Hey guys,

I'm new to the hammock world, but I'm also intrigued and willing to dive in. That being said, I'm a youth pastor with a wife and three kids (meaning I cannot afford retail stuff)...so DIY, here I come!

I know there are a lot of tutorials for hammocks on here, and I know I could throw one together (the DIY stretch side will probably be #1 for me), the question I have is on the material for my size. As I said in the subject title, I am a BIG noob, both experiencially and physically. How big? I am 6'4" and little over 300 lbs (what? I'm "big-boned"...lol).

So, the question is, should I use 1.9 Risptop, a double layering of 1.1 Ripstop, or some other setup? I'd like it lightweight, but I would also like to feel comfortable knowing that I'm not going to bust open the hammock and/or my buttocks.

Also, on the size of the material...being tall and broad, what material measurements would you recommend for me to make a gathered end/stretch side hammock?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

-Kyle "Wookie" B.