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  1. #1
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    Noob needs advice

    First, I have to say I love this site. This is one of the coolest ways to camp that I have ever seen. I have debated for a few days and I decided I want to make my first hammock myself. Here comes the question, what weight fabric to use on it? I am 250 lbs and live in FL. I want to make one that can support me as well as keep bugs from biting through. My dilemma is if I make it a single layer out of 1.9 oz ripstop will that keep the bugs from tagging me? I also thought about making it a 1.1 oz double layer. Would the 1.1 double be lighter than the single 1.9 in overall weight? Most of my camping will probably be in weather at or above 30 deg, so I may at times use an under quilt. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Michael

  2. #2
    Senior Member shef's Avatar
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    Another factor is the type of bug net you are using, or if you are using an under quilt. With a zip style, and no under quilt you may be better protected in a DL of 1.1. If you are using a 'bottom entry' style of separate bug net that covers more area, and/or an under quilt, you will get more protection from those items where the extra thickness of the hammock won't matter as much.

  3. #3
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    I found this on the forum [http://www.dream-hammock.com/ComfortRating.html].This site is very helpful.I am in the process of a DIY hammock myself.Hope this helps and good luck with your DIY hammock.

  4. #4
    Senior Member hutzelbein's Avatar
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    Even a double layer won't guarantee that you won't be bit. If you sleep with little or not clothes, mosquitos will be able to bite through the layers where they are compressed most (butt, torso). Most people on the forum spray their hammocks with Permethrin, which takes care of the problem. Using a bug sock is another solution.

    If you don't use a pad, and ignore the mosquito problem, the question which fabric to use and how many layers is basically a question of taste. Do you like your hammocks to be stretchy or firm? If you like stretchy, go for a thinner fabric. If you like firm, pick a heavier fabric. At your weight, you would be looking at 1.9oz and upward for a single layer hammock or any of the thinner fabrics when used as a double layer.

  5. #5
    New Member
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    Thanks for the replies. I decided on a single 1.9oz ripstop for my first one. I will make a looser bug net that hopefull will put enough distance between me and the skeeters. I will post pics when I am finished.

  6. #6
    Datahiker's Avatar
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    Or spray the hammock and/or bug net with Permethrin. You can find a bottle of it at Wal-Mart and should be enough to cover everything.

  7. #7
    Senior Member FLRider's Avatar
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    Another solution to the bug issue is to wear an athletic wicking T-shirt to bed. I do so in all but the very hottest weather (when I just suck it up and put up with the couple of bites I'm going to have in the AM, content in the knowledge that the little buggers that got me didn't live very long due to the Permethrin on the hammock body) and it prevents 99% of bites through the hammock.

    Hope it helps!
    "Just prepare what you can and enjoy the rest."
    --Floridahanger

  8. #8
    Senior Member
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    Permethrin a Floridian's best camping buddy.

  9. #9
    Senior Member XTrekker's Avatar
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    Just use 200 Denier Oxford Nylon fabric. Its a good comfortable fabric that will last many hangs and support your weight easily. You will only need one layer. For bugs, use permethrin. I have used it for years with no issue.

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