Summer is finally here, and that means fighting for a spot on the limited number of pool noodles at the local swim club. I got tired of sitting on the hard pool steps or struggling to balance on a thin foam tube that kept folding in half.
I decided to try the Striped Inflatable Water Hammock Float for my last beach trip. It looked like a solid way to relax in the water without spending a fortune.
What Is This Pool Hammock?
This is basically a floating lounge chair made of a mesh center with inflatable pillows on both ends. It is designed to keep you mostly submerged in the water while supporting your head and knees so you can actually chill out.
Most people buy these because they are budget-friendly compared to big plastic rafts. I found the shipping was surprisingly quick, and the free shipping option made it a total steal for under twenty bucks.
Real Features And Benefits
The main draw is that you sit in the water rather than on top of it. This keeps you cool when the sun is beating down on you, which is a massive relief during July.
The foldable design is the feature I liked most. Because it is just mesh and two air chambers, you can deflate it in seconds and toss it into a small beach bag.
- It packs down to the size of a folded t-shirt.
- The mesh fabric dries off very quickly.
- The striped pattern looks better than those plain solid colors.
You can use this as a hammock, a lounge chair, or even a drift board. It is simple, but it handles a full afternoon of floating without losing air.
Honest Pros And Cons
I want to be clear about the good and the bad. This is not a luxury item, so keep your expectations in check.
- Pros
- It costs a fraction of name-brand pool floats.
- You get free shipping on most listings.
- It is very lightweight and easy to carry.
- The mesh is comfortable on your skin.
- Cons
- The plastic valves are a bit cheap and can be tricky to close.
- There is no local warranty if it gets a hole.
- It takes a long time to arrive if you are in a rush.
- The material might snag if you drag it against rough pool tiles.
Who Should Buy This?
If you are heading on vacation and need something to toss in your suitcase, this is perfect. It is meant for people who want to lounge in the water without lugging around heavy plastic rafts.
Skip this if you are looking for something to jump off of or if you are very tall. Taller folks might find that their legs drag on the bottom of the pool because the mesh stretches out a bit.
What Buyers Are Saying
I chatted with a few other people who picked one up recently. One user noted that it was great for their trip to Mexico because it fit right in their carry-on bag.
Another buyer mentioned that their kids loved them, but warned that you should not let children use them without supervision. The mesh is soft, but it is still a pool float and not a life-saving device.
Most people seem to agree that for the low price, it does exactly what it promises. It is a simple tool for a relaxing day at the water.
Final Verdict
The Striped Inflatable Water Hammock Float is a solid buy for the money. Do not expect it to last for ten years of heavy use, but it is definitely better than buying a cheap foam noodle every single summer.
If you are patient enough to wait for the shipping, you will probably be happy with your purchase. It makes floating around the pool or ocean much more comfortable than sitting on the sand.
