NOOB with a fabric question - Heavy Campers:)

**jrousell** · 06-27-2011, 09:32

Hello Everyone. I did some searches and have been trying to learn some more before I make my first hammock.

I am interested in making a hammock for myself for recreational camping.

I see that 1.9oz nylon ripstop is popular and that was my starting point. I am on the heavy side and I am not too worried about fabric weight in my pack. I am mostly interested in comfort and sturdiness..

I weigh about 275 lbs and i like to overbuild things...( FGR- fat-guy-rated)

I was thinking about 200D nylon (non ripstop) uncoated that I found here:
http://www.seattlefabrics.com/nylons...oated%20Oxford

I am thinking that ideally something like 120D - 200D nylon might give me more strength without having to double up...

Is this a good way to go? Should I instead be looking at polyester microfiber?

AM I correct in assuming that a urethane coating on any of these owuld make it less breathable?

Suggestions???

**Bush** · 06-27-2011, 09:53

Sounds good for a single layer hammock, other more knowledgeable persons may follow with differing advice. I weigh 215 and use the 70d 1.9oz and feel very secure and it's durable. I have made hammocks in 1.5oz which supports me but I'm concerned with durability. I believe hennesy uses the 200d for their hammocks rated for your weight so you should be good to go. Definitely use the non coated fabric however. Condensation will be an issue if you use the coated fabric. You won't make just one, it's addicting. It's like a womans shoe collection, one for every occaision...Bush

**Ramblinrev** · 06-27-2011, 12:21

200 D nylon would be fine. In fact it is widely used in the commercial world of hammock building. Polyester microfiber has gotten some very good reviews as well. The main thing you need to keep in mind is the suspension system you select. Don't cheap out on that. Buy a good system either piece meal or from one of the forum cottage industry folks. The reason is very simple... The fabric will likely warn before it drops you on your butt. (Although you shouldn't have a problem with the 200 D) but the suspension will just let gravity win. Gravity always wins.

**shumway** · 06-27-2011, 13:25

I don't have any fabric advice, but I've seen people suggest these things for the first tests of a new hammock/suspension. Only hang as high as you are willing to fall. Hang over something soft - grass, carpet, couch cushions, etc.

**jrousell** · 06-27-2011, 14:19

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

200 D nylon would be fine. In fact it is widely used in the commercial world of hammock building. Polyester microfiber has gotten some very good reviews as well. The main thing you need to keep in mind is the suspension system you select. Don't cheap out on that. Buy a good system either piece meal or from one of the forum cottage industry folks. The reason is very simple... The fabric will likely warn before it drops you on your butt. (Although you shouldn't have a problem with the 200 D) but the suspension will just let gravity win. Gravity always wins.

thanks for the reply -- Yes I hear ya on suspension-- that part I think I have a good handle on based on the great information on this site....

I have ordered some polyester straps from AHE and some 1/8 amsteel to make woopieslings.

I think the main thing I ahve left to decde on the hammocj itself...
1) just buy an ENO doublenest...
2) sew myself from double layer 1.9oz ( 70d) ripstop
3) sew myself from that 200D nylon oxford
4) sew myself from some other fabric...

**Dblcorona** · 06-27-2011, 14:36

To be honest with ya, I haven't had a problem 1.9oz single layer, and I am 285. I use a WBBB now, but still pull it out now and then. I just received some 1.5oz from backwoods daydreamer to make someone a hammock, and it's such nice material, I think I will order more for a double layer.

**Jsaults** · 06-27-2011, 14:41

but I can remember back to the "Old Days" when Kelty (as in **** Kelty) made his pack bags with un-coated nylon oxford because it was stronger than the coated variety. I can see where uncoated threads would have the ability to give and stretch to accomodate shoulders, hips and knees. I wonder if coated fabric would be as compliant?

And as already noted, there is the condensation factor.

Jim

**jrousell** · 06-27-2011, 14:56

Originally Posted by Jsaults

but I can remember back to the "Old Days" when Kelty (as in **** Kelty) made his pack bags with un-coated nylon oxford because it was stronger than the coated variety. I can see where uncoated threads would have the ability to give and stretch to accomodate shoulders, hips and knees. I wonder if coated fabric would be as compliant?

And as already noted, there is the condensation factor.

Jim

uncoated is what I am loking at for sure... just trying to decide is 200D oxford or instead 2 layers of 1.9oz ripstop, or something like supplex( which I think is stronger than 19.oz ripstop-- but I am not certain)

**Ramblinrev** · 06-27-2011, 15:36

200 D would be fine for a single layer. The double layer would be useful if you plan on using a pad for bottom insulation. Double layers are pad friendly. Single layers are not. If you expect to use an underquilt I would say 200D is ample. The bottom insulation would be what drives that choice for me.

**DemostiX** · 06-27-2011, 15:54

OP:
(Too) many hours reading in archives here the last six month. If you cannot find by explicit search reports of big guys being too heavy for the strength of hammock beds, I haven't stumbled on any either. And, there are a lot of big guys here.

But, go to

http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/hammocking101.php

for explicit and expert guidance from a very experienced and receptive maker. Mostly, Brandon summarizes his experience with stretch and flatness of lie.