which Material

**groundless** · 07-02-2009, 08:32

Hey all. It's been a while since I've been. Went backpacking in the Smoky's. I saw a need to make a hammock. Just wondering what material you recommend for the hammock and fly? IE: 1.9 oz coated for fly? Uncoated for the hammock. How heavy cloth? 4 oz seems overkill.

Thanks

**sclittlefield** · 07-02-2009, 09:01

Welcome back.

4oz is certainly overkill.

1.9oz uncoated ripstop makes a good hammock body. You can go 1.1 for a double layer hammock. Some people use 1.1 single layer, but I just wouldn't trust it, and I weigh in at 160lbs if my clothes are wet. Either way, uncoated for the hammock, 10' for length works for most people, 5' width.

1.1oz silnylon ripstop for the rainfly is ideal and cost efficient (1.3oz after the silicone impregnation). You can use PU coated as well but it's heavier (1.9oz usually, and with the coating more like 2.4oz). There are lighter options (cuben or spinnaker), but they will cost you upwards of $25/yd. The most common rain fly size is 11'x10'.

For materials (there are more, but start here):

www.owfinc.com (good prices, lots to choose from)
www.questoutfitters.com (same as above)
www.noahlamport.com ($3.00/yd silnylon - you have to call)
www.speerhammocks.com (good prices, great customer service)

**groundless** · 07-02-2009, 09:55

with a width of 5' , wouldn't the sides of the body come way up on each side? Or is that desired? Trying to figure a ratio of body to netting and zipper install. My first attempt was nice, but as always you learn as you go.

thanks

**Cannibal** · 07-02-2009, 10:04

Originally Posted by groundless

with a width of 5' , wouldn't the sides of the body come way up on each side? Or is that desired? Trying to figure a ratio of body to netting and zipper install. My first attempt was nice, but as always you learn as you go.

thanks

Yes, it will create walls of fabric. However, that width is what allows you to go diagonal and get the flat lay.

Is it safe to assume you are planning a gathered-end style hammock? If so, read up on Just Jeff's page about the whipping. You can waste an entire day playing with the whipping on your hammock to get it the way you want. Different folds and a different tug here and there can change both the lay of the hammock and help reduce the 'flappiness' of the extra fabric. You'll find the extra fabric really isn't much of a problem, that's my guess anyway.

**groundless** · 07-02-2009, 10:18

Originally Posted by Cannibal

Yes, it will create walls of fabric. However, that width is what allows you to go diagonal and get the flat lay.

Is it safe to assume you are planning a gathered-end style hammock? If so, read up on Just Jeff's page about the whipping. You can waste an entire day playing with the whipping on your hammock to get it the way you want. Different folds and a different tug here and there can change both the lay of the hammock and help reduce the 'flappiness' of the extra fabric. You'll find the extra fabric really isn't much of a problem, that's my guess anyway.

Ok can you explain digaonal to me?

thanks

**Cannibal** · 07-02-2009, 10:26

Think of a center line down the hammock, going from foot to head. When you lay in the hammock, your head should be one one side of the imaginary center line and your feet on the opposite side of the center line. You are now laying diagonally in the hammock. This causes the fabric to 'lift' under you and provide a nice flat lay.

**Topplestack** · 07-02-2009, 10:41

I'm about 160 lbs myself and have found that the 1.1oz is plenty strong enough for me. I haven't even noticed any real stretch. If you feel keenly about it, you might just reinforce the centerline of the hammock with an extra 18" of material. If rolled right, this gives you a very flat lay with a double layer under where the bulk of your body weight is, but still not a complete double layer.