DIY hammock sizing - Need opinions!

[flashbang009]

Hi all,

Just made a hammock from my 1.1oz acu ripstop at size 126" x 56". After sitting in it, I just don't like the width. I can't seem to lay diagonal and keep my head in the hammock. I'm 6' and love my GT double but needed something lighter.

Here's my question(s):
-What is the need for such long hammocks? (>9ft)
-Would it be odd/uncomfortable to make a hammock 8.5'-9' x 65-70"?

I'm looking to maximize comfort (add width) while keeping weight of ~6.5oz (subtracting length)

Lemme know what you think and any experience with sizes!
Thanks!

[titanium_hiker]

you could try sewing on sides- there are commercial hammocks that do that.

The reason why hammocks go long is that the longer it is the wider it feels- your diagonal angle can change a little (more towards the ends than the middle) and you get your sweet flat lay.

Some have bought fabric that is 60" wide and love it. I think some have found that too wide is also a problem.

TH

[SimpleRabbit]

After having some shoulder squeeze issues in a 10'x5' DIY, I made a 12'x5' and I love it. I'm 5'10".

I've noticed that my head and feet are often near falling out, but since I've run 3' of shock cord through the hem of both sides to tighten up the floppy edges, it hasn't really been an issue for me.

I think though, that in an ideal world, I'd have an 11'x6' hammock...but I'm happy with what I have for now.

[SimpleRabbit]

You might also consider trying a different gathering/whipping technique. I wound up using a gathered channel. Different whipping techniques will create more or less of a foot and head-box feel [gathered channel feels the most like it cradles my feet and head]...and you might settle into a more flat lay with even less of a diagonal, which would solve the width issue.

[JohnSawyer]

You might find the hammock more comfortable if you add more sag. I like mine with at least arm's length to the ridgeline...

and yes, IMHO shorter hammocks (to a point) are less comfy...

John

[flashbang009]

Thanks for the input. I've got an "83%" ridgeline currently which is what I've been comfortable with in my other hammock. I hadn't used any special whipping technique, just did a loop through the end channel's and attached a carabiner.

SimpleRabbit: Can you link me to instructions on how to do the gathered channel?
John: Wouldn't adding more sag cause the sides to be less taught = less support from sides? (which is what I don't like right now.. i think..)

[SimpleRabbit]

Here you go:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

It's just a 1-2" channel/hem on each side. You thread some rope [I used 550 cord] through it, bunch it up, wrap the rope back around the hammock-side of the bunched up end a couple times, and tie it off. I've tried this and a few different whipping methods. This is the most simple, most neat-looking, and most comfortable way I've found

[MAD777]

I'm 6'-1" and I like a 54" wide hammock at 11' long. I personally believe that length is more important than width.

I was about to agree with John about putting more sag in the suspension, but based on your response, I re-read your original post. I noticed you used ACU material. Was that the same that was in the recent group buy? If so, that is very thin 1.0 oz/sy fabric with a lot of stretch.

Most people that would be comfortable with that material would be lightweight themselves. Your lack of support feeling may be due to this.

[nothermark]

FWIW, You will learn a lot by starting long and just shortening the hammck by folding the end channel back on itself to shorten the hammock. Use the larkshead to anchor the fold or whip it in place. Try a couple of shorter lengths and keep notes. ;-)

[flashbang009]

Mad: It is the group buy material. It is veryyy thin haha. I'm 175lbs, 6'0 so didn't think the material would be an issue. I'll try adding more sag along with the whipping and see how it goes.