What determines strength / capacity?

[Curt]

I'm looking into my first hammock and have received some excellent advice and information so far (www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=997)

Some of the DIY information and specs on commercial hammocks has me curious about what determines the load capacity and ratings on hammocks.

Is it the fabric itself? Seems to be mostly 1.9oz or 2.1oz out there - is there a huge difference?

Is it the stitching at the ends? This seems like the most likely failure point - is that the case? Are some construction methods better than others?

Is it the tree attachment system? This one is so fluid and changeable that it seems unlikely this would determine a rating - is that correct? I would think most climbing rope/webbing setups would be fine and this part of the system rarely fails. Right?

I guess what I'm getting at is what part is the most important for load strength? It seems some VERY similar specs range from 250lbs. to 400+lbs. Is there really a difference or are the numbers simply warranty concerns?

Thanks for any insights!

-Curt

[lvleph]

Suspension has a lot to do with strength rating. In my case my weakest part is the hammock material, since I am using 1.1oz, but I weigh under 180lbs.

[Hooch]

I am using 1.1oz, but I weigh under 180lbs.

You used 1.1 for your hammock? Holy cow! I didn't think that was any good for hammocks except for kids. I'm thinking about buying some 2.2 oz uncoated ripstop for mine. What do you think? Of course, I weigh a little more than 180.

[T-BACK]

I use a single layer of 1.9 oz ripstop and I weigh 240 lbs.

Brian
T-BACK

[Hooch]

I use a single layer of 1.9 oz ripstop and I weigh 240 lbs.

Brian
T-BACK

Thanks T-Back, how'd your hike go? Glad you had a safe trip back to FL. The only reason I was thinking about using 2.2 is that it comes in the color I want (olive) and I can't find any in 1.9.

[lvleph]

The HH AR is 1.1

[headchange4u]

I also have a 1.1oz hammock. Works fine for my wieght.

[peanuts]

t-back....off topic...cool avatar. is that your xray????

[T-BACK]

Thank you. Yes, that is a shot of my re-enforced lumbar spine. At least I went with the lightweight titanium hardware.

Brian
T-BACK

[T-BACK]

Thanks T-Back, how'd your hike go? Glad you had a safe trip back to FL. The only reason I was thinking about using 2.2 is that it comes in the color I want (olive) and I can't find any in 1.9.

Thanks for asking Hooch. Joe and I ended up hiking in the Florida Panhandle on the Florida Trail for three days. It was a great trip with some awesome scenery and even a waterfall into the Ecofina Creek. The sky was clear both nights and I fell asleep stargazing. The first night we hung between two lakes on a small hill. The second night we had the company of several Great Horned and Barred owls. The Barred owls even treated us to what I call a "hoot-nany" where several of them started calling very loudly and in succession. It was perfect hammock hanging terrain and I had a great time. I was hoping for the AT hike but this way I got to keep all my extremities!
Olive is a great color for a hammock body and it's not that much more weight.

Brian
T-BACK