Velcro isn't really much of a weight savings over a smallish zipper, either. And much more of a pain to use IMO.
Velcro isn't really much of a weight savings over a smallish zipper, either. And much more of a pain to use IMO.
"Physics is the only true science. All else is stamp collecting." - J. J. Thompson
I'm sure velcro would work. I had considered that when making mine but opted to go with a zipper mainly to avoid the hassle of lining up velcro to close the hammock or attach a cover. There is not much tension at all on the netting and I don't think you would have a problem with it pulling apart.
I think I said the zipper weighed 1.9oz each, and they still need to be trimmed down for an exact fit, so they added about 3.8oz (probably about 3.5oz after trimming 9" off each zipper). If you knew what velcro weighed you could estimate any weight saving. On my hammock each side was 101" so that would be 4 x 101" pieces of velcro or 2 x 101" pieces if you only wanted to do one side and have a roll back top. I wanted a completely removable top on my so I could make different cover or save the weight of bringing no top at all.
“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." -Terry Pratchett
A 1/2" velcro including hook and loop weighs in at 0.09oz/ft (source=www.thru-hiker.com), so the weight for 101" would be
0.09*101/12=0.76oz.
hmmmm, I am still wondering if that is worth the 1oz I would save for one side.
I still wonder if I should have it completely detachable or just one sided.
EDIT: Also, do you think the loop should go on the outside or inside of the hammock?
Depends on whether you think you can heft all that extra weight.
Last edited by NCPatrick; 04-04-2007 at 14:08. Reason: Sorry, couldn't resist.
Or put them on outside edge of the hammock and you won't touch them at all.
“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." -Terry Pratchett
velcro works very well, thats how i attach my bug net to my eno hammock. but you have to remember that you also have to put velcro at the ends of the bugnet that goes around the hangingstraps or cord. make sense?
Peanuts
"A womans place is on the trail"
At the end of my hammock there is a tube just like any HH, and so the velcro would turn at that point. I think my biggest concern now is ease of attaching and detaching the bug netting. It certainly would be easier with a zipper.
i find it easy to do and undo. it does take a wee bit to get used to it tho.
Peanuts
"A womans place is on the trail"
Okay, I think I will work everything out. I hope I can finish it for SEHHA and then show it off.
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