The Cowboy Web Slinger UL Bridge Hammock (Dutch Edition Beta Version)

[OlTrailDog]

Another Kcowboy project mysteriously appears. Well done, as usual!

One comment I would make is that I really like the robust feel of the gros grain (I"m guessing) edge on my WBRR for mounting and dismounting. Plus, I'm not concerned about damaging this robust edge material as I thrash about, and in, and out. Guess I'm suggesting gros grain or poly edge binding stuff on the cat cut long edges? Albeit, I understand the theme for the project was UL and not Bomb proof.

[TrailSlug]

So is this prototype usable? What do you estimate the weight limits are on this bridge? You sure do have some skills as this is a nice looking hammock.

[kitsapcowboy]

Another Kcowboy project mysteriously appears. Well done, as usual!

One comment I would make is that I really like the robust feel of the gros grain (I"m guessing) edge on my WBRR for mounting and dismounting. Plus, I'm not concerned about damaging this robust edge material as I thrash about, and in, and out. Guess I'm suggesting gros grain or poly edge binding stuff on the cat cut long edges? Albeit, I understand the theme for the project was UL and not Bomb proof.

Thank you, OTD.

Truthfully, I concur. I think there's a lot to like about grosgrain edges, even if, in accordance with the stated goals of this project, they didn't quite have a place in this particular build.

Although some debate ensured regarding the relative merits of its use in my previous build thread, so far I stand by the myriad advantages of the folded grosgrain channels on the long edges of my Grizz-inspired Rope Bridge hammock. The folded 3" ribbon was easy to sew around the Amsteel suspension, gave plenty of room to spread out the rows of stitches that disperse the occupant load, and offered an aesthetic and ergonomic benefit to the build. As the inexpensive, readily available materials for the suspension and channels obviate the need for high-end high-tech specialty components, the cost of the Rope Bridge is kept in relative check while trailworthiness is maintained. You do incur a weight penalty of several ounces, and you do lose beaucoup style points by skipping the bling compared to this sexy six-ounce beast, but I think the hammock world has a place for both concepts...

[jellyfish]

It looks just like a canoe that I could paddle to heaven. Can't get much dreamier than that!

So cool.

[kitsapcowboy]

It looks just like a canoe that I could paddle to heaven. Can't get much dreamier than that! So cool.

Aw... Thank you, JF.

So is this prototype usable? What do you estimate the weight limits are on this bridge? You sure do have some skills as this is a nice looking hammock.

Thanks for the kind words, Slug. Yes, it seems to be usable, and it has been tested casually so far with live loads of up to 225 lbs, but with the Hexon's thin weave and give, while strong, I would prefer to rate the maximum load capacity for this style of bridge design more conservatively at 200 lbs or less. The skinny 1/2" Kevlar tape really limits how far apart one can spread the stitch rows to disperse critical loads. While I am confident the Web Slinger can safely hold my weight (175 lbs), I am concerned about how well the junction of fabric and suspension will hold up over time. If it starts to degrade, it will be along the long edges in the waisted middle of the cat-cuts, most likely on the innermost row of stitches, where the forces of someone sitting down hard in the hammock or bouncing in it are concentrated during entry and exit, so I will watch those stress areas carefully as I use it. That said, if I had used a heavier, higher-capacity fabric, I would have fewer doubts about the longevity of this critical point. Trailworthiness may be the ultimate cost of ultralight weight.

[kitsapcowboy]

I spliced myself a couple of 7/64" Amsteel continuous loops with Dutch Bridge Hammock Whoopie Hooks (15 grams per pair after assembly, 8" long) to adapt the Web Slinger easily to virtually any suspension system I want to use.

[Otter1]

I love this lightweight baby!

How you "sheathed" the kevlar is a very nice touch.

[Hangin' Around PA]

Really sweet! Nice work!

[kitsapcowboy]

I love this lightweight baby! How you "sheathed" the kevlar is a very nice touch.

Thank you very much, Otter.



Some "action shots" from the Web Slinger construction phase are attached...

[GrizzlyAdams]

back when I embarked on the challenge of a 'light-as-possible' bridge hammock, I used cord instead of webbing because the cord was lighter. If this kevlar webbing had been around then I'm sure I would have given that a try. Great to see you pushing the envelope.

bet you could push the envelope even further by doing without the fancy metal corners. Jest sayin'

thanks for posting