CCF Pockets Sewn In

[Geechee]

I have an SPE made with a neatsheet and CCF. It weighs 2.5 lbs on my digital scale. If I go with the pad alone it’s only about a pound. I’d like to drop the excess weight for an upcoming three-day hike. I’m thinking about sewing pockets in the bottom of the hammock (with ripstop) to hold the pads in place since I squirm a lot at night. Would the stitching (Gutermann’s polyester) weaken the ripstop, strengthen it with the additional stitching or have no effect? Has anyone tried this? If so, what happened?

[NCPatrick]

I have heard people here voice concerns about weakening the ripstop by introducing thread-holes by sewing. (I don't know who it was, but some concern was expressed). I think the general feeling was not to sew into the body of the ripstop, but rather sew from the edges.

My .02, HTH.

[johnnyquest]

im looking at getting a spe....but im shocked at the weight! why does your spe/pad weigh so much? whats it made of?

[Just Jeff]

I'd minimize sewing into the body of the hammock. That said, I have an insulated hammock with sewing in the body and haven't had a problem with it. But there are only four lines of stitching - two long lines near the long edges of the hammock, and two short lines perpendicular to the hammock - which form a rectangle.

Seems that making pockets to hold the pads where you'll be sleeping on them would introduce sharp corners right where you're putting the weight...not good, IMO.

I would stick with a standard SPE or add a whole separate layer to make a two-layer hammock. Just my opinion....only one way to find out, though! (I'd suggest a thick pad on the ground for your first few tests.... )