Hangouts and Cacoons
A hangout is an enclosed hanging nest, part swing and part tent, that a person can climb into; into a darker, more private atmosphere (for fully enclosed ones). It is the retreat space of the sensory swing family: a place to read, calm down or hide with a book rather than a swing to move on.
We stock two designs. The 150cm beige open hangout is an Oxford polyester nest with a fixed 170cm height and a 100kg capacity, hung from a point about 2.1m or higher. The Cacoon hangouts come in three sizes: Bebo at 122cm wide (100kg), Single at 153cm wide (200kg) and Double at 183cm wide (200kg). The single and double are roomy enough for adults, and the polyester and cotton fabric depresses a little in use. Cacoons hang from a strong single point, and for rooms without one we stock the very large heavier duty tripod stand, which is Cacoon approved and rated to 204kg.
The hangout manuals ask for the swing to sit no more than 40cm above a soft surface, with 1.5m clear on either side, hung from a beam, swing set or tree limb at least 25cm thick. Hangouts are not for strong swinging; the fabric is meant to be sat in, so adult supervision and a check that the child can get in and out safely are the main safety points.
Cacoon Sizes on the Heavier Duty Tripod Stand
This shows how each of the three Cacoon sizes fits on the 257cm tall heavier duty tripod stand. The open hangout needs a stand 2.1m or taller as well; the large and medium swing set stands are not tall enough for it.
For the tripod stand, tree straps and ceiling options for a Cacoon or open hangout, with heights and clearances, read our guide, How to hang a sensory swing: ceiling, beam, tree or stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a hangout and a Cacoon?
The primary difference is the amount of enclosedness, with the Cacoons being more enclosed, thus darker and more private. The 150cm open hangout is an Oxford polyester design with a fixed 170cm height and a 100kg capacity. Cacoons are made with polyester and cotton and come in three sizes: Bebo 122cm (100kg), Single 153cm (200kg) and Double 183cm (200kg). Cacoons are the choice for adults and for two people; the open hangout suits one child or a small adult.
Which Cacoon size should I choose?
By who will use it. The Bebo is 122cm wide and rated to 100kg, sized for a child. The single is 153cm wide and rated to 200kg, comfortable for one adult or two children. The double is 183cm wide with the same 200kg rating and fits two adults. All three depress slightly with use, so measure the space with a little extra height.
How high does the hanging point need to be for a hangout?
The open hangout manual asks for a hanging point about 2.1m or higher, because the nest itself is 170cm tall and should sit no more than 40cm above the ground. Hang it from a beam, a stand 2.1m or taller, or a tree limb at least 25cm thick, over grass, sand, wood chips or a mat, with 1.5m clear on either side.
Can a hangout hang from a stand?
Yes. The heavier duty tripod stand is Cacoon approved, rated to 204kg, and stands 257cm tall on a 260cm base triangle, so it clears the single and double Cacoons. The open hangout requires a stand 2.1m or taller (the large and medium swing set stands are not tall enough for this swing). Stands are heavy items, so Tasmania, Western Australia and Northern Territory orders carry a surcharge chosen on the product page.
Are hangouts for swinging?
Not strong swinging. The manuals describe hangouts as places to sit and describe the movement as gentle, with the area kept clear anyway. The safety points are the same as for other swings: adult supervision, a child who can get in and out safely, a soft surface underneath, and a regular check of the fabric for wear. Note that hangouts and Cacoons pivot more than nest swings, based on where you position your weight, so you generally want to keep toward the centre of the swing. This can be more noticeable when getting in and out; if you put your weight on the very edge, it may pivot away from you.
