I set up my wife's crappy old sewing machine, bought some fabric and thread and started experimenting. Mind, I had never used a sewing machine before and this one is especially horrid to work with. I've spent hours picking out seams and re sewing because of that blasted machine. The hammock shown is actually my 3rd attempt.
The hammock is made of 2 layers of untreated, breathable,1.2 oz ripstop nylon. The interior is coyote tan an the outside is Woodland Marpat. The fabric dimension are ~11 foot by ~5 foot. The dimensions may vary a little due to hemming.
I've been on many trips with this hammock so far. And I've loaned it out a bit too. It is comfortable, lightweight and compacts very well. I am able to sleep on my side in it as well. My stuffsack contains the entire hammock and rigging.
My findings so far:
I should have made at least one layer from 1.9 oz ripstop. I'm a heavy guy at 275lbs. I cause the fabric to stretch a little more than I like, sometimes resulting in the sides of the hammock squeezing my shoulders. It'd be perfect if I were under 230lbs. My other prototype is made of two layers of 1.9oz and 2.2 oz waterproof fabric, constructed in the same manner as the one I use now. It's very comfortable because the fabric doesn't stretch at all, but it is very bulky and a bit heavier. It is warmer on it's own than the lighter hammock due to it stopping the wind. Over all I find that hammocks are infinitely more comfortable than sleeping on the ground as far as support goes. I freaking hate having a pad in there. It slides around, and isn't wide enough to keep my shoulder warm. I am going to build an under quilt as soon as I get money for materials. I also have to learn how to sew on zippers so i can have a bugnet.
On a side note, I could have gone out and purchased a nice hammock with a bug net and fly for the money I've spent on material. But then I wouldn't have learned anything. Thanks for all the tips and tricks you guys have posted, they were invaluable.
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