I’m loving my backyard recently. The patio furniture has been hosed down, the grill has a full propane tank, and I’m getting the hang of my new smoker. Maybe it’s because winter was so harsh, maybe it’s because the space finally feels dialed-in—either way, I’m outside a lot.

While my outdoor chairs were fine, I wanted something more comfortable; something I could lounge and doze off in, as nothing screams summer louder than an impromptu outdoor nap. The backyard is quite small, so hammocks and loungers were out, and I toyed with the idea of getting this egg chair, but I’d still only have the option of sitting upright as I would in any other chair.

I finally landed on this Yellow Leaf Hammock chair. It took mere minutes to set up, lets me curl up like a cat, and doesn’t look like a giant fishnet, unlike most other hammock chairs.

The Yellow Leaf hammock chair is on the pricier side, but it remains popular because it’s well worth the price. Each chair is handwoven from weatherproof acrylic yarn that the company insists won’t fade, rot, or mold, and is signed by the weaver to ensure quality control. The two hanging loops are thick and reinforced, and I have yet to find a yarn that has snagged or frayed. It comes with a small bag for easy toting to the park or beach, or just for storage.

I was skeptical when I read that the yarn was acrylic. I pictured durable but scratchy fabric, like rope, that would irritate my skin or leave waffle marks, but that wasn’t the case. The chair is soft and smooth to the touch, and I can vouch for it not leaving marks on your legs after a 30-minute nap on a Sunday afternoon. The other major comfort factor is coolness: unlike other hammocks, which use a closed-weave fabric similar to camp chairs, the open, meshy construction gives the Yellow Leaf (and you) a breezy feeling.

This hammock chair has a deceivingly large surface area for sprawling out and curling up. At first glance, it looks like enough room for your butt and back, but once seated, you can extend your legs and recline comfortably with the chair supporting you. Akin to a deep couch or love seat, I can sit cross-legged reading, extend my legs and lie back, or curl up in a fetal position on my side.

I splurged on the Vista stand because I have no trees in my yard, but it’s a solid investment even if you do. The Vista stand is a sturdy aluminum base you can set up anywhere, and it packs down to the size of a small tent. The eight pieces lock into place and can be set on dirt, sand, or grass without needing any extra hardware. Pop it up and relax virtually anywhere—beaches, lake trips, pool parties, even a World Cup watch party. Understandable if the sticker shock of the Vista stand is too much to bear—this Amazon stand is a good dupe under $100.

When a brand’s best-selling item has many asking, “Is it worth it?”, my skeptical mind immediately says no. I chalk it up to savvy marketing or newness hype. However, Yellow Leaf’s hammock chair deserves a resounding “yes”. It’s the most versatile outdoor chair I’ve come across and is by far the most comfortable. I appreciate Yellow Leaf’s manufacturing practices and the handmade attention to detail. My backyard is a teeny respite from the city, and it requires discernment to fill its space. The Yellow Leaf Hammock deserves a spot in the corner.

Shop the Yellow Leaf Hammock Chair on Amazon