When Christopher Columbus spotted Carribean Indians sleeping in cotton nets slung between trees he thought it was such a good idea he adopted it for his crew.

By 1660 hammocks were widely used in ships and sailors sometimes had to share a double one.

The name, hammock, is derived from the Spanish word hamaca. Wise old sailors still prefer to sleep in hammocks, even onshore, because they get a good night's (or day's) rest.

POCKET-SIZED HAMMOCK

This frameless mini-hammock, woven from tough nylon, rolls up into a fist-size ball and slips easily into a pocket.

• The Pocket Sized hammock is equally useful for boating or camping.

• Hammock suitable for persons up to 6'3" tall.

• Hammock measures a full 20 foot long by 6 foot wide.

• Cool in summer, snug with sleeping bag in winter

• Hammock uses: hammock with or without sleeping bag; emergency stretcher; snare; emergency rope; dunk bag; off ground storage.

• Hammock users: trailers; hikers; campers; back packers; cyclists; hunters; scouts; fishermen; pool side; picnickers.

• Weighs 8 ozs; supports 1/5 tons.