Hammock Ratings

**Kiyu** · 05-04-2007, 13:21

I was looking at the Hennessy comparison chart on their site and the hammock material is the same (210D Oxford Nylon) for standard hammocks rated from 200 through 350 pounds. I thought that the weight limits were determined primarily by the strength of the hammock material. Are they rating their hammocks based upon differences in webbing and attaching lines?
Kiyu

**Rhino-lfl** · 05-04-2007, 13:26

Originally Posted by Kiyu

I was looking at the Hennessy comparison chart on their site and the hammock material is the same (210D Oxford Nylon) for standard hammocks rated from 200 through 350 pounds. I thought that the weight limits were determined primarily by the strength of the hammock material. Are they rating their hammocks based upon differences in webbing and attaching lines?
Kiyu

I don't think there is a standard.

**lvleph** · 05-04-2007, 15:20

I think most of the ratings probably have to do with suspension rather than material.

**Just Jeff** · 05-05-2007, 11:05

Agree with Rhino - I've never seen anything about a standard. I think most of the ratings have to do more with liability than anything else. CYA.

But otherwise, it would be the weakest link. For most hammocks, that's probably the webbing or cord...most of the failures I've heard of have been there. The only fabric failures I've heard of were special cases - unhemmed edges, Ed's with 5000+ hours of use, or the cord was so thin it abraded the material and caused a rip, etc.

**Hana Hanger** · 05-05-2007, 13:18

I as well agree with Rhino and Jeff with the exception of the "length" of material does make a difference in the weight load. Or at least that was what I was told

**Kiyu** · 05-06-2007, 05:08

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

Agree with Rhino - I've never seen anything about a standard. I think most of the ratings have to do more with liability than anything else. CYA.

But otherwise, it would be the weakest link. For most hammocks, that's probably the webbing or cord...most of the failures I've heard of have been there. The only fabric failures I've heard of were special cases - unhemmed edges, Ed's with 5000+ hours of use, or the cord was so thin it abraded the material and caused a rip, etc.

Thanks for your response. I was referring to their standard hammocks as in not one of their lightweight specialist hammocks. What with fabric weight limits often mentioned and Ed having 50 lb increments user weight suggestions for various cloths on his site I think I've been looking in the wrong place for hammock user weight limitations. I'm right around the 250 lb mark so I'm at a borderline weight.
What type and size of cordage would you suggest for tying off the ends of the hammock and for connection to the webbing....with a good margin of safety?
Kiyu

**funbun** · 05-07-2007, 08:21

Originally Posted by Kiyu

What type and size of cordage would you suggest for tying off the ends of the hammock and for connection to the webbing....with a good margin of safety?
Kiyu

As far as whipping the ends of the hammock, you don't need anything strong. I use old shoe strings.

As far as the suspension goes I use Syderline 5/32 inch diameter stuff. It's rated to 1900 lbs.

Then I just bought polyester webbing from Strapworks rated to 3500 lbs.

**Curt** · 05-07-2007, 09:26

Originally Posted by funbun

Then I just bought polyester webbing from Strapworks rated to 3500 lbs.

How much does that strapping weigh? I'm assuming it's the 1.5 inch stuff, right?

Thanks!

**angrysparrow** · 05-07-2007, 11:59

Originally Posted by Curt

How much does that strapping weigh? I'm assuming it's the 1.5 inch stuff, right?

I can't speak for funbun, but I use the StrapWorks webbing as well. I chose the 1" polyester webbing (not 1.5"), and haven't regretted it at all. It hasn't stretched and is very light (haven't weighed it accurately though).

**Just Jeff** · 05-08-2007, 20:54

Important note - I was talking about the tensile strength of the material. So if you're just laying flat in it, the fabric is pretty strong. But if you stand up in it or put too much weight on an elbow, it'll poke through - the puncture strength of fabric (especially lightweight materials) isn't very high.

For supports, I use Ed's 1" webbing, Air Core Plus from BPL, and some heavier-than-needed Spectra I got from a kite-surfing store.

Might be worth an email to HH and Ed Speer to see what criteria they use for their ratings.