First DIY Hammock: Need some Input

**JCINMA** · 10-03-2010, 20:14

Hi guys,

Right now I have two hammocks: A Clark Jungle Hammock Ultralite, and an off-brand silk "parachute" hammock. I'm not totally satisfied with either one, so I'm thinking of my own. The Clark is nice, but the bug netting can be a bit much, and I usually prefer my own tarp over the included one. The silk hammock is better, but I always slide to one end, and it just doesn't feel safe.

My idea is to buy some 1.9oz silnylon (roughly 60"/9ft), and use some rock climbing strength webbing to tie the ends off. I think I'll use a double sheet bend with some back-up knots, and tie the other end off to make a loop, which I can then use with my slap straps.

My concerns:

Am I getting enough fabric? I am 6' 2", and with a gathered end hammock, I don't know what length I should go for.

Will the double sheet bend hold? As an Eagle Scout, I trust my knots, but I want to be extra careful. Should I consider whipping the end and then using a girth hitch?

What improvements could be made to my design? Would an integrated stuff sack, a ridgeline, or something else help? Please chime in with suggestions.

How compatible is this with accessories? Will an underquilt fit? Is there anything I should be worried about on that account?

Is there a cheaper way to do this? I haven't graduated high school yet, and I'm an honors student (too busy for a job), so I'll be operating off gift money.

Thanks for all the help! I can't wait to hear some feedback!

**jbo_c** · 10-03-2010, 20:33

I'm 5'8" and three yards is too short for me. I'd suggest 10th minimum but no need to go much more.

Find JustJeff's hammock page. Good starting there. I think you're overthinking it.

You can do it for $25 or less depending on how industrious you are.

Good luck and have fun.

Jbo

**JerryW** · 10-03-2010, 20:39

You really don't want to use silnylon. It would make a very sweaty, sticky hammock. Just use regular ripstop.

I wouldn't use climbing webbing either, It's nylon and is made to stretch - exactly what you DON'T want for a hammock. A poly webbing is what to look for. The webbing from a set of tie-down straps works very well.

I'm 6'1" and I like an 11' length. I tried 10', and it worked okay, but the 11' feels much roomier.

Check the DIY forum for threads by Knotty and headchange4u for some great instructions. They are sticky'd at the top of the forum. Also, Just Jeff's website is a wealth of info and has instructions for making your own hammock.

Good luck with your project.

Jerry

**JohnSawyer** · 10-04-2010, 00:33

x2 on the 11' hammock. I don't think I'd trust a sheet bend, though... too much at stake.

there are a number of ways to gather your ends. Whipping is easy, and offers options, I also like the Warbonnet method where you run a drawstring through a small channel in the end and make a small bundle. Your strapping/webbing/amsteel/whatever is then attached to each end with a larkshead.

Lots of info here on how to do it, or http://imrisk.com JustJeff's site is awesome, as is Sgt. Rock's. They all have things to offer.

1.9oz ripstop is great, I've gone as light as 1.1oz/yd and I weigh 210 (slept 2 nights this weekend in my 1.1!)

Either way, you can't go wrong, just make sure you integrate a structural ridgeline and play with the length of it, it makes a huge difference in comfort.

Underquilts are great, but pads work well, too. Checkout Shug's videos in the General Hammocking section. He'll show you a Segmented Pad Extender... Much cheaper than an UQ, but not quite as comfy. (still better than being a groundling)

For top insulation, I use a too-small for my fat-a** mummy bag. Works great as a top quilt, I use a safety pin to keep the zipper closed to about my knees.

best of luck!

**JCINMA** · 10-04-2010, 07:05

Look at that! I put down my ideas, and I've got the experts refining them within a few hours.

So, an update on the revisions...

Body: regular ripstop, not silnylon (so I don't drown in a pool of my own condensation), and I'll go with 11 feet instead of 9.

Gathering: I think I'll use the regular whipping method, or a noncommittal version of JustJeff's "W" whipping (I'll bring the middle up halfway).

Suspension: Thanks to the generosity of JohnSawyer, I'll use mule tape instead of climbing webbing.

Also, from JustJeff's page, I realized I'll need to hem everything. I'm no stranger to a bit of sewing, but what kind of thread should I be looking at?

Again, thank you for all your suggestions. I really appreciate the help.

**MarshLaw303** · 10-04-2010, 12:04

100% polyester thread. Guttermon is my fav (sure i spelled that wrong) and locally available.

-Tim

**Knotty** · 10-04-2010, 16:34

+1 what the others said.

Instructions: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

**JohnSawyer** · 10-04-2010, 17:05

Don't get the heavy duty polyester thread. The all-purpose stuff is what you want...

I use that for everything, including sewing loops on my straps...

**PuckerFactor** · 10-04-2010, 22:54

Sounds good! A note on gathering: The lay can be affected greatly by a rather small adjustment in the gathering, so gather carefully and deliberately, and be prepared to adjust it a few times to get the perfect lay. I'm not saying it's dangerous or anything, just that
a little pull here or there can be the difference between the perfect lay and a ridge across your spine. Don't be discouraged if the first shot doesn't quite feel right. It took me probably a dozen re-gatherings to get mine the way I wanted it. :-D

Acer