A few old fat guy questions about a thruhike with a bridge hammock

[midwaymoe]

I am planning on running away to the forest for the summer to the Appalachian Trail , but as the title says I am a fat man, agile, limber, well balanced, but fat 54" waist, 330 lbs. I sleep on my stomach and although I slept in a hammock for several months as a teen, I didn't think I could do it again as an old man, until I read about bridge hammocks.
Can anyone recommend a hammock manufacturer that can build one to accompany my size ?
I'd really like to stay off the ground if possible, I have been steadily losing weight the past few months, my start date isn't until early April so I know I'll be down a few more. is this doable or should I look for a tent to start with?
Any info or advice will be very appreciated ! Thanks.

[gmcttr]

opie is the guy to talk to, but I'm not sure if he has the time.....https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ridge-Hammocks

[midwaymoe]

Thank you, I'll check with him.

[Ramblinrev]

I haven't explored the world of bridge hammocks for a few years so my information may be out of date. Back when I was playing with them they were not really suitable for big, hefty, fat (whatever description you like best) folks. The issue was not supporting the weight, it was the geometry. Lots of people complain about "shoulder squeeze" in a bridge. It actually was not shoulder squeeze as much as it was the way the fabric wrapped around. The wider the person, the worse the sensation. Big guys were asking for a bigger bridge hammock but the geometry and physical stress on the spreader bars made that technologically very difficult. Maybe that problem has been resolved. I don't know. I would encourage you to find a group hang and check out what is out there. You might find the proper lie in a gathered end would be comfortable for you. Or you might find the bridge hammock is good for you. Texas has a pretty active community if I remember correctly. You should be able to find a hang or a neighbor who can help you out.

[Passinthru]

This one might work. From the pictures and the description it looks like it has a wider lay. But - pretty heavy for long distance hiking.
http://www.amokequipment.com

[Cali]

How tall are you? The Amok is a bit tricky getting into and out of if you are not very tall, and I would not recommend it for your weight. Also, as Passinthru said, it is heavy for backpacking, and then add the pad. You would need an insulated pad to keep warm and it would need to be at least 2.5" thick to form the structure for the hammock. Have you tried a gathered end hammock? You may find that you really like it, as lots of folks who normally sleep on their stomachs in a bed, sleep differently in a hammock. Find someone in your area that you can get with to try one out. Good luck to you.

[midwaymoe]

Thank you all for the responses, I will look into some of the gathered end hammocks, Maybe sheer exhaustion would help me sleep in one.

[Ratdog]

Zilla has the biggest bridge hammock I know of. He's bigger than you. I was lucky enough to try it out but still felt pressure on the shoulders for the reasons mentioned above.

I am very comfortable in a 12' gathered end.