You’ve probably seen those cotton string hammock chairs swaying in the open booths by the Xunantunich Ferry dock, and maybe you’ve actually tried sitting in one. If you did, you probably immediately noticed that they’re not very comfortable to sit in because the strings behind your head force your head forward.
But twenty minutes with some cord can transform that pretty-but-unusable hammock chair into one of the most comfortable seats you’ll ever experience.
HERE’S HOW TO DO IT:
First, untie the strings that hold up the back of the chair. Don’t worry, nothing will fall apart (#1). See how they just drooped a bit on the edge?
Tie the end of a 3’ piece of cord (parachute cord or other light-weight cord) to the end of one of the parallel bars and lace it through the top of the back edge of the hammock (#2) Pull it tight enough to draw up the back of the chair, then tie it off at the end of the other parallel bar (#3). No need to be fussy ― it will barely be visible if you use a cord the same color as the chair (mine’s orange so you can see it).
#2 
#3
Next, put a pillow against the back. A regular bed pillow fits perfectly. It will stay in place pretty well, but to anchor it better, tie coins into the top corners of the pillowcase to make “knobs” (#4) then loop strings around the knobs and tie them to the ends of the parallel bar next to your parachute cord to stabilize the pillow (#5). Sit in the chair to determine where you want the top of the pillow to be, then lengthen or shorten the strings and secure them.
#4 
#5
Hang your chair from a rafter, preferably a 2”x 6,” with a heavy-duty 2” screw-eye (#6). A brass swivel hook will make it easy to unhook the hammock chair and bring it in out of the weather or store it away when it’s not needed (#7). If you’re worried that is won’t hold your weight, reinforce the hanger with several loops of nylon rope over the top of the rafter, then through the chair loop.
#6 
#7
Now, sit down in it, push off with one foot, pull in your legs and curl up ― completely enfolded but still airily cool and swinging gently back and forth while you relax. Enjoy!
What better way to greet the dawn – listening to howler monkeys, toucans and awakening birds as you sip that first morning cuppa?
NOTE: If your chair could use a mosquito netting, here’s a DIY tutorial on bug-proofing your hammock chair with mosquito netting.