View Full Version : another invention idea
So all of this talk about hammock pads in another thread got me thinking. Has anyone ever thought about putting adjustable shock cord in a criss/cross pattern on the underside of your HH? Then, adding (probably a custom-made) hammock pad that can slide in there, that when you tighten the shockcord, it pulls the pad up and hugs you when you lay down inside the hammock, but you aren't having to lay on the pad? (see pic for better explanation)
Just Jeff
10-31-2006, 17:11
Just like a two-layer hammock, only heavier. :D (Haven't done the math, but I bet that much shockcord would weigh more than another layer of 1.1 oz DWR)
Risk's ZHammock (http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm)
My Two Layer Hammock (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearTwoLayerHammock.html) that I basically copied from his design.
headchange4u
10-31-2006, 17:41
I'm gonna have to make me one of those 2-layer hammocks. That's nice.:D
I am getting ready to order some silk to make a hammock with. I am thinking silk on the inside and silnylon for an other shell.
Arkwater
10-31-2006, 17:43
15 feet of 1/8 shock cord = 1 oz. 12' is enough to hold a full sized pad to the bottom of a hennessy if you put tabs on the pad and the hennessy. But, the pad will not conform to your body. lets a lot of drafts thru between the pad and the hammock. a 1/8" thick pad works pretty good though.
I'm gonna have to make me one of those 2-layer hammocks. That's nice.:D
I am getting ready to order some silk to make a hammock with. I am thinking silk on the inside and silnylon for an other shell.
Let us know how the silk one comes out. I saw that on Garlington's website and the yahoo group. I am not sure, but having the second layer sil-nlyon may not be as comfortable as having 2 silk layers when you do not need the pad. The sil-nylon is also not going to breath in the summer causing condensation issues. Regular ripstop may be a better choice or a second silk layer.
Just Jeff
10-31-2006, 18:49
A hammock is 4+ feet across. Let's say you only run the shockcord 3' across for a coverage of 36" a the shoulders. 15' means you can cross the hammock in five places, even w/o an angle of criss-crossing. Doubt you could do it w/ 15'. I'd be interested in pics if anyone makes a prototype, though.
Re: the silnylon, someone on Yahoo made a silnylon hammock for winter. When breathability was brought up, he said that he's sleeping on a pad anyway, so it shouldn't be an issue. IIRC, he said it worked pretty well.
The biggest concern I'd have is that it's waterproof. If water happens to leak inside the hammock, it won't drip soak thru or drip out. You'll have a bathtub.
Personally, if I were gonna spend the money on silk, I'd use breathable insulation or use it in summer only, where the breathability would excel. If I were making a hammock to use with a pad, I wouldn't spend the money on silk. Of course, if you just make a silk hammock for summer use you can always add the pad in cooler temps. Just me though - I'm certainly not trying to discourage you from experimenting!!
Just like a two-layer hammock, only heavier. :D (Haven't done the math, but I bet that much shockcord would weigh more than another layer of 1.1 oz DWR)
Risk's ZHammock (http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm)
My Two Layer Hammock (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearTwoLayerHammock.html) that I basically copied from his design.
Actually, your design was exactly what I was thinking at first. ****..always a day late and a dollar short! :D Will your design only work on a Speer? Have you figured out a way to make that work w/a HH? Maybe I can make my claim to fame by figuring that out instead! haa haa
headchange4u
10-31-2006, 22:11
I don't think that I will sew the silk to another material. I am going to make a silnylon hammock and I already have a DWR ripstop nylon hammock. I figure I can whip 2 hammocks together as the situation dictates: silk + silnylon for wet weather and I can use a pad, silk + DWR ripstop for times I want to use a pad in colder weather, and the silk hammock alone for summer conditions.
I really want a silk hammock. Just the thought of lying in a bed of silk makes me want to take a nap.:D
I still want to make Zhammock. Another item for the growing DIY list.
You could use some nylon fishing net. That weighs approximately 'bugger all', as we say in the mother tongue.
Just Jeff
11-01-2006, 00:11
Michele - never thought about trying it on a HH. I guess if you just sew it around the perimeter just below the bugnet, and along the slit behind the velcro, it might work. A wide pad might keep the slit from closing...have to experiment with that. Or better yet, just have the second layer overlap itself so it has its own slit and doesn't impact the HH slit. I don't see why it wouldn't work.
headchange - that sounds like a good plan. If you whip it tightly enough, it'll probably hold the pad tight enough against the silk layer to prevent air gaps at the pad's buckles. And if not, a few buttons on the sil layer with accompanying buttonholes on the silk layer might take care of it.
Hmm, you could sew one piece for the HH part before the slit. Then a piece for each side of the slit. You would have 3 pads one large one and 2 small ones. Could work.
This is the kind of setup I am now using. I don't know how it would work for a stock HH since mine is now a top loader.:^) My new hammock has a 1.9oz RS nylon bed and a 1.1oz RS nylon under cover. The cover is only attached by whipping it to the ends. This way it can be moved completely to one side if it it is not needed in hot weather. It can be pulled into place for mosquito protection easily and also holds my SPE perfectly in place no matter how I toss and turn at night. I have decided that I will use a pad (be it foam or inflatable) as my insulation for my thru-hike. I always carry one in case I am forced to sleep on the groung either due to lack of hanging supports or extreme cold weather so I might as well use it. My next idea is to sew SPE type pockets directly into the undercover. Right now it's just an idea because I think it will only save me the weight of the back of the SPE so it may not be worth losing the flexability of the seperate piece. Oh well, I have until 2008 to figure it out.
Brian
T-BACK
Tom Claytor's hammocks are all double bottomed and work very well. I've inserted both a Thermorest pad and a partially inflated insulated air mattress and both have stayed in place very well. It's very easy to insert the pads. Here's a pic.
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/images/picExpeditionHammockDoubleLayer.JPG
Miguel
headchange4u
11-01-2006, 09:01
Tom Claytor's hammocks are all double bottomed and work very well. I've inserted both a Thermorest pad and a partially inflated insulated air mattress and both have stayed in place very well. It's very easy to insert the pads. Here's a pic.
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/images/picExpeditionHammockDoubleLayer.JPG
Miguel
I'm gonna end up buying one of those TC hammocks......