I own two hammocks but don't use them often. If I had to pinpoint one reason, high on the list is that they are cumbersome, bulky, and just a pain to put together. My more expensive, incredibly comfortable one is a set of six poles that attach, and then the hammock clips together.

Fast forward to an email I recently got touting the new Anymaka span-fold designed hammock in a travel-friendly form, featuring a 3-second setup. So I had to try it, and this past week, I finally got around to unboxing it and testing it, mainly because I had the weather to support a nap in the hammock, which I thought would be ideal for a trial run.

The Anymaka hammock comes in a heavy-duty sling bag, perfect for storage and travel. Inside is the frame, the hammock itself, and some cool accessories. So, to test the advertised 3-second setup, I had everything out of the case and ready to go. Directions read, and I'm prepared with my stopwatch in my wife's hand. Full disclosure: I did cheat a little during the unpacking, seeing how everything would work, how the hammock attaches to the frame, and whatever I would need for the quick setup.

Ready, set, go…. 3 seconds it is. I'm not kidding. Is it faster than any other hammock stand on the market? I can't speak for them all, but I will say the 23-pound Anymaka hammock lapped the field and some of the two others I have. Before my initial opening, I had the hammock canopy clipped to the frame. It has a UV-resistant canopy with UPF 50 plus sun protection.

Once you're ready to open it, the frame has a handle. Stand it with the legs down and open it up. You're done. When the legs open, they distribute weight evenly and are balanced with a 105-inch ridgeline for supporting you head to toe.

Another item mentioned in the press release is totally accurate; what sets Anymaka apart is its exceptional adaptability. There are no trees required for the Anymaka. The fold-up design keeps the hammock self-contained, requiring only a flat surface. It has a solid construction with aircraft-grade aluminum and a rustproof finish and is listed to support up to 550 pounds.

It has two modes: the traditional lying down in extreme comfort in the lounge mode, or you can adjust the frame with its easy sliders and lock-in snaps to put it into chair mode.

But it doesn't end there. The accessories available with the Anymaka hammock take it to the next level, and while some take a little more than 3 seconds to install, they take little time. There is the ever-important drink holder ($29.90), which is pretty much a requirement. It can also be used to attach keys and hold a smartphone.

Other add-ons include an adjustable insect net ($69) with 360-degree protection, a knotless design and a double-sided zipper door for easy exit or entry from the hammock. The adjustable canopy kit ($90) is compact for travel and has an adjustable shade of up to 180 degrees with quick-assembly poles. It supplies UPF 50-plus sun protection.

The Ultralight Double Hammock ($49) can hold 2-3 people up to the hammock frame's weight limit of 550 pounds. It's available in ocean blue, sunset yellow, and forest green choices.

When the nap is over, and the drink is empty, the Snap-Fold design allows the Anymaka hammock to pack up just as easily as the setup. It can then be stored in the high-quality over-the-shoulder storage sling bag.

The Anymaka is available on their website with a special introductory offer of $269.

www.anymaka.com

©2024 Gregg Ellman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.