between a lack of clean water on your trail and the dangers of stomach parasites, it’s not worth the risk. Luckily, there are plenty of water filters on the market that will keep you both hydrated and safe this summer. Check out some of our recommendations!

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

Photo courtesy of REI

Best used on backpacking trips, the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter system includes two 32 fl.oz pouches, a cleaning coupling, and accessories for gravity and incline use. Its filter, made of hollow-fiber membrane, removes almost 100% of all bacteria including salmonella, cholera, and e.Coli. The durable packaging allows this water bottle to be used hundreds of times, equipping you for several hiking adventures over the course of the summer. Plus, this water filter won’t weigh you down. It’s only 3 fl oz. without water, making it lightweight and easy to transport on the trails.

Katadyn Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier

Photo courtesy of Backcountry Gear

This backpacking water filter by Katadyn Steripen is small, portable, and gets the job done. This tiny device which fits into most containers can purify half a liter of cold or warm water in less than a minute. But its ability to purify bacteria that causes cholera, dysentery and typhoid is only one defining feature of this tool. Notably, it’s also excellent at filtering out harmful UV rays. Finally, this device is rechargeable from any USB power source. Simply connect the water purifier to a cable, and when it’s fully charged, it’ll be ready to treat up to 50 liters of water.

MRS Guardian Purifier

Photo courtesy of Gearminded

This one’s for the folks who are doing some arduous hiking. If you’re confronted with some murkier water sources and need a heavy-duty solution, the MRS Guardian Purifier is a perfect choice. This backpacking water filter is the winter of BackPacker Magazine 2016’s editor’s choice award for a reason. Its advanced medical-grade fibers block viruses and physically remove viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and particulates. This level of purification is something that most hollow-fiber filters cannot achieve. It’s also perfect for cold-weather hikers, since it’s engineered to withstand freezing temperatures.

GravityWorks 4.0L Filter System

Photo courtesy of Backpackers.com

Rated as one of the best high-capacity gravity filters, this filtration system from Platypus is effective and simple. Just fill one of the bags (labeled “dirty”) with water, place it above the empty bag, open the clamp, and give the rest to gravity. In just a few minutes, this system will produce about 4 liters of purified water. Using hollow fiber as its purifying mechanism, this backpacking water filter eliminates protozoa, bacteria, particulate, giardia, E. coli, salmonella, and more.

Grayl Water Purifier

Photo courtesy of Gear Junkie

Regarded as one of the best backpacking water filters for traveling internationally, the Grayl water purifier is known for its speed and simplicity — not to mention that it gets the job done. Within only eight seconds, it can produce 24 ounces of clean drinking water. The best part is that it doesn’t matter where the water source is. If it’s a murky pond, an unfamiliar lake, or even an underground well, the Grayl device is designed to remove waterborne infections across the globe such as viruses, bacteria, pesticides, chemicals, and microplastics.  

From all of us at Lake Homes, we wish you the best on your hiking adventures this summer!

All You Need to Know about Algae Blooms

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Great Lakes Now

Have you ever come across a lake topped with a layer of bright green film? If so, you’ve witnessed a body of water filled with algae blooms. While there’s nothing wrong with the blooms themselves, they can become insidious when they get out of control. These are known as Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB). As a lake homeowner, it’s essential to know about this phenomenon. Today, we’re covering the basis of algae blooms.

What Causes Algae Blooms?

Photo courtesy of Surf Rider Foundation

HABs happen when freshwater or saltwater colonies of algae grow out of control. The excess of these blooms produces toxins that can be harmful to marine life and humans. But what exactly causes these algae blooms to grow at alarming exponential rates? Bryan McKenzie, co-founder of Bumper Crop Times with experience constructing artificial ponds, says that it’s usually caused by five conditions: nutrients, temperature, light, turbidity, and stable water conditions. 

In lake water, phosphorus and nitrogen are the primary nutrients that algae consume. Bryan elaborates, “These nutrients can get into the water if the surrounding lawns, agricultural areas, riverbanks, or river beds erode. In addition, natural lakes and artificial ponds or reservoirs can bloom with algae if there is phosphate on sediments.” This produces an over-feeding effect, where the existing algae get too many nutrients and continue growing. Other conditions that facilitate this growth are temperatures above 77 degrees, more light, low turbidity of the water, and stable water with low flows. Unfortunately, climate change has fostered more conditions for harmful algae bloom growth as well.

What’s Harmful About Algae Blooms?

Photo courtesy of Wladis Law Firm

Since algae blooms are simply a type of aquatic plant, it may be baffling to understand why they’re harmful. But not all algae blooms are harmful. While small amounts of algae are benign, they are only toxic when they grow in large quantities. Bryan describes, “Algae blocks the light from penetrating the water surface and depletes oxygen concentration, which is crucial for fish and plants.” In a lake filled with excess algae blooms, the layer of green algae creates a barrier between the sun and the fish and plants that need sunlight. As the algae take nutrients for themselves, they continue to grow while the rest of the ecosystem suffers. 

Additionally, the algae’s death is harmful to the lake. “When algae die, the decomposing microbes consume the rest of the oxygen,” Bryan explains. “This kills fish and plants and completely devastates the pond. That’s a disaster for any water body.” In short, this green scum at the top of the lake is detrimental to freshwater and saltwater environments alike.

How Can I Prevent Algae Blooms at the Lake?

Photo courtesy of Simple Lawn Solutions

While many conditions that cause excess algae blooms are outside human control, there are certain precautions that lake homeowners can take to avoid an abundance of algae. First, you can use only phosphorus-free fertilizers and detergents on your land to prevent runoff that will feed algae. You can also devote energy to landscaping. For example, remove grass clippings from the lawn, always pick up pet waste from your property, and try xeriscaping strategies to improve water filtration in the ground. When it comes to the water’s edge, don’t build concrete banks, but rather, allow natural vegetation to grow near the lake’s edges. Finally, Bryan advises homeowners to “hire a professional to monitor water quality and cure it proactively if something goes wrong.” 

At Lake Homes, we care deeply about the well-being of our lakes. We hope this information helps you understand the dangers of algae blooms and maintain an environment that doesn’t foster their growth.

 

Bug Off! Natural Ways To Repel Mosquitoes

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

mosquitoMosquitoes are things people always try to avoid, and with good reason. Not only are they a nuisance when they bite, they also leave you with an itchy sore for a few days. To repel mosquitoes there are lots of products to assist with that, but in the majority of cases, that would mean using chemicals and products harmful to them and us as well.

One of the best ways to repel mosquitoes is to use Citronella candles. They are very easy to be made, are natural, and will release a scent that will keep the mosquitoes away. Place these candles in any outdoor area that you would like to enjoy to create a barrier that will keep mosquitoes away.

An alternative to Citronella candles is lavender. It is lovely and beautiful to humans but mosquitoes hate it. Add lavender to windows and door to help repel mosquitoes.

Another way to prevent mosquitoes is to make sure that there is no standing water on your property. This is where mosquitoes breed, so emptying any pots or buckets around your house will reduce their numbers.

You can also buy or create a mosquito trap. This trap will attract mosquitoes by using CO2. The trap is built in a way that bugs and mosquitoes can enter it but cannot leave it.

Follow these given natural repellants and it is guaranteed mosquitoes will not even think about crossing you or your property!

Outdoor Activities – How to Start a Vegetable Garden

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

watering gardenStarting your own at-home vegetable garden is a great way to save money on fruits and vegetables. A measly $2 tomato plant over the entire season can give you nearly ten pounds of fruit.

You and your family also get to eat delicious fruits and veggies without breaking the bank. Being able to pull food straight from your own garden is not only a money saver, but something fun that you can do as a family.

The first step you need to take is deciding what to plant in your vegetable garden. You must consider not only what you want, but what you have time to take care of.

Deciding on Vegetables to Plant

vegetablesMany people get very excited at the idea of a vegetable garden with eyes bigger than their means. Starting off small is the best thing you can do.

Sometimes people have the tendency to plant more veggies than they actually need, so starting off small is always the best idea. Vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and squash will keep you filled with vegetables all season long so you may not need to plant as much as you think. Radishes, carrots, and corn only come up once, so if you want more, you will need to plant more.

Determining the Amount of Space

One important thing to remember when starting a vegetable garden is that you usually do not need as much space as you might originally have thought.

You should keep your garden about 10×10 in size to keep the weeds away. The more space there is, the more likely you are going to grow weeds instead of vegetables.

You can even put veggies, such as tomatoes, into a container to save on space.

Picking the Right Spot to Plant Your Garden

No matter how big or small your garden is, there are three specific things your plants need to thrive and grow beautifully.

  • Lots of Sunlight – Vegetables tend to require between 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. If these veggies do not get the sun they need, they will not grow as much, and they will be prone to get attacked by diseases or bugs. (If you can’t find a sunny spot, consider growing spinach or lettuce, neither require as much sun as other vegetables.)
  • Lots of Water – Typical vegetables are not tolerant to drought, you must give your plants water during the day when it has been a long time since it’s rained. Keep your garden close to a place where you have easy access to your water source. This will make it much easier on you in the long run.
  • Great soil – Your vegetable garden will require good soil to grow properly. Vegetables tend to do best in moist soil that has lots of organic elements.

Keeping your garden close to your house is a good idea as well. It will be much easier when it is time to harvest your produce that you are going to cook. Putting together some planted pots near your grill is not a bad idea either.