DIY Hammock for large guys

**DoWhatIDo** · 10-04-2010, 10:47

Hey everyone, been trolling for a while and finally decided to try my luck at a diy hammock. I'm a big guy 6'1", 275. Does any have any instructions on a hammock for us big guys? The ones I've read seem to be for smaller people. Thanks for the input

**sr1355** · 10-04-2010, 10:57

As for height I think most designs will work for you, 6'1 is not that big but as for weight I think you might need a double layer or maybe 1.9 would work... I'll let someone with a little more personal experience chime in on that...

**Dblcorona** · 10-04-2010, 11:02

I use a single layer 1.9oz. I'm 6' 1" and 285. Works good for me. I have made it from 10' to 12' long with a structural ridgeline and they work good.

**charley** · 10-04-2010, 17:03

I'm 278 and have made a cpl double layer hammocks from ww ripstop so I don't know if it is 1.7 or 1.9 or what. I have broken webbing 3 times but the hammock has been fine. Both have been gathered end, one started with 10' and the other started with 11'.

**DoWhatIDo** · 10-05-2010, 12:28

Thanks for the info. I went to Joann's and bought some sports nylon. The Walmarts around here don't have any ripstop and the sport seemed a bit stronger. Just bought some poly-pro webbing and built it to the design on Risk's test hammock. Worked great although the webbing stretched too much. Hung it on some crape myrtles in my yard. Now, to make a gathered end and get some real straps.

IMG00344-20101005-1323.jpg IMG00345-20101005-1324.jpg

**JohnSawyer** · 10-05-2010, 23:11

You have that hammock strung pretty tight. Get the suspension up higher, and hang it looser.

Also, if you get rid of the end-knots, and go with a whipped end like the zhammock: http://www.imrisk.com/zhammock/zhammock.htm

you'll end up with a longer hammock, that will give you a longer diagonal, and be more comfortable for your height. Also, add a ridgeline to force a bit of sag on your hammock. Play with the ridgeline length until you get what you want... hang it with the foot end higher than the head end so your center of gravity (chest) doesnt' end up in the middle of the hammock.

Play with it until you like it... then play some more! Welcome to the addiction! Next thing you know, you'll be making hammocks for all your friends!

**GvilleDave** · 10-06-2010, 08:27

I am 6'-2" and around 260#. My latest DIY is a single layer 1.9 oz ripstop. I made my hammock similar to HC4U's HH Clone Instructions but changed the length and gathered the ends WBBB style like Knotty shows in his thread. The result is a very comfortable hammock that seems cavernous inside. Here's a link to my DIY hammock thread:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...hlight=hammock

The fabric I used is on sale right now at Hancock fabric so if you have a Hancock local to you you can buy the fabric and save shipping. If not sign up for their online mailer and you will get a coupon for free shipping. Here's a thread on that fabric:

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=22854

Good luck & share the results when you are finished!

**DoWhatIDo** · 10-06-2010, 08:59

Thanks for the info guys. Hard to believe but on my acre and 1/2 property, I dont have any trees close enough to string this thing up so I had to use some pretty big bushes. Will need to make a hammock stand to put near my fire pit in the backyard. Gonna work on the whipping ends and ridgeline this weekend. Hope to take this up to GA in Dec for a week hike on the AT. Need to work on insulation soon.