Recycled Tent Update

[kg8jk]

Well, I used the tent bottom as a hammock for a bit but I wasn't sure how strong the fabric is so I headed to Wally world and got a nice piece of ripstop for $1.50/ yard and made a new hammock body. I may use the floor piece as a tarp or make some stuff sacks out of it. (I am using the one that came with the tent as a stuff sack for my hammock).

Since my hammock was done, I thought I would get started on making a top section out of the top of the tent. Here is what I started with:



I decided to sew the whole thing together so it would fit around the hammock. I should be able to take it off if I want once I make a few adjustments. I was able to get a door on each side and opposite from each other so I can get a breeze if I want or close the whole thing up so it will stay a little warmer.

Here is what I have so far. I was able to use the sleeves from the pole to run the ridgeline through. Still have a lot of adjusting to do but I am pretty happy with how it is turning out.





Time to research ridge lines and wait for my webbing to arrive in the mail. By the way, found a 10 yd roll on Amazon for $1.99.

[Suburban]

Looks interesting. Keep posting updates.

[fosho4]

Definitely sounds interesting. The images aren't working for me though

[woodhunter]

I am unable to see the images too but will check back. Sounds like you made a DIY Clark style.

[kg8jk]

Ok, I believe I have the images going now. For some reason it keeps deleting them if I link them from yahoo. Yes, that's an exercise ball in the hammock. I needed something to give it some shape.

[Tendertoe]

Very interesting.

Some Grip Clips may be useful - two per side on the tarp - to pull things off you a bit and keep things taut. Some prusiks on the tarp ridgeline may help keep things in place as well as it appears the weight of the fabric may be pulling on the tarp ridgeline attachment points a bit.

Please keep posting as you progress.

[kg8jk]

I haven't actually put the whole thing together yet, I just put the hammock inside and hung it up without actually getting into it. I will keep your ideas in mind when I do the final assembly. Thanks for the advice!

I wonder if I could make some pockets in the bottom and put a couple of the tent poles in there to give it some width without having to add tie outs. I suppose that would add to the weight quite a bit but it could be interesting to try. Waste not want not. I am going to try and use as much of the tent as I can and see how creative I can get.

[DivaB]

What a fun, promising project you've got going there!

[fosho4]

that looks great. Makes me question whether I want to sacrifice one of my tents or not.

The tent pole idea is a great one especially since I assume you have some spares lying around. Quite a few people have done something very similar for their tarps. This is the first example I found of it but there are quite a few out there.

It will be cool to see how this turns out

[FLRider]

Interesting idea. Let us know how it turns out with the tent poles.

Be cautious when you first get in; as I'm sure you know, the masonite at the bottom of that miniramp is not going to be too forgiving of a fall if the hammock fails.

I'd be interested to see how the durability of this works out over time. It might be worth doing conversions with some tents, if they're strong enough. Though, the bathtub floors on some of them might be a bit...uncomfortable to lay on. What with them being non-breathable and all...

Anyway, kudos for thinking outside the box!