Can I make a hammock from this?

**dgmyrs** · 04-09-2009, 10:00

Saw this site in another thread, so started looking around. This seems like a really good price:

http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/p...c045fe98dc40b2

It's listed as Nylon Ripstop, so seems like it would be fine, but wanted to check if I was missing something.

I am mainly looking at making some hammocks for kids, but would be curious if anyone has any ideas on what the weight limit would be for 1.5oz material.

Thanks

**Ramblinrev** · 04-09-2009, 10:11

I have never ordered from a kite supplier but I understand they _may_ use what is known as a "sail yard" which is quite different from the yardage most fabric shops use. What looks like a good deal can quickly collapse when the price is figured on the smaller unit.

**Cannibal** · 04-09-2009, 10:14

Agreed, but there are some good deals to be found there. You just need to specifically ask what you are getting. The customer service is excellent and they are pretty good about answering questions quickly. They just aren't used to thinking of our questions first; they're used to kite nerds, not us hammock nerds.

**dgmyrs** · 04-09-2009, 10:47

Thanks for the tip(warning). I sent an inquiry in to them, to find out what their "yard" measurement actually equates to. Will post what I find out.

**dgmyrs** · 04-09-2009, 11:20

Got a reply back:

Hi Doug, we sell by the fabric yard... 36 inches.

-Steve

So the price seems good. Anything else that would give you pause?

**Cannibal** · 04-09-2009, 11:24

That may be true on their ripstop, but do not assume that is the case with all of their fabrics. I ordered some mylar from them not long ago and it was the example I believe ramblinrev is speaking about. It was not fabric yardage. He did offer to let me return it since it wasn't what I thought, but I was a little bummed. Still, the guy is a stand-up dude and I would have zero problems ordering from kitebuilder.com again in the future.

**Ramblinrev** · 04-09-2009, 11:31

Cannibal.. I think I have heard this from more than just your experience. And don't get me wrong... I don't think there is anything wrong with the company or the vendor. Just a heads up to make sure people know what they are getting. I've been surprised too because I entered into a different set of Standard Operating Procedures that everyone knew about but me.

**Cannibal** · 04-09-2009, 11:40

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Just a heads up to make sure people know what they are getting.

Good call. I wish somebody would have warned me.

**Arkwater** · 04-09-2009, 12:11

I have some challenge cloth &, while is is very strong, it is also very "crisp". Feels very slick & sounds like wrapping paper when handled. Also not breathable. That is why it makes good kites. Not very good for anything we would use it for except for maybe a stuff sack. IMHO

**Spock** · 04-09-2009, 17:22

Be careful!!!
The weight of Kitebuilder's ripstop includes polyurethane coating. The base fabric is probably 20D weighing about 0.8. It is good stuff, but I wouldn't use it for a hammock. Same with their uncoated fabric. Even for kids, it is too light, I believe. It would be better to stick with 1.1 oz from someone like Thru-hiker or OWFINC. You might also consider the typical 1.6 taffeta and ripstop available in Walmart's $2 bin. It is tough enough for a 230 pounder.