Rip stop nylon Question?

I'm looking to make my first DIY gathered end hammock and need to know what (size?) nylon to get. 1.9 breathable? I'm 330 lbs so it needs to support a fair amount of weight.

Thanks in advance.

greetings grantizzle--
1.9 oz ripstop will do you right, but at 300+ I'd strongly suggest you do a double layer body. In addition to keeping you from ripping up a single layer, it allows you to slip a pad between the bodies, frequently a nice feature to have.

I'm planning on doing the double layer. Thanks for the help.

Is there a different material I could use that would be a safer fabric for single layer?

diygearsupply sells a 2.85 oz / yd^2 weave, here.

seattlefabrics sells a 3.5 oz / yd^2 weave, here.

I have no experience with either, nor do I know of any testing done on them, but in both cases a single layer should support more than a single layer of 1.9 oz will.

Also, it is easier to construct a hammock using a single layer of fabric. The double layer way is more work. It does provide for slipping a pad between layers, but the pad must be highly resistant to compression, or it does no good for insulation.

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Originally Posted by DavyRay

Also, it is easier to construct a hammock using a single layer of fabric. The double layer way is more work. It does provide for slipping a pad between layers, but the pad must be highly resistant to compression, or it does no good for insulation.

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I can see that. I would make the double layer without the space in the middle (sew up all the edges). It would be for fabric strength, I'll use my UQ for insulation.

I'm 330+/- and 6'1". I made my gathered end hammock about 2 years ago using doubled up 1.9 oz ripstop nylon (uncoated/breathable). I hang about 30 nights per year and there's no visible signs of wear or stress yet. I bought 7 yards (21 feet) so the finished hammock must be around 9.5' long. I put 3'+/- openings at the opposite/diagonal sides to accommodate using a pad but have never done so. I've only used the openings twice, once to test a fleece insert and another a tyvek insert, neither of which made any noticeable difference in temp rating but both bunched up and were uncomfortable. I currently using a PLUQ and am getting ready to make a non-down frankenquilt for colder weather.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sigma_pete

I'm 330+/- and 6'1". I made my gathered end hammock about 2 years ago using doubled up 1.9 oz ripstop nylon (uncoated/breathable). I hang about 30 nights per year and there's no visible signs of wear or stress yet. I bought 7 yards (21 feet) so the finished hammock must be around 9.5' long. I put 3'+/- openings at the opposite/diagonal sides to accommodate using a pad but have never done so. I've only used the openings twice, once to test a fleece insert and another a tyvek insert, neither of which made any noticeable difference in temp rating but both bunched up and were uncomfortable. I currently using a PLUQ and am getting ready to make a non-down frankenquilt for colder weather.

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PERFECT! thank you!

If weight isn't a concern, I'd consider a hammock of 10' or more ... I started with a 9-foot hammock (I'm 6') but really like my 11' hammock better...

a longer hammock does complicate the hang, and UQ attachment, but in my (very) humble opinion, longer (to a point) is better...

John

Single vs Double - and having been 255 myself in the past, nobody told him about the stretch of the fabric. I have pitched and found myself on the ground a couple of hours later... I think he needs to do a double or purchase something rated for that.

This seems to be a good set of guidelines for fabric choices vs weight.

http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/hammocking101.php