The multi-purpose Hydro Hammock, launched on the crowd-funding website Kickstarter this month, operates both as a suspended hot tub or a water bed placed on sand or snow. Water in the hammock is heated using a portable water heater that also recirculates water drawn from a garden hose or from a natural source such as a lake or stream.
Made from a durable and slip resistant "high tensile strength fabric", the Hydro Hammock is said to support a weight of up to 50 gallons (189 litres) of water and two adults, though only 20 gallons (75 litres) of water are needed for an "amazing quality bath", according to its designer.
The hammock, said to be easy to set up and adjust according to your desired shape, comes as a compact, lighter single layer of material which fits inside the travel case of its heating system. The double layer model allows users to insert an insulation pad or more water between the two layers for added comfort.
It is not known how much the hammock or the heating device, which can be electrically-charged or powered by LPG (liquid petroleum gas), weighs. But the device is said to meet standard airline checked baggage requirements. Solar heating systems are also being developed for the hammock, according to the company website.
The heating system can also apparently function as a cost-effective outdoor shower when used with a basin and a strainer or filter, allowing users to take a shower using less than three gallons (11 litres) of water.
Priced at $US1950 ($A2638)for the heating device alone, $US480 for a single layer hammock and $US680 for a double layer hammock, the Hydro Hammock is not cheap. Packages complete with hammock and heating system will be available for delivery from August.
The Hydro Hammock is just one of several unusual travel gear and kit available for pampered travellers.
The Lay-Z-Spa is an inflatable hot tub that lets you to bring the luxury of a Jacuzzi experience to the outdoors wherever you are. It features a heat pump with an air blower to inflate it, a built-in water massage jet system and a structured wall design for more stability. Said to be compact and easy to set up in less than 10 minutes, the Lay-Z-Spa weighs between 30.9kg and 46.1kg.
Dutch design group Blofield Air Design offers a selection of blow-up Chesterfield couches and armchairs made with a strong UV-resistant vinyl material, allowing it to be used in the outdoors without fading or melting away. It might be wise to bring a towel or two to avoid any sweaty, sticky situations sitting in the sun.
The donut-shaped blow-up table, also from Blofield Air Design, can seat up to six people. The device can be inflated with an electric pump and its circular tube seat is made with a durable "heavy duty rubber" material, featuring a valve system to prevent any strains from excessive air pressure. The UV-resistant seat cover ranges from a sleek faux-leather material to a waterproof polyester weave and a "100 per cent solution dyed acrylic" fabric said to be specially designed for outdoor use.
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The Telegraph, London
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