Buy or build, help me decide..

**vinny** · 08-20-2012, 15:14

So i want another hammock, a better hammock.. (My modified Trekmates expedition is nice, but i want bigger, better) I want a hammock good enough to use on weekend camping/hiking/climbing trips, as well as hanging in the garden/park. But, i dont want to spend a fortune. Im a student, thus cheap, and i can see whatever hammock i get will be used / abused by my mates.

So, my choices are:

Build
Id buy 3m of the following rip-stop material - or maybe a different colour:
http://tinyurl.com/bvvwjdw
Approx 3m by 1.7m
Buy cinch/cam buckles and 25mm webbing
Use 2 climbing carabiner's.

Buy
One of the following hammocks and modify the suspension if need be, with webbing and carabiner's:
Lazy Geko (Single) 2.9m x 1.5m 150kg max £15
Lazy Geko (Double) 2.9m x 2m 250kg max £20
Lazy Geko's: http://tinyurl.com/czjndwk

TW Jungle hammock: 2.45m x 1.45m, Built on bug net
http://tinyurl.com/c8jogag

So, what should i do?

**STinGa** · 08-20-2012, 15:27

I remember the student days well. DIY the new one.

STinGa

**Resqsarge03** · 08-20-2012, 15:34

DIY it. If you have the sewing ability or a friend who does- that is the way to go. You will save money and you will learn more that way. Some folks here recommend making your hammock 4 feet longer than you are tall. Start with that much fabric and sew it up.

**gt7599a** · 08-20-2012, 23:57

+1 on the diy, if you're got access to a sewing machine or good will / Craig's list to get one.

Check out the "making gear" video series (it's a sticky) & diygearsuppliy's basic 2 layer hammock & bug net how-to files.

Welcome to the party. "My name's Ed, & I make hammock gear." "Hi Ed..."

Ed

**nothermark** · 08-21-2012, 06:08

I'd say DIY but start with 4 meters, not 3 unless you are less than 1.5m tall. Did some conversion. Current wisdom is you want ~your height + 1.2m + seam and channel allowances. Long is better than short. Versions that do not get sewn use more cloth in the ends.

**stevebo** · 08-21-2012, 06:20

DIY!!!!!!!!!! If you look at the time involved to just make one, it probably doesnt make sense to make your own, but I look at it as paying your dues----the skills aquired from making your own gear will last a lifetime (by learning them, you have given your self a lifetime supply of custom diy hammocks!) What kind of hammock are you thinking of making? (I just made a grizz bridge inspired hammock---looks intimidating to make, but was actually pretty simple---my favorite hammock by far!) Good luck!

**vinny** · 08-21-2012, 12:28

5/5 so far for DIY.. Looks like i need to order some fabric?

I cant sew, but my mum is willing enough to hem the edges for me.

Stevebo - Im thinking of making a simple gathered end single layer hammock. Going for simple and multi-situation use here.

(Im going to buy a new sleeping bag, so my old one can be an UQ)

nothermark - Why 4meters when every hammock i could buy is around 3?.. What does the extra meter do? Im 5'6, so about 1.7m

Using your wisdom:
Height+1.2m+channel+seam
1.7+1.2+.15+.15 = 3.2m

Oh, would i notice the difference between 1.4m and 1.6m width in a hammock?

**Athens-m50** · 08-21-2012, 12:46

I ran across this site yesterday......looks like they have ALL the stuff you would need to do most projects....I will DIY my next one.....love my BIAS WW......but like the DYI part.

http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/

Athens

**KMACK** · 08-21-2012, 13:03

Sorry to go the other way but I say buy. I'm an OK sewer but I have waisted more time and money thinking that I could make something better. Dont get me wrong I still DIY some bags at stuff but if you want a proper hammock then buy a proper hammock.