Question About Materials

[OSU_Matthew]

Thanks for all the great input! Because of it, I felt comfortable pulling the trigger on 170$ worth of materials from DIY Gear Supply last night for a hammock, bugnet, underquilt, and suspension. I'm really stoked for this project--thanks to everyone's input, I really feel this is a much better solution than the Eagles Nest kit I was originally looking at. Much more for less, plus I get to learn about the different strengths and weaknesses of all the materials.

[genixia]

Magna Fabrics seems to have the cheapest fabrics I've been able to find so far, but I would have to buy 17 yards minimum and shipping is ~20$. However, they have this Waterproof/Breathable Polyester Ripstop with carbon fibers. Downside it appears to be twice as heavy as regular ripstop nylon, but much sturdier and I was thinking I could use the excess fabric for a rain fly. Would that make a good material for a hammock and rain fly? Or would I rue the excess weight?

That fabric looks interesting for a backpack. A 11' hammock would be about 23oz of fabric. A 12'x10' tarp would be 50oz. Yeah, too heavy imo.

[OSU_Matthew]

That fabric looks interesting for a backpack. A 11' hammock would be about 23oz of fabric. A 12'x10' tarp would be 50oz. Yeah, too heavy imo.

Wow... that's interesting when you calculate it out, and put it in perspective like that. That would be the same amount of weight as the tent I'm trying to ditch, poles and all

[genixia]

It occurs to me that that fabric could also also be good for making a down-stuffing tent or a quilt storage hanging bag for the closet, and the price isn't bad, $42 for 17 yds shipped. It might also work for fire-retardant waterproof stuff sacks too.