Want to start off with basic hammock for walking the woods

**ghh3rd** · 11-15-2016, 15:03

Hi everyone...

I like to walk in the woods and have thought of how nice it would be to have a simple hammock that was easy to set up to either sit or nap on for a while. I found this web site while searching about hammocks, and am amazed at how much information is available.

It seems that for my needs, the bare necessity is a tafetta table cloth and some rope! However I think that I would like to incorporate a ridge line (to control the amount of sag?), and some sort of straps to attach my rope (Amsteel?) to. I think that I will just try a basic "W" fold to bunch the ends - what is the easiest way to attach the rope to the bunch?

I am 6'1 and trying to decide on the size tablecloth to order... I'm thinking 90x144 might suit me, but am open to suggestions. Would non crinkle stuff/fold into a smaller space? Also looking for a good spot to order the Amsteel and straps, and Zing-it for the ridgeline.

Thanks for any info...

Randy

**CThanger86** · 11-15-2016, 15:12

Ripstopbytheroll dutchwaregear are the first two that just automatically pop into my head for straps, amsteel, zing-it, and many many other options for suspension. Also check out the vendors on here..

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**NarlocB** · 11-15-2016, 15:37

90x144 is a perfect choice. Some complain about to much flap on the extra material, but it allows for almost a completely flat lay for me. I simply the the "W" fold on each end and used amsteel to tie around it like binding on a knife. I even put a loop on the end of the binding to connect to it.

Its cheap, easy to make, no sewing at all. Get some tree straps, and whoopies from Dutch and you will be up hanging in no time.

**MDCrab** · 11-15-2016, 15:43

11' x 60" should fit the bill. Simple cargo straps and the cloth can be used with no sewing for a quick and easy hang. I'll see if I can find the link. One of the members here did a tutorial at a Boyscout gathering that I used for a quick hang to test the size of material I had bought from ripstop by the roll. This is the most basic setup I have found anywhere. From what I have gleaned ( I'm no expert), your best bet for tablecloth is the crinkle taffeta. I'm sure there plenty of other members will chime in with more advice as well. Good luck and enjoy hangin'.

**johnspenn** · 11-15-2016, 15:51

My wife and I use table cloth hammocks out on the trail and for camping.

We ordered 7/64 Amsteel from Dutch (dutchwaregear. com or makeyourgear.com) for our whoopie slings and continuous loops and spliced them ourselves. There are several vendors you can purchase from. For a ridgeline any appropriately sized cordage will do. I made an adjustable RL with a simple prussik knot for my wife's hammock out of knockoff paracord, and I don't even use one. Or, again you can order some Amsteel or similar and splice one of those as well.

To gather the ends as you mentioned the W fold is fine, there are several here who have used it with success, and a simple whipping knot with the cordage of your choice will hold it in place.

I'm 5'11" and ordered the 60x126, and have no complaints on length although YMMV.

Our tree straps are just inexpensive cargo straps from Harbor Freight with the buckles cut off. You can get similar from any place that sells hardware, usually.

Our hammock and suspension setups cost in the neighborhood of $20 each, and we've spent 10-15 nights in them without complaint so far.

**Mtn hanger** · 11-15-2016, 16:00

It sounds like your into diy so I would recommend talking to Dutch at makeyourgear.com ( he also owns Dutchware .com) he has everything you mentioned.

**Ratdog** · 11-15-2016, 16:02

I stared w/ a Grand Trunk double that was a gift. I added a ridgeline, some whoopieslings and treestraps. It's still l the hammock I carry when going on a day hike. Fits in the cargo pocket of my shorts or cargo pants.

Tablecloth will take up a little more room unless you get one of the smaller ones. It's a great thing to carry a hammock when just going out for a walk an stringing it up when you feel like it.

Enjoy.