1.1 oz Ripstop stength?

**froldt** · 02-21-2008, 15:46

It ends up that the 7 yards of ripstop I purchased are 1.1 oz (finally got access to a scale today). I was planning on cutting it in half and making two hammocks from it. One for myself (6' and about 195 lbs) and one for my fiance (5'2" and... maybe around 130 lbs [a guess towards the heavy side, I've got no idea]).

From what I've read, 1.9 oz is the recommended fabric, and somewhere I read that it will hold 250 lbs, another place that it has held over 300 lbs.

Again, somewhere here on the forums, I ran across someone saying that they (at about 220 lbs) used 1.1 oz and it didn't break, but not for an extended time.

Is there a "standard strength" for the 1.1 oz that I just haven't run across? I am assuming that it will work for my fiance, and for my sister, but that I might need to search for a 1.9 oz for myself.

**warbonnetguy** · 02-21-2008, 18:55

1.1 is probably best for someone less than 150#. yes, it will hold much more, but over the long term, you probably want more durability. the most noticeable thing though, is more stretch. lengthwise and shoulder to shoulder. this results in a less flat lay and more shoulder squeeze.

go with 1.9 for yourself, you could also use 2 layers of the 1.1. this would be good if you plan to use a pad in it.

**slowhike** · 02-21-2008, 20:08

Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

1.1 is probably best for someone less than 150#. yes, it will hold much more, but over the long term, you probably want more durability. the most noticeable thing though, is more stretch. lengthwise and shoulder to shoulder. this results in a less flat lay and more shoulder squeeze.

go with 1.9 for yourself, you could also use 2 layers of the 1.1. this would be good if you plan to use a pad in it.

i agree. i made one out of 1.1 last year. it did fine for a while... then it tore at one gathered end & dropped me<G>.

**warbonnetguy** · 02-21-2008, 21:27

Originally Posted by slowhike

i agree. i made one out of 1.1 last year. it did fine for a while... then it tore at one gathered end & dropped me<G>.

was the end hem loaded with your weight like an eno, or was it unweighted and whipped instead? where exactly did it fail?

**slowhike** · 02-21-2008, 21:56

Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

was the end hem loaded with your weight like an eno, or was it unweighted and whipped instead? where exactly did it fail?

the end was hemmed, gathered, & whipped.
i believe the support i was using was the hollow braid yellow rope. that may have played a part in it being somewhat abrasive as i would often swing in the hammock.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...ckfailure1.jpg
more pictures on page 3 of my gallery.

**slowhike** · 02-21-2008, 21:58

here's the hammock in use...
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...5/P9020028.JPG

**Take-a-knee** · 02-21-2008, 22:15

Use the 1.1 on the bottom for a pad pocket.

**warbonnetguy** · 02-21-2008, 22:53

looks like it tore below the lark's head, which i find surprising.

**froldt** · 02-22-2008, 00:42

Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

looks like it tore below the lark's head, which i find surprising.

Even the hem (so a double layer) broke!

I think I'll go ahead and make the two hammocks for my sister and fiance, and keep searching for some 1.9 for myself. The 1.1's can be practice, since I've already got the fabric. Once I get some experience I can make some new hammocks for the girls (not that I think they'll need them) out of 1.9
At that point, the 1.1 can be used to make some pad pockets, quilt, stuff sacks, or something else useful.

**warbonnetguy** · 02-22-2008, 01:16

i think slowhike's was a single layer 1.1

a double layer 1.1 would be stronger than a single layer 1.9 with a pad packet sewn to it. a true double layer has 2 structural layers. it would essentially be 2.2 oz/yd. and should be stronger and more durable than single layer 1.9, or 1.9 with a non structural pad packet sewn on.