I'm a BIG noob...

[ArtisanBeard]

Don't write off retail yet.
I've found these on Ebay for lower prices, and it supports my normal sized frame (Taller and more mass than you!) just fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hammaka-Para...item9c00a95829

I use it for a back up.
For my regular camping hammock I took an ENO Double nest and just sewed another layer on the bottom along where the existing stitching is where the colrs change to slide in a pad etc. It wasn't structural, just for holding the pad to the backside.
Both the Eno DN and this one on EBay well exceed your weight.
I think you will be more comfortable in a wider one, based on my ENO DoubleNest compared to the SingleNest my son uses.
Later . .

Thanks for the input! I have looked at the ENOs (my wife works part-time at a store that sells them), so it is a possibility for something in the future, but it isnt the same (for better or for worse) as making my own...and it looks fairly easy to do.

[ArtisanBeard]

I don't think you would have any problems at all with it. Yes, it's not ripstop, but ripstop isn't needed to make a hammock - plain weave nylon or polyester will do just fine. At 250ish I dont have any stretch (that I can tell) with the 2.8. It has a smooth side and a rough side - I put the rough side in so there's no chance of sliding around. I also lay very flat in my 2.8 hammock single layer.

I hate to say it but the 2.8 material hammock I made is more comfortable than my Blackbird and that's saying alot!

The 2.8 looks like the cheapest and most practical material for me. I think I will make one soon. This is gonna be fun! Now I just need to convince my wife to let me use her sewing machine, lol.

[Lost_Biker]

The 2.8 looks like the cheapest and most practical material for me. I think I will make one soon. This is gonna be fun! Now I just need to convince my wife to let me use her sewing machine, lol.

I can mail you a small swatch sample if you like.

[ArtisanBeard]

I can mail you a small swatch sample if you like.

I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I will need it...I trust your recommendation and will be ordering some on Monday (payday). I love the DIY guides on that site also, I'll be doing some Whoopie slings, tree straps, and a bug net too! Hopefully this will turn out well. I'll keep you guys posted as I progress. I am pleasantly surprised with the assistance from you guys here on the forums...very cool!

[Lost_Biker]

I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I will need it...I trust your recommendation and will be ordering some on Monday (payday). I love the DIY guides on that site also, I'll be doing some Whoopie slings, tree straps, and a bug net too! Hopefully this will turn out well. I'll keep you guys posted as I progress. I am pleasantly surprised with the assistance from you guys here on the forums...very cool!

Thanks and I believe you'll like that material. If you need any help or some pictures on my build, please let me know.

[Lost_Biker]

Oh and don't forget some pictures when your done!

[Backtrack]

I was wanting to DIY a hammock too. I went with the Lite Owl from Wildernesslogics.com because it was only a few dollars more than the DIY. After looking into ordering supplies from several suppliers and paying shipping on those items I had to buy one.

The Lite Owl comes standard with whoopies, tree straps and ships free. Thats a one swipe deal!

[Hiknhanger]

I have that exact Hammaka hammock, but I don't think mine is as long as described. I have the ends balled up a little for tying on the suspension, but not much, maybe 3" on each end, and I measured 104" total. I don't feel like it gives me enough length for a nice flat lay. Maybe I got mine for half that price because it was so short! It holds me up just fine, though.

[beep]

1.7 or 1.9 double layer, 11' long. Check out the Wilderness Logics Nite Owl. It's a double layer 1.5. Yu'll need something like that hammock, dimesions and all.

+1 What he said.

[old4hats]

Another welcome to HF, and I eagerly await reports of your DIY gear adventures, and much success with your "job".