Well, this is my second sewing project and first hammock project. The first project was a hammock chair that helped me familiarize myself with the sewing machine. I'll probably write it up next.
I'm a side/stomach sleeper, and I toss and turn a lot. After spending a few nights in a Yukon Outfitters double hammock ($20 Woot special) I wanted to see what the bridge was all about. Since I like to stretch out, I figured why not supersize it?The measurements of the 1.6oz/in^2 double layer hammock are 57 inches wide by 7 feet long, with a 6 inch catenary cut on each side (45 inches wide in the middle).
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1/2 inch polyester webbing forms the catenary, and I roll hemmed the fabric around them twice, capturing welded steel rings in the ends of the webbing. I zigzag sewed about 6 inches of extra webbing at the ends for anchoring the loops/rings, before the final rolled hem.
The end caps are double layer with a channel sewed on top for a paracord drawstring. This creates two large stuff pockets at both ends for stuff.
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The dogbones were built out of 7/64" amsteel and are 46 inches long. They are larksheaded to the spreader bar rings on one end and the whoopie slings on the other. The spreader bars are 4 foot, 0.75 inch diameter aluminum tubing. They insert into the steel rings and are kept in place by four hitch pins. I'm still experimenting with the lengths, but 46 inches for the head, and 44 inches for the foot seem to be working well. They are very sturdy and I have no worries of them failing.
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I also attached some wings to my pad for slipping in between the two layers. Works pretty well at keeping me warm, and doesn't move a bit. It also makes the lie a little flatter.
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It's maiden voyage was a couple weeks ago at Havasupai (near the grand Canyon). I spent three nights (and a couple day naps) in it and slept like a baby.
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All in all, the hammock with suspension and whoopie slings comes out to 1 pound, 12 ounces. My two inch diameter, 7 foot long poly tree straps with aluminum pole toggles come out to 8 ounces for both. My spreader bars are around 1 pound each, but serve dual duty as my hiking poles. All in all, not the lightest build, but only 6 ounces heavier than my Yukon gathered setup, not to mention very comfy.
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Thank you to all who inspired me with your prior builds! GrizzlyAdams, HikingDad, R.P. McMurphy...
Questions? Comments? Thanks!
Russ
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