Since various recipients of my DIY "GrizzBridge" have posted pictures and comments this spring, I've gotten quite a few questions about the hammock.
This weekend I put together what turns out to be 3 videos about the GrizzBridge, its suspension system, its half-length bugnet, a "how-to" on using hiking poles as spreader bars (both a monopole "Leki Sierra Photo", and a PacerPole are illustrated), and, well, just because, my DIY underquilt.
Getting to the punchline (otherwise would have to wait for parts 2 and 3), excluding spreader bars, the hammock package comes in under 14 oz. The UQ (used to low 30's F successfully) comes in at 8.5 oz.
Part 1 gives a quick run-down of the hammock, some tricks I put into the suspension, and the (1.65 oz!) half-length bugnet.
Parts 2 and 3 should be coming up tonight.
05-10-2010, 10:40
Hawk-eye
As always ... great video and informative ... man the bridge hammock is getting harder to resist trying.
Oh and clever bug net rig!
05-10-2010, 10:40
ExPXGUY
I was wondering what you've been up to the last few weeks. Thanks for taking the bridge to the next level and sharing your expertise. Always fun to see where you're headed next.
05-10-2010, 10:48
ikemouser
Why tempt me griz? I can't buy one!
05-10-2010, 10:54
opie
I just gotta add, the head end of the Grizzbridge is so roomy.
If only I could get some time to enjoy it!!!!
05-10-2010, 11:10
animalcontrol
Thanks Grizz...I'm loving it! (I'll be loving it more soon enough!)
05-10-2010, 11:28
pizza
I've seen Shug's Grizz Bridge up close and laid in it. Felt much narrower in the shoulders than my BB but it's a nice design and fantastic workmanship.
05-10-2010, 11:41
SmokeBait
Very clever design. You build 'em and they will come.
SmokeBait
05-10-2010, 12:55
HappyCamper
Great design! It's getting to the point where I think even I could make one and the weight is great too. Thanks for the video, Grizz.
05-10-2010, 13:19
WV
To paraphrase Pedro (actually Bender), " Slick! ... No wait, the other thing ... 'Elegant!'"
05-10-2010, 14:01
Gailainne
Ooooh, really nice upgrade to the one I saw at Loch Ken :boggle:, which was in itself really cool. Mine is soooo last year now :(.
How do you find the poly microfibre, I see you finally found a subdued colour :D
Ditto the foot spreader at 24", the original 18" I found quite restricting.
Brilliant use of the toggle and the rope shackle on your suspension.
Bug net, Hmm not sure on that one, if you had internal insulation no worries, an under blanket may cause issues, a 3/4 might work, feeding the bungee between the hammock and the u/blanket once your in as you so ably demonstrated :cool:
I must admit my bug net is a bit more substantial, (bigger) you've been here you know what the midges are like :scared: I've designed mine so I can sit upright inside my hammock and get dressed before venturing outside its protection, the less bare skin exposed the better :lol:
Really looking forward to parts 2 and 3.
Cheers
Stephen
05-10-2010, 14:47
NCPatrick
Nice Grizz! Any hopes of me finding pink camo poly microfiber? I love seeing your suspension systems. Always something never before seen... :)
05-10-2010, 15:09
turkeyboy
Cool innovations Grizz. What's the idea behind the diamond knot instead of just attaching the suspension permanently? Do you have many hammocks, and one set of suspension that you use for all of them by attaching at the diamond knots? I've been making my suspension almost exactly like you have done here, except not removable via the diamond knot.
05-10-2010, 16:05
GrizzlyAdams
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawk-eye
As always ... great video and informative ... man the bridge hammock is getting harder to resist trying.
Oh and clever bug net rig!
You cannot resist, you will yield to the Bridge Force
Quote:
Originally Posted by ExPXGUY
I was wondering what you've been up to the last few weeks. Thanks for taking the bridge to the next level and sharing your expertise. Always fun to see where you're headed next.
Thanks. Been holed up with the day job a lot, but do get to spend some time in Grizz Hammock Engineering Ltd Skunkworks Laboratory
Quote:
Originally Posted by ikemouser
Why tempt me griz? I can't buy one!
How about trying "Get thee behind me Satan!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by opie
I just gotta add, the head end of the Grizzbridge is so roomy.
If only I could get some time to enjoy it!!!!
Thanks opie. Note to others: opie is linebacker size. He says he does that cord breaking strength testing with a hydraulic pull, but actually he just puts a strain tester on the cord and rips it apart by pumping his biceps
Quote:
Originally Posted by animalcontrol
Thanks Grizz...I'm loving it! (I'll be loving it more soon enough!)
Too true. Told you your hammock would be famous.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pizza
I've seen Shug's Grizz Bridge up close and laid in it. Felt much narrower in the shoulders than my BB but it's a nice design and fantastic workmanship.
Thanks, I've been practicing. Just started in on my 3rd Speers "lifetime" spindle of 6000 yds of thread :scared:
At the time I sent shug the bridge hammock I didn't have the microfiber polyester. Makes a lot of difference, very much reduced stretching. The material I used in shug's stretches a lot. ... There is definitely more room in a Blackbird, but what you laid in may have closed in around you more than another one would.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SmokeBait
Very clever design. You build 'em and they will come.
SmokeBait
Thanks. Saw "Field of Dreams" just last week. So if I build this thing, ghosts will come. Or those that come turn into ghosts....hmm...I gotta think about that business model....:cool:
Quote:
Originally Posted by HappyCamper
Great design! It's getting to the point where I think even I could make one and the weight is great too. Thanks for the video, Grizz.
Of course you can HC. And after I make the "How to Build a GrizzBridge" video series, you'll have no excuses for not making one!
Quote:
Originally Posted by WV
To paraphrase Pedro (actually Bender), " Slick! ... No wait, the other thing ... 'Elegant!'"
Elegant...I like that....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gailainne
Ooooh, really nice upgrade to the one I saw at Loch Ken :boggle:, which was in itself really cool. Mine is soooo last year now :(.
How do you find the poly microfibre, I see you finally found a subdued colour :D
There was a thread on this material from Rockywoods a while back. I paid attention!
Quote:
Ditto the foot spreader at 24", the original 18" I found quite restricting.
Yes, with 24" the lower portion is just a bit more open, but I still get the various advantages of a narrow foot.
Quote:
Brilliant use of the toggle and the rope shackle on your suspension.
thanks. The whole series of postings on the soft shackle fired off some synapses that showed me there was an elegant solution to a problem I'd had for a while w.r.t. detachable suspension.
Quote:
Bug net, Hmm not sure on that one, if you had internal insulation no worries, an under blanket may cause issues, a 3/4 might work, feeding the bungee between the hammock and the u/blanket once your in as you so ably demonstrated :cool:
The mitten hook (with the prong cut off, so it just hooks w/o needing to push to prong) hooks on the side of the hammock. So when setting up you need only work the elastic under the body once. When you unhook on one side, you just hang the clip off the webbing on that side.
Quote:
I must admit my bug net is a bit more substantial, (bigger) you've been here you know what the midges are like :scared: I've designed mine so I can sit upright inside my hammock and get dressed before venturing outside its protection, the less bare skin exposed the better :lol:
Agreed. The 1/2 length is good for the lowest possible weight, but I like a complete enclosed environment myself. Working on that for this rig. I made this hammock for a gram weenie.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCPatrick
Nice Grizz! Any hopes of me finding pink camo poly microfiber? I love seeing your suspension systems. Always something never before seen... :)
Thanks NCP. I'm sure you can find an Asian source for pink camo poly microfiber. Of course, the minimum buy size might be 10,000 meters. Maybe you could work up a group buy :laugh:
Quote:
Originally Posted by turkeyboy
Cool innovations Grizz. What's the idea behind the diamond knot instead of just attaching the suspension permanently? Do you have many hammocks, and one set of suspension that you use for all of them by attaching at the diamond knots? I've been making my suspension almost exactly like you have done here, except not removable via the diamond knot.
We quants think alike, eh?
Reasons for a detachable suspension
facilitates put coverings of various kinds over the hammock, e.g., sock.
facilitates putting a full length detachable bugnet on the hammock, with re-enforced slots through which the webbing loops extrude. This was my 2009 bugnet design. Probably will make one like that for the 2010 hammock model
Stay tuned for Part 3 of the series :cool:
05-10-2010, 16:34
krugd
Thanks, Grizz. Just in time, too. After seeing your bridge at the hang, I knew I would need to try one. So I built my first bridge (as in first of many?) and am thinking about how I want to add end caps and bug net. I think I might follow you bug net idea, still not sure about caps. You goin' to tell us all this?:confused:
I like the removable suspension. It was fun putting all that together once, but if I build another it would be nice to switch out. Next time I guess....
Nice video and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
05-10-2010, 17:52
BER
Like that suspension. Very elegant with the second arm of the suspension triangle spliced in and the soft shackles/diamond knot attachment. Kudos.
05-10-2010, 18:05
Dutch
I am your student
05-10-2010, 18:29
job13_5
Grizz, you're such an awesome contributor! You could very easily keep all these ideas to yourself, but you share share share. I'll be looking forward to the build-a-grizz videos!
Keep being awesome!
05-10-2010, 18:32
srestrepo
the only thing that keeps me from picking up a bridge hammock is that according to manufacturer claims i'm too heavy for one (290pounds)... thats the only thing that keeps me from hanging in one.
05-10-2010, 18:33
PuckerFactor
Very cool! And I don't even like bridges! I am very curious about the ridgeline attachment, I couldn't wrap my head around it from the video alone. Maybe a diagram?
Acer
05-10-2010, 19:52
GrizzlyAdams
Quote:
Originally Posted by krugd
Thanks, Grizz. Just in time, too. After seeing your bridge at the hang, I knew I would need to try one. So I built my first bridge (as in first of many?) and am thinking about how I want to add end caps and bug net. I think I might follow you bug net idea, still not sure about caps. You goin' to tell us all this?:confused:
I posted once on it, look here. Tells you what to do, but no suggestions on how to do it.
In words. Maybe get a piece of paper and a pencil....think of the dart shown, two edges, equal length, coming together at a point. We can easily measure the endpoints of the lines. The line that cuts the long edge is placed in such a way that when both such lines are placed the distance between those endpoints is the width of the spread. The endpoint that intersects the shorter edge does so 3/8" from the top edge. So, for a given dart, fold the fabric over so that the endpoint on the short edge overlays the endpoint on the long edge. Now if you take a ruler and lay it out on the doubled fabric so that the ruler edge passes through the overlaid points and extends up and crosses the fold, note that any place we place that ruler, if we were to cut along that line we would create a dart with exactly equal side lengths. By experimenting I've found that 17" length is good for the head, and 14" is good for the foot.
Now I don't really cut along that line. Instead I draw a line on the fabric, pin the two sides together, and run a stitch along that line. THEN I cut, just offset from the line a little.
OK, maybe you can wait for the movie version....:cool:
Quote:
I like the removable suspension. It was fun putting all that together once, but if I build another it would be nice to switch out. Next time I guess....
Yes, I do a lot of experimenting with hammocks and it is a lot simpler if I don't have to create a new suspension with every one of them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BER
Like that suspension. Very elegant with the second arm of the suspension triangle spliced in and the soft shackles/diamond knot attachment. Kudos.
Thanks. There is a price paid for that splice (x2), you increase the minimum distance between trees that you can easily hang. But there definitely is a pleasing aesthetic to it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch
I am your student
Excellent! Your first homework is to draw a diagram for krugd of the explanation I gave him on making the endcap :cool:
seriously though, I appreciate the sentiment coming from the Dutch Master.
Quote:
Originally Posted by job13_5
Grizz, you're such an awesome contributor! You could very easily keep all these ideas to yourself, but you share share share. I'll be looking forward to the build-a-grizz videos!
Keep being awesome!
Well thanks....what good is an idea if I don't share? In this hobby space I've no designs on any intellectual property. Have the ideas used is the reward. "Impact" we call it in my day job.
Quote:
Originally Posted by srestrepo
the only thing that keeps me from picking up a bridge hammock is that according to manufacturer claims i'm too heavy for one (290pounds)... thats the only thing that keeps me from hanging in one.
I think a double bodied hammock with thicker webbing suspension and speader bar (questoutfitters has an even heftier version of what I use, but would be 34" rather than 36" wide) would support you. I learned to sew making bridge hammocks....you could too...a thought....
Quote:
Originally Posted by acercanto
Very cool! And I don't even like bridges! I am very curious about the ridgeline attachment, I couldn't wrap my head around it from the video alone. Maybe a diagram?
Acer
Nuthin fancy there. One line is buried into the other. The bury is started with a locked Brummel. You know how that goes...line A passes through line B, and then very close to that line B passes through line A. Before you tighten things up and finish the bury there is a hole formed by A going through B on one side, and B going through A on the other. I threaded a length of Lash-It through that hole, then finished the bury. I put a double fishman's knot in the Lash-It to form a loop. Now the ridgeline is also Lash-It, which makes differentiation a bit hard to see. But all that is done at the end shown in the video is to have a bowline loop in the ridgeline, pass the bowline through the cord ring embedded in the suspension, and pass the standing end of the ridgline through the bowline.
OK, maybe you can wait for the movie version too....:confused:
05-10-2010, 19:57
PuckerFactor
Nah, that explains it well. I was just curious where the lash-it secured to. I thought maybe it was buried into the bury of the amsteel or something. Thanks for explaining!
Unconfuzzed,
Acer
05-10-2010, 19:59
Cranky Bear
Great stuff Grizz, lookin forward to watching the next two installments!!! Oh how I want a Bridge!!!!!!
05-10-2010, 20:07
GrizzlyAdams
Quote:
Originally Posted by acercanto
Nah, that explains it well. I was just curious where the lash-it secured to. I thought maybe it was buried into the bury of the amsteel or something. Thanks for explaining!
Unconfuzzed,
Acer
In a video "Ask Professor Hammock" where I hacked a BMBH, that suspension had this same loop buried in the Amsteel. That's pretty, and elegant, and I HOPE it would hold. But the diameter of the Lash-It is so small relative to the Amsteel, and the stuff is so slippery, I thought the better part of valour would be discretion and I stopped doing that.
05-10-2010, 20:51
krugd
thanks, Grizz
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams
I posted once on it, look here. Tells you what to do, but no suggestions on how to do it.
Now I remember seeing that. Not having done anything with darts it didn't make much sense. Got it now!:cool:
Quote:
In words. Maybe get a piece of paper and a pencil....think of the dart shown, two edges, equal length, coming together at a point. We can easily measure the endpoints of the lines. The line that cuts the long edge is placed in such a way that when both such lines are placed the distance between those endpoints is the width of the spread. The endpoint that intersects the shorter edge does so 3/8" from the top edge. So, for a given dart, fold the fabric over so that the endpoint on the short edge overlays the endpoint on the long edge. Now if you take a ruler and lay it out on the doubled fabric so that the ruler edge passes through the overlaid points and extends up and crosses the fold, note that any place we place that ruler, if we were to cut along that line we would create a dart with exactly equal side lengths. By experimenting I've found that 17" length is good for the head, and 14" is good for the foot.
Now I don't really cut along that line. Instead I draw a line on the fabric, pin the two sides together, and run a stitch along that line. THEN I cut, just offset from the line a little.
Ok - took out a rectangular piece of material, marked endpoints with binder clips and folded one clip onto the other. Easy to see then that any cut to the fold will work for a dart. (From small to quite large.)
Quote:
OK, maybe you can wait for the movie version....:cool:
Easy as Pi. I knew that reading all those research papers would come in handy someday. :rolleyes: Makes what you said clear and easy!:mellow:
Now, I just got to get the thread injector out and go to work.
05-10-2010, 20:59
Boris Losdindawoods
Quote:
Originally Posted by GrizzlyAdams
I posted once on it, look here. Tells you what to do, but no suggestions on how to do it.
FWIW: that diagram confused the heck out of me the first time I saw it because it's "upside down" compared to the way the piece of fabric fits into the bridge. Yep, that's ridiculous, but that's the way my brain works (or doesn't). It might or might not be confusing to others.
05-10-2010, 21:14
GrizzlyAdams
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boris Losdindawoods
FWIW: that diagram confused the heck out of me the first time I saw it because it's "upside down" compared to the way the piece of fabric fits into the bridge. Yep, that's ridiculous, but that's the way my brain works (or doesn't). It might or might not be confusing to others.
ha! And I drew it that way because when I'm working with the piece to cut the dart it is most natural (to me any way) to have the piece in front of me with the orientation in the diagram. All the fine motor control stuff involved has to do with the ruler passing though the point of the edge dart only the long side.
I hope it will be clearer in the 3D movie version, coming soon (?) to a video channel near you!
05-11-2010, 13:08
Gailainne
Looks a lot easier than drawing out a parabola and then trying to sew those tight curves
