So as a relatively new hammock camper, it took me a few times to realized that one of the reasons I wasn't as comfortable as I had hoped is that my 9' ENO Singlenest wasn't exactly designed for my 6'6" height. After looking at a number of attractive commercial options, I decided to try to build my own. The result is a 12' long, 6' wide, bright red boat of a hammock.
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There were a number of features I saw from other hammocks that I liked and likewise a lot of great ideas from the DIY community here on Hammock Forums and on YouTube. As my first sewing project though, I wanted to be careful not to take on something too complicated while I'm learning the basics. I'm also still figuring out what will work for me, so didn't want to move too far away from the basic concept of a gathered end hammock.
The first option I wanted to include was the ability to use the stuff sack as a ridge-line organizer. This was simple enough with the addition of two grosgrain loops and some small pockets on the sides. The large center area where the hammock normally resides would be used for larger items like a hat and gloves, while the side pockets were sized for a cell phone, book, and glasses.
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I also chose to put loops every 12" along both sides of the hammock. These have the flexible purpose of acting as tie-out points, under-quilt hooks, or general attachment loops. I opted not to sew any hardware in so that everything will lay flat while not in use. I can add soft shackles or mini-carabiners as needed for specific purposes.
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Researching other people's DIY projects, I came across the Knotty Mod. My particular implementation is to have a break in the stitching every 12" in the rolled hem along the side. This allows me to place shock cord at any location or along the entire length of the hammock if desired.
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I tested the system at the recent Mount Rogers Group Hang, and was pleasantly surprised how well everything worked. There was a little bit of stitching at some stress points that needed reinforcement, but aside from that, it was a complete success.
After I returned, I started thinking about the leftover fabric I still had. I decided to make a peak back for bulky items so I can throw those above my head and a saddlebag for the side of the hammock for even more storage. I'm still tweaking those designs but will likely use both the next time I go camping.
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Even with the luxurious size, extra features, and optional accessories, the whole thing still packs down to just a little bigger than a 1 Liter Nalgene.
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Originally Posted by Pheonix6579
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