So, we've tried to start this discussion several times now but it keeps going off the rails. See the DM thread entitled 'Really' for background. Let's see if we can't talk about this clearly and calmly, please.
Clark recently updated their 'Features' page to include a couple of lines about 1.1 and 1.7 oz fabrics and their durability.
That's an interesting set of claims at the end, mostly because so very many members here have had great DIY results, and superb durability from quality 1.1 and 1.7 fabrics. There are even a couple of other manufacturers that use those fabrics in their products with great success. Some think the claims are just a jab at those vendors, which is fine since it's Clark's marketing statements on their own site. But the fabric part of it bears some discussion.Clark's mosquito-proof bed fabric is more durable and safe than fabric you can find on other brands. Clark hammocks always have a bed fabric that is higher than 2 oz. per yard. If your hammock bed is made of 1.7 oz or 1.1 oz fabric, it is not intended to last nearly as long as a Clark hammock will. Even worse, 1.7 oz and 1.1 oz fabrics will stretch much more than quality Clark bed fabrics. Stretchy bed fabrics turn you into a banana, forcing you to angle yourself in the hammock to overcome the cheap bed. Why not buy a hammock with a quality bed so you can sleep flatter?
So HF'ers, what do you say? Heavier fabric will indeed stretch less than lighter fabric, but is there a need for heavier fabrics than 1.7 to get durability? If so, at what occupant weight is it needed? Is a single heavier layer more durable than two lighter layers? Have HF'ers made narrower hammocks from heavier fabric in order to get a flat lay without a diagonal position? What were your results?
Let's keep this one on topic please. And Clark owners - this isn't a jab at Clark. The claims raise some interesting questions that are relevant.
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