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Thread: Idaho Camper

  1. #1
    New Member oreana's Avatar
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    Smile Idaho Camper

    Hello, I just registered yesterday. I have a hammock but I am not satisfied with it. I do sew commercially, and I feel that I can make almost anything in the hammock department. So here are a few questions I'd like to find out:

    Why are spreader bars not used on most of the hammocks I am seeing discussed on this forum? I have always thought that spreader bars made a superior comfort level.

    Why would a hammock end just be bunched up and tied in a lark's head knot?

    I have loads of coated ripstop nylon, polyester fabric like top gun and odyssey III, sunbrella etc. Are these fabrics not used due to breathability?

    I totally get underquilts and I can see modifying sleeping bags accordingly or making a down version. Snake skins are not unlike spinnaker socks, which I have made and repaired.

    Are most of these designs for ultralight backpacking?

    I did order the ultimate hammock book so maybe I can answer some of these questions when I read it.

    Thanks from a newbie John S

  2. #2
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    Welcome to the forum. It is fun making your own gear, I just wish that I could sew properly.

    The only question that I can answer for you if about the fabric. You are correct in that the reason those fabrics are not used is due to breathability. If you used silnylon you would be swimming in condensation by the morning.

  3. #3
    Senior Member mbiraman's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forum. Check out Just Jeff's , "To The Woods " site. also you could check out Shugs 10 pt series on hammocking in the video area,,,both good info for new folks.

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  4. #4
    Senior Member Catavarie's Avatar
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    Welcome aboard! Now lets see if I can answer your questions:

    Quote Originally Posted by oreana View Post
    Why are spreader bars not used on most of the hammocks I am seeing discussed on this forum? I have always thought that spreader bars made a superior comfort level.

    Why would a hammock end just be bunched up and tied in a lark's head knot?.
    So first thing is that these are not your typical backyard hammock. Mostly we're discussing camping hammocks, with occassional discussion about Mayan/Incan/Brazillian hammocks. With that in mind many of the people who love to camp in their hammocks also like to backpack with their hammocks. Most people use the Gathered end hammock due to weight, ease of DIYing, and availability.

    Bridge hammocks typically weight more than a gathered end because of the spreader bars. Anyone can throw together a gathered end hammock in under an hour, so its a great way to get started. I've only seen one bridge hammock that I could walk into a store and buy off the shelf. The Larson Blue Ridge hammock which weighs in at nearly 5 pounds. I'm sure some places you may be able to find the Chrysallis as well, but neither of these are nearly as cheap as an Eno or Grand Trunk.
    Quote Originally Posted by oreana View Post
    I have loads of coated ripstop nylon, polyester fabric like top gun and odyssey III, sunbrella etc. Are these fabrics not used due to breathability?.
    As already stated, coated/waterproof/non-breathable fabric can cause pooling of moisture, which you produce even when you're unaware of it. As a profuse sweater I can guaranty that waking up in a pool of sweat is not a pleasant feeling, and one I suffer with every time I'm in a bed, but not my hammock, thanks to the added breathablity and air flow.
    Quote Originally Posted by oreana View Post
    Are most of these designs for ultralight backpacking?.
    Not really. A few people here go for Ultralight backpacking, but I'd say that most of us, just carry what we want. There are people here that carry under 10pounds and some that carry over 50. Yet we all like to sleep in our hammocks. Some hammocks are lighter than others though due to size, or materials, or features/lack there of.

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  5. #5
    Senior Member raiffnuke's Avatar
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  6. #6
    New Member oreana's Avatar
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    Thanks for the answers. I am already hooked on hammocks. I have been thinking of a design that can be elevated into the treetops and is about 8 feet square on the floor. I go a different direction than most....

  7. #7
    Senior Member Lost_Biker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by oreana View Post
    Thanks for the answers. I am already hooked on hammocks. I have been thinking of a design that can be elevated into the treetops and is about 8 feet square on the floor. I go a different direction than most....
    Sorta like this?
    Attached Images Attached Images

  8. #8
    Senior Member pgibson's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forums neighbor. If you want to get together sometime and see/feel what a camping hammock is holler.
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  9. #9
    New Member oreana's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lost_Biker View Post
    Sorta like this?
    Wow that's a great photo.

    When does a hammock become a suspended bed? My designs will have spreader bars in the smaller sizes and rigid floors in the larger.

  10. #10
    Senior Member crackrbilly's Avatar
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