what kind of ripstop nylon to buy?

[manta]

Hello everyone. I am wanting to make my first hammock and have been reading everyone's posts, but I am wondering what weight of nylon I need to buy. I weigh 225#. any info would be great.

[MAD777]

If you want a double layer, I would recommend a double 1.1 oz/sy. or for a single layered hammock, 1.9 oz/sy. You could get away with less and not fall through the hammock. It's just that thinner fabric would probably stretch too much to remain comfortable.

[hppyfngy]

This according to http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/hammocking101.php

"200-225 LBS:
single 1.7, double 1.0, double 1.1, double 1.7
You might notice a very slight reduction in flatness by going single 1.7, but not very much. Double 1.0 and double 1.1 will provide you maximum support and comfort. You can also step up to the double 1.7 if you want but there will be little gain in comfort and support by doing so.

225-250 LBS:
double 1.0, double 1.1, double 1.7
Choose double 1.0 or double 1.1 if looking to go lightweight. In this weight range the double 1.7 will provide you slightly more support, choose double 1.7 for maximum comfort and double 1.1 if you're weight conscious at all."

So really, a double anything or 1.5 or heavier single would be fine too. Lighter will give or stretch more, leading some to complain of "shoulder pinch" and heavier or double will be more "rigid." Personally I find thinner more comfortable but it all depends on you...

Diygearsupply has it all.

[Ramblinrev]

Just to further confuse things.... my preference is a "top weight" polyester taffeta. It probably comes closer to 1.9 oz than lighter but it is so much more comfortable to me than ripstop nylon. It won't stretch and a single layer is plenty strong enough for most folks. I weigh in at ~250.

"Top weight" means the kind of fabric you would use to make a light blouse. That's a terminlolgy fabric stores would understand. Weight/sqyard will get you looks like you have two heads at most fabric stores except those who specialize in outdoors gear.

[lubbockhammockguy]

diygearsupply.com has a good selection of ripstop at good prices

[hppyfngy]

Just to further confuse things.... my preference is a "top weight" polyester taffeta. It probably comes closer to 1.9 oz than lighter but it is so much more comfortable to me than ripstop nylon. It won't stretch and a single layer is plenty strong enough for most folks. I weigh in at ~250.

"Top weight" means the kind of fabric you would use to make a light blouse. That's a terminlolgy fabric stores would understand. Weight/sqyard will get you looks like you have two heads at most fabric stores except those who specialize in outdoors gear.

I've heard you say that so many times RR, I have to try it. So is "top weight" a necessary term or is "polyester taffeta" the key? I come in around 180 if it makes any difference...

And how does it price in comparison to the $3 or so ripstop I'm used to?

[Ramblinrev]

If you are going to a mainline fabric store like Joannes or others of their ilk you want to ask for "top weight polyester taffeta". That will give most clerks the information they need to direct you. If you know what you are looking for Wally World often has a good supply in their $1.50 bins. A lot of it is really _ugly_ but I've gotten some nice stuff there. The big box stores are probably top dollar unless you have coupons.

[manta]

thanks everyone for your input. now I am going to go have fun making my first hammock.