DWR for hammock body? Yea or Nay?

[CajunHiker]

I've read both yes and no for using DWR for a hammock body. What's the real deal? This is some DWR ripstop poly from Walmart, sliver/gray in color.
Thanks.

[slowhike]

My thoughts are that in colder weather, it would be great because it would cut the drafts.
In hot weather it might be OK, but a fabric that can breath more freely, along w/ some type of bottom insulation that could be added/adjusted, would be better.

Of course, some DWR fabrics will vary in how much they lean toward water repellent or breathable.

[Mule]

I actually made a 5.5 by 10.5 foot three bottom hammock out of DWR. I didn't think tow layers would be strong enough. It was very comfortable and the extra layer between me and the pad made it even better, slicker. I did not try sleeping in it out in the weather however.
From my experience with DWR in a coat, I think it is many time more breathable than GoreTex, so I think it would be OK. Mule

[slowhike]

I think you're right Mule. DWR would be fine in most cases. Only if I were going to be spending a fair amount of time sleeping/lounging in hot weather & had the luxury of choosing my hammock for that time frame would I lean toward a completely breathable, non- treated fabric.

I remember Ed Speer talking about liking to use a breathable fabric & spray it w/ a DWR treatment as cold weather moved in.
But for most cases, I would think a DWR fabric would be just fine.