Zippers

[Catavarie]

So this is probably better suited for the DIY section, but I wanted to get as much input from as many people as I can and I'm uncertain as to if those non-diy types even check there. But on to the reason for this post.

I'm looking at putting together a new DIY hammock, this time with attached (zippered) bugnetting. My current hammock has no dedicated head or foot end and without a bugnet I'm able to enter and exit from either side of the hammock. And I like these aspects, so I would like to have the same functionality in a zippered model.

But does it make a difference? Does anyone out there with the Blackbird or hennessy, or any other hammock that can only be exited from a single side wish they could go out the other side? Or be able sleep from the other end?

[StrawHat]

'just finished another diy hammock based on BlackGoat's and Jerry#5. The design is similar to WBBB but without the shelf/footbox panel which is replaced with another zippered side panel and a removable bugnet that can be stowed into the double ended sack. I'll put up more pics and create another thread for it on the DIY section.

[Catavarie]

That's what I was looking at doing, just would like to save the weight of the second zippered side if I'm not going to miss it.

Also looking at replacing the "wings" of ripstop with netting to encourage the breeze. A full write up would be awesome, thanks.

[StrawHat]

You might wanna check this thread also. It has a built-in bugnet with no zippers. The design is geared towards the more weight conscious people. I have it bookmarked and considered making but decided later that Ill just go with BlackGoat's/Jerry#5 pattern instead.

[Catavarie]

Tried that out on my current test hammock, didn't work out for me. I can't say why, just not my style I guess.

Currently I'm using a corner weighted bugnet on my hammock that works great, just looking for something more permanent, with clean lines and a sleak profile. (I feel like I'm describing a car or an Apple Computer now. )

[MAD777]

As to the question of one or two zippers, I've never had a problem with one-sided exits. However, the advantage I see in two zippers is that you can reach over both sides to adjust your underquilt that some armadillo has knocked to one side during the night.

To save weight, that second zipper could be only 18" long and still serve that purpose.