lying flat with a big load

**rockminder** · 08-20-2010, 08:05

Hi to all,
Is there such a beast out there that can handle my weitht, 350 lbs and still let me lie fairly flat.
I would like a DIY if at all possible so to be able to make a version one to see how I take to it.
Thanks for any help anyone can supply.

Regards Rockminder I live in Northern Newfoundland , Canada

**Bubba** · 08-20-2010, 08:10

Welcome fellow Canuck! You can lay flat in many hammocks as long as you have the right amount of sag and lay on a diagonal. The hammocks I own have stated maximum weights that you would fit into. My Eagles Nest Outfitters Double Nest states 400 lbs and both my Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 double layer and double layer Traveler state 375lbs. I am about 275 and I can see either of them holding more. If you are going to DIY, doubling the material you get will probably ensure it will support you.

**gargoyle** · 08-20-2010, 08:14

rock, I'm 340 and I've done single layers before without fail, (living on the edge) so a double will work for sure.
Choose a god ripstop or taffetta fabric. Something with little or no stretch. Not cotton.

Amsteel or quality webbing for a suspension.

Two sturdy trees.

**rockminder** · 08-20-2010, 20:48

Thanks for the info,
I'm gonna try and make something up temp to try in the basement.
Work out a few kinks and then either purchase or make one.
Any ideas on a quick fix to see if it suits me?

Thanks Again,
May all yer ups and downs be in a hang.

Rock

**Pitch** · 08-20-2010, 20:52

WBBB 1.7 2x is listed as Max 375 and "Flat" to 300.

Perhaps asking brandon if he would make you a tripple layer if you are super worried about max flatness?

Have you tried many other hammocks and found problems with a flat lay?

Best of luck in your quest - I'm sure you will find the solution somewhere here - this place rocks after all

**rockminder** · 08-21-2010, 10:14

I haven't tried any hammock yet, looking for something I can make borrow or pick up real cheap to first try it in my basement.
If it works and I have everything crossed that it will!
I will make the plunge.
I like traveling in the back country, for hunting and fishing , mostly fishing and want a system thats easy and quick to set up.
When I travel it will be mostly via a machine to where I can set up a base camp.
I have done all the roughing you can pretty much think of, on ground under a piece of plastic, lean to, snow caves.. etc.. been there got the shirt.
Now I want my camp to be fairly comfortable , able to cook decent meals, sleep comfortable in non flat terrain , sit in comfort without the weather beating down on me and able to enjoy a mug of tea and some fruit cake by the fire.
AAAAHHHH MEN

Lets see when this goes from here, again thanks for all the help

Rock

**Knotty** · 08-21-2010, 10:49

Making a gathered end hammock is very easy and cheap.
Instructions here. It's something of a Warbonnet Traveler clone. http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

As for fabric, there are more choices than just 1.1oz and 1.9oz ripstop nylon, though I think a double layer 1.9 should work fine for you.

Good info from Scott Littlefield:

Originally Posted by sclittlefield

Rev sums it up pretty well.

Generally speaking, these are common conversions when talking weights and denier:

200d = 4.0oz
70d = 1.9oz
30d = 1.1oz

Ripstop has the grids in it, to stop rips from continuing once they start. It does a fair job of it. Ripstop can be soft or firm, depending on many factors. Ripstop comes in many weights / deniers - but is most commonly found in 1.1 and 1.9oz.

Taffeta does not have grid pattern like ripstop. It tends to be a bit more abrasion resistant, where ripstop is more tear resistant. Taffeta does not do well with tears. It also can be soft or firm - generally it's softer than ripstop. Taffeta comes in many weights / deniers - also most commonly found in 1.1 and 1.9oz.

Oxford is like Taffeta on steroids. It's just a much more rugged cloth, and due to the higher denier, is not as comfortable against the skin. OWF says it well - Oxford is ideal where Packcloth would be used, but lighter weight is preferred. Oxford is almost always 200/210 denier.

Hope that helps a bit. Fabric is a confusing animal and all of this that I mentioned is usually the case - there are many many variations from the norm.