Hi from Boston...........UK

**Noid** · 04-04-2012, 10:01

Hello all, been scouring the internet for things to do with my time that cost nothing or as near to nothing as possible and found these forums while searching for a way to make my own hammock. (Thanks to all the people for the information so far, it's been very helpful.)

I have always wanted to try a bit of this "dangling precariously from a couple of trees" type camping but could never get the time to look into it properly.

I was made redundant late on last year so I have lots of time now but very little, if any cash. So looking to make one of these in my spare time for the summer (if it ever stops raining and gets here of course

) for as little money as possible.

I thought I had it cracked when I found a site selling the fabrics I needed, then upon reading more on here it appears that I need heavier and wider fabric than i can actually find, plus all the other bits and bobs that I need, it's starting to spiral out of control and look like a pipe dream really but I'm not giving up just yet.

**dragon360** · 04-04-2012, 10:10

Ha. Hello and Welcome to the Forums from Canada!

It can be done cheaply - I've purchased my Grand Trunk UL hammock during a sale for $13 with its suspension (not all that good suspension however). But this can be a very addictive and expensive hobby - but I would rather my money go into this than so many other things!

**MAD777** · 04-04-2012, 11:34

Welcome from Florida. Basic hammock and tarp can be pretty cheap. Sleeping on foam pads for bottom insulation is cheap also. Wearing warm clothing and a blanket from home is something you don't have to buy at all.

So, don't let talk of a bunch of fancy stuff here on the forums scare you away. Hanging from a couple of trees can be cheap, at least in summer.

If you get into hard core backpacking in winter, well you may have to break into the cookie jar for that.

**raiffnuke** · 04-04-2012, 11:48

Welcome to HF from Mass.

**Wildbill** · 04-04-2012, 12:25

Welcome from NC.

**Pipsissewa** · 04-04-2012, 12:55

Do not be discouraged! Since this is a HAMMOCK forum, we discuss all the minutia of hammocking in sometimes mind-numbing detail. We just like talking about it! But, that can make it SEEM more complicated than it really is. Get a scrap of material, make yourself a no-sew gathered end hammock, get some tie-down straps for webbing (to protect the trees) and tie them on to the ends of your hammock. Then, just try it out. Stay close to the ground until you get more experience at it--falls happen and can be dangerous. Once you catch the hammock bug, you'll have endless hours of enjoyment from a new hobby and lots of new friends (life the wonderful folks here).

Welcome and good luck!

**Boomer** · 04-04-2012, 21:06

Originally Posted by Noid

...it's starting to spiral out of control

Just wait until you get addicted.

**DivaB** · 04-04-2012, 21:20

I didn't even know that the UK had a Boston, so that was a pretty good thread title. Welcome; from Ohio, US

**Noid** · 04-05-2012, 02:53

Thanks for all the replies guys, I may have to get on eBay and just buy a cheap hammock for something of a benchmark for me to equal and then beat. Or even just modify it to begin with. We shall see once I get a little bit of cash in. Until then I'll just be a sponge and take in all the information that I can get.

Originally Posted by DivaB

I didn't even know that the UK had a Boston, so that was a pretty good thread title. Welcome; from Ohio, US

Right, here comes the history lesson then. The Boston in the USA was named after the Boston here and we have a Pilgrim Fathers memorial here on our river bank.
We even have a tiny village just down the road named New York.
You would be surprised at how many names in my area are the original names that have become famous in the US, like Newark, Spalding, Lincoln and many more, these are just my local ones.

Diesyl · 04-05-2012, 03:30

Welcome from Northern Ireland!

I know how you feel about trying get materials here in the UK that our hangers across the pond get really easily! (Amsteel anyone?)

My first attempt was a large heavy blanket gathered at each end and some rope to hang it, just to see what it was like. It worked well too, but really no good for weight saving.

Ask family/friends if they have any old fabric lying about, it might get you started until you can save up for a hammock/ material. You would be surprised what mothers and aunts might have stashed away for the last few decades!

And remember, we are all here to help out.

Diesyl