Rip stop nylon Question?

**grantizzle** · 11-26-2011, 00:41

I'm looking to make my first DIY gathered end hammock and need to know what (size?) nylon to get. 1.9 breathable? I'm 330 lbs so it needs to support a fair amount of weight.

Thanks in advance.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 11-26-2011, 00:48

greetings grantizzle--
1.9 oz ripstop will do you right, but at 300+ I'd strongly suggest you do a double layer body. In addition to keeping you from ripping up a single layer, it allows you to slip a pad between the bodies, frequently a nice feature to have.

**grantizzle** · 11-26-2011, 00:50

I'm planning on doing the double layer. Thanks for the help.

Is there a different material I could use that would be a safer fabric for single layer?

**GrizzlyAdams** · 11-26-2011, 08:41

diygearsupply sells a 2.85 oz / yd^2 weave, here.

seattlefabrics sells a 3.5 oz / yd^2 weave, here.

I have no experience with either, nor do I know of any testing done on them, but in both cases a single layer should support more than a single layer of 1.9 oz will.

**DavyRay** · 11-26-2011, 20:02

Also, it is easier to construct a hammock using a single layer of fabric. The double layer way is more work. It does provide for slipping a pad between layers, but the pad must be highly resistant to compression, or it does no good for insulation.

**grantizzle** · 11-26-2011, 20:09

Originally Posted by DavyRay

Also, it is easier to construct a hammock using a single layer of fabric. The double layer way is more work. It does provide for slipping a pad between layers, but the pad must be highly resistant to compression, or it does no good for insulation.

I can see that. I would make the double layer without the space in the middle (sew up all the edges). It would be for fabric strength, I'll use my UQ for insulation.

**sigma_pete** · 11-27-2011, 00:44

I'm 330+/- and 6'1". I made my gathered end hammock about 2 years ago using doubled up 1.9 oz ripstop nylon (uncoated/breathable). I hang about 30 nights per year and there's no visible signs of wear or stress yet. I bought 7 yards (21 feet) so the finished hammock must be around 9.5' long. I put 3'+/- openings at the opposite/diagonal sides to accommodate using a pad but have never done so. I've only used the openings twice, once to test a fleece insert and another a tyvek insert, neither of which made any noticeable difference in temp rating but both bunched up and were uncomfortable. I currently using a PLUQ and am getting ready to make a non-down frankenquilt for colder weather.

**Wise Old Owl** · 11-27-2011, 03:22

Single vs Double - and having been 255 myself in the past, nobody told him about the stretch of the fabric. I have pitched and found myself on the ground a couple of hours later... I think he needs to do a double or purchase something rated for that.