Boy Scout Hammock Kit

I've been contacted a few times by folks wanting to put together inexpensive Boy Scout Hammock kits. I thought I'd post all this information in one spot for others to use if they desire. If anybody has other suggestions on ways to get Boy Scouts off the ground, please feel free to add your thoughts.

Please keep in mind that this is not the best or only way to go about it. It's just the way I've done it.

Boy Scout Hammock Kits

Hammock Body – 120” x 60”(ish). I buy whatever nylon taffeta happens to be on sale at my local fabric outlet. Most of the time, they have a several choices in “outdoor friendly” colors. I usually end up paying .99 per yard. Buying 4 yards allows enough leftovers to make a stuff sack.
For instructions on building the hammock, see Knotty's post - Instruction: Gathered End Hammock

Ropes – 7/64” Amsteel (rated at 1600lbs.). I usually buy mine from Redden Marine online for $.20/ft. I usually use around 6ft per hammock. Shipping makes it approx .25/ft.

Rings – 1.25” steel rings. I usually get these rings at my local Tractor Supply or Rural King store. I think they're about .79 each. They are rated with a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 270lbs. I've never had any of these rings fail. I think that since they are used 2 per end, they are plenty strong.

Straps – 1” Nylon webbing. I bought this batch from an Army-Navy surplus store for $0.25 per foot. The nylon stretches and it's not the best option, but the price is right. The best straps I've found is the strapworks.com “Simple Sling”. I buy a 1”, 20ft. Sling for $10.80 and cut it into 2 pieces. I'm still looking for a better “cheap” option.

Tarp – 8' x 10' Camo Poly tarp from Rural King stores. They're $6.99 and sometimes out of stock. I just stop in every now and then to see if they have any. Couple times, I've had to use their 10' x 12' Camo poly tarp for $10.99. They almost always have the blue tarps, but they don't look as cool.

Tarp Stakes – Walmart sells a 4 pack of lightweight aluminum tent stakes for $2.00. I always keep a few of these around.

Tarp lines – Whatever lightweight cord I happen to have lying around. I usually put one 8' or 10' cord on each corner of the tarp.

Stuff Sack – fabric is leftovers from the hammock. Cordlock is from Walmart & costs $0.88 for a pack of 4. The string is whatever paracord I happen to have lying around.

Bug Net – I also make an optional bug net from no-see-um (like) fabric. I usually pickup some whenever I find it at my local fabric outlet. Tulle fabric can be purchased at Walmart or Joanne for approx $1.49 per yard, but that stuff is a little fragile for Scouts. My cost on the netting fabric & grosgrain ribbon ends up being approx $5.00.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...6834_thumb.png http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...1721_thumb.jpg

Disclaimer – Some of the items used in this kit aren't the best materials that can be had & therefore should be thought of as a “Starter Kit”. Scouts should consider upgrading their straps, tarps, lines, etc. as they get into serious hammocking.

I would also suggest including (with his permission, of course) a copy of dejoha's excellent Illustration - Hammock Camping: The Basics with each kit.

Thanks
PapaSmurf

Nice post. I'm getting my son in scouts this year. Gonna have to put a bug in the troop's ears.

Great ideas. It sounds like you put alot of thought into these kits. I don't know of any scouts but my nieces and nephews will enjoy putting their kits together.

Thanks for posting.

Great plan! Having done something similar for me and my 2 kids, I have a couple of "cheap" options for you:

-- Polyester straps can be purchased from HarborFreight pretty cheaply:
http://www.harborfreight.com/set-of-...aps-67386.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...set-90984.html
I've sewn in loops, holds up well.

Also, if you know somebody in the cable pulling business, or know where a local ma-bell work yard is, they often have 3/4" polyester straps called Mule Tape. Rated at 1800lbs, and cheap.... (They normally throw this stuff away after one use) If anybody needs a bunch for some scouts, PM me. I can't always get it, but if I can, I'll send it to you for the cost of shipping. (Last batch was 600'-ish, cost $10 to ship to Hammocks for Haiti) I'll send you a tangled mess, it's slippery stuff, and easy to take apart.

-- Instead of dutch clips, you can use screw links or sew a loop onto a welded rings you already mentioned. Feed the loose end through the loop around the tree...

Instead of using amsteel for the connection between the rings and the hammock, I'd just sew two loops on mule tape (one pre-attached to the rings.)

--Tarp Lines: Braided Mason's line: strong, and cheap: 500' high-visible pink at Harbor Freight for $5.

--Bug Net: I agree, Tulle is very fragile, I've had good luck with Organza. If you can't find it in black, a cheap can of black upholstery dye (check automotive store) makes the white stuff into a very cool camo pattern. Big box stores with fabric depts. usually have this stuff really cheap.

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Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

Straps – 1” Nylon webbing. I bought this batch from an Army-Navy surplus store for $0.25 per foot. The nylon stretches and it's not the best option, but the price is right. The best straps I've found is the strapworks.com “Simple Sling”. I buy a 1”, 20ft. Sling for $10.80 and cut it into 2 pieces. I'm still looking for a better “cheap” option.

Tarp lines – Whatever lightweight cord I happen to have lying around. I usually put one 8' or 10' cord on each corner of the tarp.

Bug Net – I also make an optional bug net from no-see-um (like) fabric. I usually pickup some whenever I find it at my local fabric outlet. Tulle fabric can be purchased at Walmart or Joanne for approx $1.49 per yard, but that stuff is a little fragile for Scouts. My cost on the netting fabric & grosgrain ribbon ends up being approx $5.00.

PapaSmurf

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Great ideas! I appreciate the leg work on this and the cost break down.

This is exactly what I was looking for, and I'll certainly be bookmarking the page. Availability may determine what I wind up getting, but this is definitely a do-able launching point. Thanks for sharing your efforts on behalf the Scouts!

I am brand new to hammock camping... I will be very interested in getting my Scouts involved as soon as I get a bit more knowledge and experience... therefore, I really appreciate this post... I will save all this information for future (hopefully, soon) reference. Thanks, PoppaSmurf and contributors!!!

Arvis (Scoutmaster T503)

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Originally Posted by JohnSawyer

-- Polyester straps can be purchased from HarborFreight pretty cheaply:
http://www.harborfreight.com/set-of-...aps-67386.html

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Funny! I just bought the yellow Harbor Freight poly-straps a couple of days ago. I figured that since they were poly-straps they wouldn't stretch as much as nylon, and that doubling them in a loop would make these admittedly cheap straps stronger. Just tied a water knot in them to make two 5 1/2 foot tree-huggers. Quick tip for any interested: if you put a couple round files through the clasps and pull the ends apart, the clasps just pop right off--both clasps off in about 10 seconds, and no need for a hammer (which is great unless you get into the zen of beating strap clasps into oblivion (I suppose I can see the appeal in that though :))).

For bulk straps, look on Ebay.
I picked up 25 yards of 1 1/2" polypro strapping that is .05 " thick (Same as the Medium weight for Strapworks webbing)
Listed as 800lb tensile strength for $8.95 and $6 shipping.

Here is one for 50 yards of the stuff
1 1/2 Inch 50 YDS Lite Black Polypro Webbing Strap
Item number: 110584302987
http://cgi.ebay.com/1-1-2-Inch-50-YD...item19bf568d8b


Works great with either the SMC descender rings or Pauls AHE rings.
David K. Perdue

Awesome thread!! I am going on my first Scout camp out as a leader week-after-next. I plan on sleeping in my HH and converting all the boys I can!

Thanks for the info and the work!

I wish that I had been in an "active" troop like yours appears to be. We had waxed canvas tents that weighed (as I remember) about 24# apiece.

It warms the cockles of my heart to see a project that is not only within the budget of most troops but results in a piece of equipment that should get lots of use. Kudos to you Sir!

Jim

My Troop's normal camping tents are the ALPS Taurus 4 Outfitter. Great tents, but they weigh 10lb, 12oz each.

The hammocks are primarily used when I take the older boys out backpacking, although we have a few that use them on regular campouts.

As a Backpacking MB Counselor, hammocks offer several advantages.
- Lighter pack weight for younger bodies.
- Easier site selection for a larger group.
- Less disruptive presence to other trail users.
- Quicker set-up & tear-down.
- More personal responsibility for "their own" gear.

I'm sure there are many more, but you get the idea.

There are a couple of adult leaders in our troop who got the hammock bug over the summer. (Didn't hurt that Henessey had a big showing at the National Jamboree!)

So we are going to use them for the next few camp-outs. My son is on the fence about using his, but might get the boys going as well.

Unfortunately, our troop travels pretty equipment heavy and the adults are the worst ones. If they can't drive up to the campsite, they don't want to go there.

I figure if the old crippled fat guy can set the example, others might join in.

DKPerdue

Good work this is something I will up at our next PLC meeting.

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Tarp – 8' x 10' Camo Poly tarp from Rural King stores. They're $6.99 and sometimes out of stock. I just stop in every now and then to see if they have any. Couple times, I've had to use their 10' x 12' Camo poly tarp for $10.99. They almost always have the blue tarps, but they don't look as cool.

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Similar 8' x 10' camo tarps can be found at Menards and Meijer for under $10.

And it could turn your scouts from gear 'consumers' into gear makers! So they will be much more aware of quality issues and customization options in their future needs and purchases...KM

Here's approximately 3000' of mule tape stacked on a traffic cone. Saved this from going to the landfill.

Strength rated at 1850lbs, 3/4" wide polyester tape.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...tape_thumb.jpg

Wow, that really looks like a project. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnSawyer

Here's approximately 3000' of mule tape stacked on a traffic cone. Saved this from going to the landfill.

Strength rated at 1850lbs, 3/4" wide polyester tape.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...tape_thumb.jpg

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How much would you charge me to send me a couple hundred feet of that?

Weighed the Mule Tape today. This particular brand: Bull-Line model WP18 from A-D Technologies weights a whopping 1.5oz per 10ft. That's .15oz/ft or 14g/m...

I boxed up somewhere around 2000' and it's ready to head to the Post office for 3 scout troops. Amazingly, I have what appears to be around another 2000' remaining. Unwinding the mess is getting to be more time consuming and I have to resort to cutting shorter lengths to get it untangled.

PapaSmurf: Thanks for pulling this together, my Son has a den meeting next week, I'll be volunteering to start the hammock craze. I see no reason why the kids can't use pads!

Back to your regularly scheduled program.

Back on-topic:

What are your scouts typically using for insulation?

Would making double-layer hammocks from lighter material be better for use with a pad?

Is the amsteel just for making chain-links for the rings and larkshead? Would using webbing be cheaper?

Thanks for putting this together!

John

Amsteel is .20 per foot where i have seen webbing upto .75 and never as low as the amsteel (unless getting the harbor freight straps) I think more amsteel and less webbing(6'x2) can reduce the overall weight and maybe the price depending on your webbing source. Free webbing like your MULE TAPE find would change my mind in a heart beat.

-Tim

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Originally Posted by JohnSawyer

What are your scouts typically using for insulation?

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Most use cheap blue pads and sleeping bags. A few been down to 29 degrees in sleeping bags only.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnSawyer

Would making double-layer hammocks from lighter material be better for use with a pad?

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We have a 235lb. 17 year old that I went with a double layer. I've also went double layer on some of the adult hammocks. The other boys are under 200 lbs. & the single layer seemed to work fine for them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnSawyer

Is the amsteel just for making chain-links for the rings and larkshead? Would using webbing be cheaper?

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I used it just for the chain links.
I agree with MarshLaw303 about the Amsteel vs webbing, but if a free/cheap source of webbing exists, I'd sure use it. I'd probably sew the rings right into one loop and use the opposite loop as a larkshead aroung the gathered end.

You should receive the boxes of webbing tomorrow! Woo Hoo!

I broke down and bought some 1" welded rings. They're rated for 200# ea (my kids are less than 100# ea)...

Made these last night:

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...ckle_thumb.jpg

We just joined the Scouts, and his pack has a campout planned for October 2nd! I'm working on my second Portable Hammock stand for the trip, and thanks to Papa Smurf, I bought some lightweight polyester and mesh material... I'll be making one of these hammocks for my son to sleep in that weekend!

Got mine.
Good stuff and I'll be outfitting all my new Boy Scout hammocks with it.

How about using the "coolgrizz" method for the scouts?
Eliminate all the rings and stitching.
Overhand knot in ten foot length of muletape, larkshead to hammock, around tree, and marlin spike the muletape back onto itself.
Simple, easy and less hardware to buy/loose.
Ten foot on each end will be the same as a treehugger and whoopie and a ringed set up and will be adjustable.

The scouts will still be using knots and hitches, and they could build their own toggle.

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Originally Posted by gargoyle

How about using the "coolgrizz" method for the scouts?

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That's the method I'm planning on using for my Scouts. A simple, Spartan set-up that gives them a solid foundation. They can go crazy with suspension later when they decide to experiment and upgrade ;)

Ok, I've been putting off learning the marlinspike... I guess it's time. I know tons of knots, just haven't tried that one yet... :)

Great idea!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gargoyle

How about using the "coolgrizz" method for the scouts?
Eliminate all the rings and stitching.
Overhand knot in ten foot length of muletape, larkshead to hammock, around tree, and marlin spike the muletape back onto itself.
Simple, easy and less hardware to buy/loose.
Ten foot on each end will be the same as a treehugger and whoopie and a ringed set up and will be adjustable.

The scouts will still be using knots and hitches, and they could build their own toggle.

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It doesn't get much easier than the Marlin.

Wow this is great!! I will be doing this with the troop.

"I'm working on my second Portable Hammock stand"

Would like to know more about your stand, maybe a pic or 2. I am an assistant Scout Master with T173- Bowling Green, Va. I am looking for plans to build my own stand for a few campouts where weight and the fact of few/no trees to hang from.

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Originally Posted by Roadrunnr72

Would like to know more about your stand, maybe a pic or 2.

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Mine is a direct copy of the work from this thread. I plan on taking it to Summer Camp next year.

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...1033_thumb.jpg http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...1038_thumb.jpg

Thanks PapaSmurf. Looks good. I found a thread about using a 4x4 bottom base and 2 metal pipes for the uprights. Looks intresting enough. I may try this one first.

From a scouting (pioneering) perspective, I still don't see why a simple X frame or A frame bipod with a stake arrangement like this could not work?
Attachment 14250

In a Monkey Bridge, this will support a full sized man with a rope span of 35' with an A frame height of 5-6' (the same height as a hammock on trees). The forces generated by a taught line at 35'-40' would be significantly greater than a hammock with a 12' spread on a 30° pitch.

Or am I just missing something?

Buffalo Skipper, You are right, that would work just fine. I was looking for something portable that I can use in a tent. When go to camporees, we use the old school, military type scout tents. (They have the official scout logo still on them, there about 30+yrs old). Also we go to a beach for a canoeing trip and was not sure how well the stakes would hold.

Roger that. We have a camporee coming up the first weekend in Nov. It will be on the primative side of our scout reservation, and our troop has a campsite we have adopted, so I already know where I will be hanging out.

The idea for the A or X frame was one I had formulated some time back, and I wanted to follow through with it. But hadn't seen anyone else around here bring up. I will try it out sometime soon. When I do, I will post pics. It would also work well if you only had one tree and need a mounting location for the other end...

Another question as to the scouting aspect, I saw somewhere how to make your own hammock, I thought it showed the end just being tied to the rope? I say tied, but I think it was a loop in the end of the rope with the hammock material going through. We have a small troop and hoping to get more hanging. Ohh the pic and info I saw may not have been on this site. Thanks for any help.

Buffalo-- I had forgotten about using the log and anchor point method, I actually took pics of it at the NSJ. We have a monkey bridge and need to rebuild the guy lines. But it would work well as an achor point to hang on.

I found the pic/site I was looking for on the homemade hammock. And the end being tied, it was Just Jeff's site.

Hey guys,
I ran across these straps in the local Ikea. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/25989100 11.5' long, 100% polyester, the small clasp buckle can be cut off and a loop sewn.
I don't know how much they weigh(no scale), but they seem light to me. Rated for 882lbs. One package could give you 4- 5.5+' tree huggers for $3.99. I used them on my last trip and had no problems. 6'2 218lb.

Thanks for putting the list together. I was never involved in scouts at any level, but am considering joining as an assistant leader/helper, whatever is it called. There is a group that meets at a nearby church according to the sign.

have a good'un

cutter

Thanks Papa Smurf for starting this thread.
Thanks to John Sawyer for recycling the mule tape our direction too.

My son had a friend that invited him to a birthday party who used to be in cub scouts with him. My son invited this boy to a troop meeting and when I found out I dropped a line to his dad saying I wanted to show him something (hammocks). They made it to the meeting and after it was over I showed them hammock camping; they were all kinds of excited. This was Monday Oct. 4th

On the way home I remembered this thread and swung into the walmart... for the first time they had suitable materials.

I sewed up a Trek Light clone and using your 'Kit' idea; combined it with 9' of homewrap tyvek, old 'S' hooks, and some mule tape to become his birthday present under $10. In addition I gave them enough extra material and mule tape for his Dad to sew/make one.

We gave it to them the next morning. He slept in it last night with a buddy and I suspect he'll be sleeping there again tonight.t

Pictured below is my son in the 'Testing Phase' just before we drove it over.
I suspect the material is a 2.2oz+ cordura. The hammock is 108" long and had no issue with me at 74" 265lbs.

Nice pics!

Sorry about the late reply... Papasmurf was right on the money for the hammock stand but I made a couple of modifications:

all 2x3 stud construction with 2x4 uprights. I'll have to run outside tomorrow and take some pics to show it off. It folds up easily, and has fewer parts than the one on the thread. Held my 210lbs up all weekend!

This is a cool idea to teach scouts to make things for themselves, and many will not want to go back to the ground! I am an Eagle Scout and just started volunteering with a local scout troop, I would like to introduce them to lightweight backpacking and hammocking! Thanks for starting this thread!

Great thread. I used mine at our Troop's Back to Basics last Spring and the Scouts (and Dads) took interest. I'll be trying it out for the first time in cold weather @ Valley Forge in a couple weeks with the Troop. Hoping to continue the hammock awareness!!!

It's not my place to say it... but this is beyond a sticky. This forum should support and encourage the scouts. hurrah!!

I agree with grok I have send many people I know who have kids in the scouts to the forum and they usually can't find this thread till I email a link to them.

Thread resurrection time - I've appreciated the tips here on cheap DIY options for scouts. Just ran across a much cheaper source for decent, poly straps that I wanted to share in the hopes that it remains available for others that use this thread in the future.

$.12/foot of poly straps, shipped. From here:
http://www.shipperssupplies.com/store/item.asp?i=58755

Recommended in this thread:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=63581

This is a great thread. I'm going to bring this to my troop and make it into a project for those interested. Thanks for all the info.