Hiking, biking, swimming and grilling are all activities that transform the last days of spring into the most favorable of seasons, summer.

Summer is about taking it easy, enjoying the outdoors and not worrying about school for at least three months. But what if you want to take “taking it easy” to the next level? The easiest way of doing absolutely nothing only has one requirement: being a foot or two off the ground.

Hammocks, or more specifically ENO’s, a parachute-style hammock, have monopolized trees across Ellensburg.

Created in 1999, ENO’s were made to lounge in during musical festivals, when the sun is shining, when the sun isn’t shining, and everything else in between.

Jampa, a Buddhist Monk originally from Berkeley, California and member of the Ellensburg community, said that hammocks have been a part of CWU’s aesthetic since the 70s.

“I can remember when I first saw one. It reminded me of a plastic sack to be perfectly honest. But regardless, I bought one anyways,” Jampa said.

ENO’s are a popular piece of gear for people who want to literally take a load off their feet.

Avery Odegard, a freshman and dedicated lounger, praised her ENO, comparing it to the love she had for her dog who, of course, hangs out with her in the hammock too.

“He finds it calming and so do I. It’s our thing,” Odegard said while laughing.

Thinking of sitting in an ENO?  Here are a few tips and techniques that can make your time to mellow out simple and painless:

Yes, there is a proper way to sit in the ENO. Make sure the tag stays on the outside shell. It’s silkier and the zipper won’t snatch onto your t-shirt for the umteenth time.

1. Get a can of Sof Sole Silicone Waterproof Spray. It’s $9 on Amazon and enables you to hang in the trees during even the worst thunderstorms.
2. The best length for an ENO setup is about four arm lengths from tree to tree.
3. The doublenest ENO can hold up to 400 pounds. That means you, a couple of friends and a dog or two can hang out with ease and comfort.
4. Sleeping, reading a book and staring at the sky are all leisure activities that can be enhanced by lounging in an ENO.

REI has a summer sale going on with discounts up to 40 percent. With prices ranging from $47 to $97, these hammocks are an inexpensive accessory to seriously consider adding to your summer “must haves.”