Hello from the FL panhandle

[a3m0n]

I haven't hiked or camped for years after having kids and being stationed in England for a few years. Now I'm interested in getting back into it, hammock camping sounds interesting to me.

I'm looking into DIY hammocks, but am unsure about what fabric to use. I checked at Walmart last night and found some ripstop nylon, but it felt really thin to me. There was no marking as to the weight of the fabric.

Also, where does one find cord with a 700lb break weight that I have seen recommend? I have found 200lb, but nothing higher.

Thanks!

[Thom]

For fabric, you can order from DIY gear supply.
1.9 ounce fabric feels thin but is quite strong.

For the suspension I would suggest tree straps and whoopie slings. Super simple set up and extremely strong.

Welcome to the forum.

[FLRider]

Welcome from Gainesville!

As to your DIY needs, I also recommend DIY Gear Supply. Unfortunately, getting materials from there until the 25th will be difficult--they're going on the road to help victims of Hurricane Sandy, according to the website.

For fabric strength versus weight, Papa Smurf has a wonderful guide on his website. Note that at big box retailers (JoAnnes, etc.), you'll be hard-pressed to find anyone who knows the weight/sq yd of their fabrics--let alone at the bargain bin at WallyWorld. It's just not something that the majority of their customers care about, so it's not a piece of information that is readily available.

As to line, you want something with a break strength between 5x and 10x your weight--so, if you weigh 200 lbs, you want a minimum break strength of 1,000 pounds and would do better with something closer to 2,000. What's generally used around here is twofold: Amsteel Blue (in 7/64" and 1/8" diameter, sold both through cottage vendors here and major boating suppliers, which has a break strength of 1,400 lbs for 7/64" and 2,300 lbs for 1/8") and 1" polyester webbing (sold through cottage vendors and Strapworks, usually has a break strength of 1,500 lbs). The reason for the absurdly high break strength is due to dynamic forces on the suspension and the multiplication effect of hang angle (the smaller the angle between the ground and your suspension, the greater the tension on it).

Hope it helps!

[drifter]

West Marine is where I get my Amsteel, it's close to home. Being in FL there may be one close to you also.

[a3m0n]

Thanks folks! Yes, there is a west marine close to home. I hope to get started in a week or two.

[Duffy]

Welcome from Jax!

[a3m0n]

I picked up 3 yards of green wallyworld mystery rip stop today. I'll be back home on Monday and will get started on the body of my hammock soon after. Thanks for the warm welcome!

[Tuck]

Welcome from Winter Haven.

[Moose]

Welcome I live in Lexington KY but my parents are buying a place in fort pierce so me and my family will be spending some time down there and hopefully I will get to do some hanging while I am there.

[MightyMouse]

Welcome, from NEFL!

Mark your calendar, the 4th Annual Florida Hang is MLK weekend in January!

kc -- Fulltime hammocker, thanks to Olddog, Samsara, and Duffy!