Man isn’t meant to stay indoors — our weekly “Trekking” column can attest to that. It’s a column dedicated to the adventurer inside of all of us, the one pining to ditch the office humdrum for a quick surf session or seven-week jaunt in the Grand Tetons. One day we may highlight an ultra-light stove and the next a set of handmade canoe paddles. Life doesn’t just happen inside the workplace, so get outside and live it.
Related: Feel Good Friday: Kammock Hammocks
The iconic tent has been a staple of camping since before the Iron Age. However, there’s something about sprawling 360-degree views and sleeping above the hard ground below that redefines the modern camping experience as we know it. The right hammock can provide exactly that, while capitalizing on a lightweight and versatile build you can you can often utilize nearly nine months out of the year. The Amok Draumr 2.0 ($340) is a prime example — so long as you’re not seeking shelter upon Everest.
The Norwegian team behind Amok Equipment set out in 2013 to create a completely flat camping hammock designed to accommodate all types of sleepers, whether you prefer to sleep on your back, side, or stomach. The team ultimately created the first-generation Amok Draumr after sewing and subsequently testing a slew of prototypes, and now, Version 2.0 is here to capitalize and expand upon the success of the first model. The wide hammock weighs just over 4.5 pounds with the included tarp and stakes, and moreover, lodges a single person weighing up to 330 pounds. Integrated bug netting keeps winged pests at bay, too, while the stow away suspension straps and color-coded carabiners allow you to lie flat or in a recliner-like position.
Top-tier materials and a matching rain tarp add to the hammock’s longevity, and though it does require an inflatable sleeping pad to properly use, doing so grants you a comfortable setup and ample insulation from the ground below. A built-in cup holder also conveniently stows your choice of beverage, while the coupled foot box provides a snug place to rest your feet. It’s certainly not the cheapest method for hanging out — that distinction goes to Eagles Nest Outfitters and others in the field — but it is one of the most versatile. Too bad you’ll have to settle for either a blue or green color offering.
Check out Amok Equipment online for more information or to make a purchase.
