First DIY bridge

[Bl@ckbird]

This is the first bridge hammock I've had and so far I think I'm converting to bridges from now on. This thing is dang comfortable.... I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs and could never seem to get perfectly comfortable in a gathered end.

I used Bics plans as a starting point and tailored it to my desires. It is 83 inches long, 33 inches wide at the waist and 48 inches at the shoulders/feet. I basically added 1 inch width to Bics design. Not sure why other than I thought it seemed a better width for me. I also didn't use the triangular end cap design. Instead, I eyeballed a trapezoid shape then sewed a channel and ran shock cord through it. I like having some stretch in the ends to help keep my TQ inside.

Really glad I tackled this project and for anyone considering it Id say, it's not that difficult and all those numbers and parabola calculators are nice but not needed. I did all measuring on my kitchen table with a school ruler and color pencil. . All sewing techniques and dog bone how-to came from Bic's YouTube videos.

Materials:

4 yds Hexon 1.6 single layer (could of done with 3 yards but I plan to make saddle bags)
4 Dutch bridge hammock ends
20 ft Tubular polyester webbing
36 inch Dutch spreader poles w/ tips
20 ft Amsteel for dog bones

Total estimated cost = $83. (Estimated cost includes shipping.)

Non-essential extras:
4 Dutch bridge ends - $28 (but I love these little things. Hanging the UQ was easy peasy.)



Sorry for the graphic display of hairless man chest.... I wasn't thinking when I asked my wife to take the picture. Lol.

[groupertrpr]

That looks great! I have made two bridges using Bic/HikerDad's design and love them. I'd be interested to see how you did the ends differently. I like the looks of yours better than the original triangle design.

[Bl@ckbird]

Sorry, forgot to figure in dimensions reflecting seams.

Final dimensions - 80 in long x 45 in head/feet x 33 in middle.

Cut dimensions - 83 in length x 48 in head/feet x 36 in middle.

Depth of curve - 6 in.

[Bl@ckbird]

That looks great! I have made two bridges using Bic/HikerDad's design and love them. I'd be interested to see how you did the ends differently. I like the looks of yours better than the original triangle design.

I'll try to post a diagram up tomorrow of how I did the end caps. Been laying in it tonight and so far it's everything I was trying for.

[Otter1]

Excellent! Now let's go to Torreya so I can see it

+1 I'd like to see more about the ends. And how much does it weigh without spreaders?

[TNhunter]

Looks really nice and comfortable. Love my ridgerunners.

[gargoyle]

I like the visual of the old hammock vs. new hammock.

Good job.

[Gutyones]

Looks super comfortable...

[Bl@ckbird]

Excellent! Now let's go to Torreya so I can see it

+1 I'd like to see more about the ends. And how much does it weigh without spreaders?

Okay. Here is a quick drawing of what I did with my design. I made a simple rolled hem and used my loop puller to run shock cord through it and put cord licks at each end. The straight edges of the trapezoid shape made it very easy to sew also.

Was in it last night and couldn't ask for a more comfortable hang. Very satisfied.

[FJRpilot]

Very nice... So the material is actually 111 in long?