First attempt a DIY

**Kaminari** · 09-20-2010, 00:25

Here is my first shot at making a hammock. I just gotta crow a bit!

As you can see I cribbed ALOT from this forum. It is a double-layer 1.1 with polyester insulation between, removable bug-net, RL run thru inside per Headchange4u's sticky. DIY whoopie slings/treehuggers for suspension connected with 3" aluminum tube (no knots!) and self tensioning guy lines, extrapolated from the two examples I found here. Also, the ridge line and guy lines are easily adjustable thanks to Prusik knots. Lays so flat its like being in bed only better! 47 oz. with everything but the tarp. That's next on my To-Do list. For now its big, blue, and from Harbor Freight. The weight could come down but I think it's the insulation.

This weekend is the big test. A BIG one because I have never camped in a hammock before. Any last bits of advice would be greatly appreciated.

**JohnSawyer** · 09-20-2010, 00:52

Very nice!

The insulation is definitely going to be heavy and NOT very packable. In the pocket, it may compress, leaving you with a cold butt... After a time, it will probably flatten out permanently and not work well.

You could either go pad in the pocket, or make an underquilt. If you go the pad route, you'll need a wider pad than normal to keep your shoulders and hips warm. (Search on SPE, or Segmented Pad Extender) There are lots of ideas here... I used a Reflectix pad one night to 60 degrees and was warm enough... There are lots of insulation options, but a good down quilt is amazing, I'm told. I bought a Kick-*** Quilt (their name, not mine) the Lost River model. It's inexpensive, and worked for me down in the 40's and I'm a cold sleeper...

I've heard that gossamer gear sells a large, thin pad that works great, you just cut it to size... I've never used it, though...

Enjoy your handiwork, and be sure to test it before you go out into the woods (or stay near your car!)

re:tarp:
Given your sewing skills, take a look at the DIY Silnylon threads, or Noah Lamport sells Silnylon seconds for $3/yd. You could MAKE your own tarp! I made one (8x10) in about 5 hours, but the Cat-cut ones would be nicer...

LOTS of projects to do!

Also: I use a smaller-than-me mummy bag as a top quilt... I find it more comfortable than climbing in a bag. One of these days I'll get the guts to cut off the zipper, and make my down bag quilt-sized...

Keep up the good work!

John

**Big Jim Mac** · 09-20-2010, 06:44

How is your bug net attached, especially at the hammock ends? Still thinking about that part for my DIYer. That looks real nice, let us know how the trip went.

**thekalimist** · 09-20-2010, 13:25

wow for never camping in a hammock you have some SOLID features on your DIY, very nice work let us hear how it works for you.

**opie984** · 09-20-2010, 13:31

Just make sure you are comfortable with everything. Getting in/out, setting up, breaking down, plan on something going wrong (then if it doesn't, chalk it up to a victory), and most importantly have fun on your trip.

**Kaminari** · 09-20-2010, 15:50

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I will let you know how it goes.

@ JohnSawyer: Yeah, its about the size of a soccer ball, and heavier than I would like, its nice to know I can do a single-layer design with an underquilt to lighten up. I'm hoping to start the tarp in the next few weeks

@ Big Jim: The bug net has 2-way zippers on either side, they terminate in the "roll" near the whipped ends but not so deeply buried that they are difficult to access.

@ Opie984: I'm not going very far from the car this weekend!