Hammock Materials

[Just Jeff]

I think 1.9 oz would be fine. If you're worried, you could make a two-layer hammock from 1.9 oz - more functionality for the same weight, and cheaper if you can find the $1/yd stuff.

[funbun]

. . . you could make a two-layer hammock from 1.9 oz - more functionality for the same weight, and cheaper if you can find the $1/yd stuff.

Wouldn't a two layer hammock made from 1.9 oz = 3.8 oz total. Since there is twice as much fabric, wouldn't I be better off with the 3.4 oz stuff I ordered?

[Just Jeff]

Depends on the characteristics of the fabric. But this way you could put stuff between the layers if you wanted to.

I was just brainstorming. If you can get the ripstop for a buck a yard, it's worth it. Otherwise, take your pick.

[Coffee]

I'm with Jeff on this. 2 layers might be stronger. Think how plywood is stronger since it is made of multiple layers.

[funbun]

I'm with Jeff on this. 2 layers might be stronger. Think how plywood is stronger since it is made of multiple layers.

Yeah, good point.

[blackbishop351]

Yeah, but the plywood layers are glued to one unit. The layers on the hammock wouldn't be one unit except at the edges. So I don't think you're going to get double the strength. More than a single layer, but double is doubtful.

That's true - no "trestle effect" there. Probably still stronger than one layer of heavier material though.

[Just Jeff]

If the layers are whipped together at both ends, they'll both be supporting the body weight.

[blackbishop351]

They would if they are attached together in some manner such that they cannot slide against each other. Such that if one moves it moves the other in exactly the same manner and amount. There could be no relative movement or any separation whatsoever. If you can arrange the two layers in that manner, then, like plywood, you would probably have double the strength, they are then one unit.

Now that I think about it, you would get full strength from both layers without having them surface-connected. You wouldn't get the plywood advantage, though, which is that two connected layers are actually stronger than the sum of the two parts.

[Just Jeff]

I don't know how you guys whip your ends. I don't get any sliding around on mine. I never saw a gap between the layers of my two-layer hammocks, and I can see and fell the stretch of both layers when it's occupied. My whipping stays put...but so do my larksheads, which other folks say slip on them as well. Not sure what I'm doing differently, but I've never had those problems.

To be fair, the edges slide out a bit b/c I stress them when I get in and out, but the main fabric doesn't slide around.

So I still think that you'd get the advantage of both layers. Looks like we're back to that whole experience vs theory argument again!