2nd attempt in DIY hammock a success

**HappyCamper** · 03-02-2008, 19:48

Well, I think it's done since I didn’t end up on the ground again.

My first DIY hammock!! I kinda followed the Zhammock instructions, which are great. I also went to Just Jeff's Hammock Camping website quite a bit.

I whipped the ends. My support is part spyderline and part webbing with cinch buckles. I really like this type. So quick and easy. I added a structural ridgeline and side tie-outs. I used my glow-in-the-dark line locks from the HF group buy on the side tie-outs. Love ‘em.

I pulled the corners of my Oware pad out so they can be seen in this picture.

* Weight – 1 lb, 9 oz
* Lenght - 9 ft (I meant it to be 10 ft. but it didn’t workout that way!)
* 59 inches wide so I can lay on diagonal.
* 1.1 oz polyester, double layer - material from WalMart. Digital US Marine camo.
* Ends are whipped with soft braided nylon cord from Walmart.
* Each end has 12 inches of 2.8mm spyderline from APS. Line is doubled. Attached to hammock with a larks head knot (thank you slowhike) with a 1-inch cinch buckle from OnRope1 (thank you Reeper) on the other end of spyderline.
* 13 feet of 1-inch polyester ratchet strap webbing by Cequent from WalMart on each end. (Tip from headchange4u.)
* End of webbing secured to tree with carabiner from local adventure store.
* Structural ridgeline is also 2.8 mm spyderline from APS. Ridgeline is attached at cinch buckles.

Thanks also to Oh-No and NCPatrick for their help! And to Hooch for sending me Ed Speer's hammock book.

This was a great learning experience. I want to do another one already and I know it’s gonna go a lot faster.

Lessons learned – never gear test for the first time without a crash pad. Never gear test for the first time at midnight when tired!

Hurray for HammockForums!!!! I would have never never never attempted this except for all the great information and great people I found on this forum. Thanks everyone.

One HappyCamper!

**cgul1** · 03-02-2008, 21:02

Looks great, Love the camo,
are the double layers open on the side for insulation insert or hemmed together? Im assuming the later.

**Kanguru** · 03-02-2008, 21:09

Looks good, but now you are really addicted!

**HappyCamper** · 03-02-2008, 21:52

Originally Posted by cgul1

are the double layers open on the side for insulation insert or hemmed together? Im assuming the later.

Yes, hemmed.

**froldt** · 03-02-2008, 23:03

Looks great! I'm about a week behind you, but that gives me time to learn and replan (I've already changed the design ideas about 20 times.

) As everyone keeps saying, it's an addiction! I'm already stuck and haven't even completed my first project yet. At least I've got good company!

**Bug-Bait** · 03-03-2008, 04:25

Can't wait to see your new hammock in person at MAHHA at the end of April.

**HappyCamper** · 03-03-2008, 06:22

Originally Posted by froldt

Looks great!

Thanks froldt! I fogot to thank you for helping figure out what weight my material was! This is the camo you helped me with!

Like I said, lots of people helped.

Originally Posted by froldt

I'm about a week behind you, but that gives me time to learn and replan (I've already changed the design ideas about 20 times.

)

Yeah, that's me too. I actually made two hammocks with this one. Ended up cutting the original more narrow and then rewhipping and changing the supports. And that was after the 20 times of changing during preplanning!

lol. But it's so much fun! Remember the crash pad!

**HappyCamper** · 03-03-2008, 06:40

Originally Posted by qpens

Can't wait to see your new hammock in person at MAHHA at the end of April.

See you in 53 days, but who's counting?

**Peter_pan** · 03-03-2008, 08:03

Originally Posted by HappyCamper

See you in 53 days, but who's counting?

HC,

53 days.....

.... soooo long....Nice job! See you at the MAHHA.

Pan

**froldt** · 03-03-2008, 08:49

Originally Posted by HappyCamper

Thanks froldt! I fogot to thank you for helping figure out what weight my material was! This is the camo you helped me with!

Yeah, that's me too. I actually made two hammocks with this one. Ended up cutting the original more narrow and then rewhipping and changing the supports. And that was after the 20 times of changing during preplanning!

lol. But it's so much fun! Remember the crash pad!

Glad I could help out! I'm so jealous, wish I had some cammo fabric!

You've helped to, cause after reading your story, I won't forget my crash pad!

I'm definitely enjoying the planning process, but I'm antsy to get started!