Material for Lightweight Single-Layer Hammock

I'm putting together a hammock for myself next month and am starting to look at materials. I'm 5'9", 185lbs. I'd like to have a hammock that doesn't have a lot of stretch in it, but I'd also light to keep the weight down. Some feedback on my thought process would be greatly appreciated.

(1) While I technically can make a 1.1oz SL hammock work, there is some possibility of stretch. However, I might not need the full weight of a 1.7 or 1.9oz. I found some 40D (which I understand is 1.5oz); Would this be a good middle ground between the two? Also, is there any difference between 40D and 1.5oz fabric other than simply the unit of measurement?

(2) I've got a 1.1DL WBBB hammock currently. I love the comfort of this hammock, but I do feel like it could be shorter and still be comfortable for me (cutting down the weight). However, I feel this has a lot to do with the footbox, which I will not have on my DIY hammock. What length hammock do some of the shorter hangers like?

(3) I'm going to add a Knotty mod to the hammock; should this factor at all into the length of the hammock?

Long version...D=denier, which is a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers...(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Units_o...le_measurement). The weight of fabric will be effected by the weight of it's yarns (D) and the tightness and pattern of it's weave.

Shorter version...we commonly refer to ripstop nylons as 30D=1.1oz and 70D=1.9oz. I have seen 40D listed as 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7oz.

DWR or other treatments will add weight and is usually not included in the listed weight unless there is a reference to "finished weight".

If you mean the Knotty stretch side mod, then no, this does not factor into length.

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Originally Posted by SaabZombee

(2) I've got a 1.1DL WBBB hammock currently. I love the comfort of this hammock, but I do feel like it could be shorter and still be comfortable for me (cutting down the weight). However, I feel this has a lot to do with the footbox, which I will not have on my DIY hammock. What length hammock do some of the shorter hangers like?

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Why no footbox? Its easy to add a triangle of material to the side of the hammock and, as you said, makes a lot of difference in comfort. With a footbox you can have a shorter (and so lighter) hammock.

I believe comfort and length are closely related. Be careful not to give up too much comfort. I save weight by going more narrow, 54" but 11' long. But I'm 6'-1" tall, so you may not need to go that long.

As to material stretch, it's very personal. I weigh 200# and find the 1.5oz (40d) material to have the maximum stretch that I would want. While 1.9 oz (70d) feels perfect and 2.6oz is too stiff.

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Originally Posted by krugd

Why no footbox? Its easy to add a triangle of material to the side of the hammock and, as you said, makes a lot of difference in comfort. With a footbox you can have a shorter (and so lighter) hammock.

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Well, I'm new to this whole sewing thing. A rectangular hem: alright, okay, gonna give it the ol cub scout try. But when you get all triangley: whoa whoa whoa there cowboy!

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Originally Posted by SaabZombee

Well, I'm new to this whole sewing thing. A rectangular hem: alright, okay, gonna give it the ol cub scout try. But when you get all triangley: whoa whoa whoa there cowboy!

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Think of the triangle for a foot box as 2 sides of a rectangle.:D

I would like to try making my own hammock I do not have a good sewing machine