My 3 sons were getting tired of sleeping on a bumpy sloped ground so they wanted to try sleeping in a hammock. Sounded awesome till I thought about the cost
I decided to make it a learning opportunity, and let them make their own.
Here is solution we came up with...
3 tablecloths from www.tableclothsfactory.com (They liked being able to pick their own colors) $12 each discount code of DSC-80 gave -10% off = $32.37
Dutch gear spool of lashit, 1/16th shockcord (for bugnet), 25 ft of Amsteel, dutch hooks, hookworms = $65
1/2in Mule Tape from ebay $10
3 single bar mosquito nets from Academy Sports $9.99 each $30
Total: $137 or about $46 for each hammock
I already had tarps and tree huggers
We gathered and whipped the ends with cord. I showed them how to make their own continuous loops out of the 7/16th amsteel, and larksheaded to the ends.
We made fixed ridgelines with the lashit (I showed they how to make a locked Brummel for the loops)
larksheaded the mule tape to the huggers and used the becket hitch to the continuous loops.
We ran out of time before going on the trip, so we cut some corners for the bugnets. We decided to try to use the nets like a Fronkey style. We cut a very small hole in opposite corners of the mosquito net and reinforced with a few stitches. Then threaded the shockcord around the bottom of the net. If we had more time we would have had mom sew a channel to put the shockcord through. I figured we can do that when we get back.
One of my boys had something come up, so we ended up with me and 2 of my boys. They had a great time, and they both said they were SO comfortable with just their sleeping bags. We had such a great experience building the hammocks and using them, and the future looks promising that I'll have a fun activity to do with my boys for years to come. I wouldn't have been able to do it without the help of HF, and all your great ideas. Thanks Peeps!
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Originally Posted by brianb
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