Weight limit of nylon?

**Kmarr** · 09-11-2009, 18:08

Hello citizens of hammocking, I am new to the hammock world. I am a light packer and I don't want to carry a sleeping pad, so I am making my own hammock. My question is-

what's the weight limit on 1.7 oz ripstop nylon? how about 1.9 oz ripstop?

and what if I put all my weight on one part of the hammock(made of 1.7 oz nylon) what are the chances of tearing? I am 130 lbs. fully dressed and with sleeping bag, prob close to 140

**warbonnetguy** · 09-11-2009, 18:29

at that weight you could pretty easily go with 1.1

with any hammock you don't want to put all your weight in a tiny spot, but it's pretty easy not to do that. instead of putting a bunch of weight on your elbow for instance, use the whole forearm, and never stand up in the hammock, especially if you're wearing stilts

that means you too shug!

**warbonnetguy** · 09-11-2009, 18:31

you'll still need some kind of bottom insulation below 70 deg. weather it be a pad or an underquilt.

**Kmarr** · 09-12-2009, 10:18

I tend to toss in my sleep and switch positions, so is there any chance, using 1.9 oz ripstop, that the pressure of most of my weight on my elbow could tear the bottom?

**Just Jeff** · 09-12-2009, 10:27

Not very likely but anything is possible.

Also, it's very likely that you'll stop tossing so much in your sleep once you switch to a hammock.

**stevebo** · 09-12-2009, 14:40

I weigh 205 and feel pretty safe using 1.9 ripstop. Check out Ed Speers book "hammock camping"---------Hes got all kinds of charts and formulas for choosing fabric weights, hammock length etc.

**Cannibal** · 09-13-2009, 00:41

I've got a hundred pounds on you and have slept in 1.1 hammocks before without problem. The material stretched, but I've never had it fail. 1.7 or 1.9 will be darn near bomb-proof for somebody of your weight IMO.

**Hawk-eye** · 09-13-2009, 00:50

I agree with Jeff above you aren't going to toss about as much in a hammock I bet but at 130 lbs ... geesh pal you have nothing to worry about as long as the ends are properly secure ... the fabric will hold you 1.7 or 1.9

**koaloha05** · 09-15-2009, 19:22

Originally Posted by Kmarr

Hello citizens of hammocking, I am new to the hammock world. I am a light packer and I don't want to carry a sleeping pad, so I am making my own hammock. My question is-

what's the weight limit on 1.7 oz ripstop nylon? how about 1.9 oz ripstop?

and what if I put all my weight on one part of the hammock(made of 1.7 oz nylon) what are the chances of tearing? I am 130 lbs. fully dressed and with sleeping bag, prob close to 140

Hammock: WBBB 1.1 single
Me: ~129# in my underwear
The BB has held up without any problems. I did put a small puncture hole in it. Doubt if a heavier weight nylon would have prevented the puncture.

**Merganser** · 09-15-2009, 20:21

I find that I want to switch to a heavier fabric because of how the stretching of lighter fabrics effects comfort well before break strength would become an issue. Heavier fabric stretches less, less stretch = more comfort.

I go 225 and used 210D Oxford. The particular fabric I used has a DWR coating and goes 3.4oz/yd. This is pretty much in line with the recommendations in Eds book, though he suggests supplex.

I have used 1.1 on a prototype and I felt safe in it but not comfortable. Of course I'm a lot heavier than you are. I'm currently working on a bridge prototype and I used 1.9 for that. It's not bad but it stretches more than I want so you can bet I will be going back to 200/210D oxford when I get done tinkering a start on the real deal.

I'd give some thought to 1.7/1.9oz/yd for lower stretch and more comfort. Just my two cents.