First hammock for a fat guy

[Gresh]

I see a lot about whipping...how exactly does THAT happen. I understand making end channels...

[Rob In AL]

EDIT: Thought I'd also add that, while the ENO DN is a fantastic hammock that many are very happy with, I'm only 5'10" and find it to be a smidge short. My $0.02.

I'll second that. At 5' 10" / 330#, my ENO DN is just barely long enough to stretch out in. Diagonal is worlds better.

As for having a clear "landing zone" and not being real high at first, yeah, all that. When you get your suspension nailed down then go for the 18-20 in sit heights.

[Gresh]

Trust me, I'd gladly pay $0.10 for any experienced $0.02.

...which puts that ENO right out. Looks like I'll stay saving my pennies for WBBB for my first buy.

[1066vik]

the same $80 for an eno DN will get you a GT Skeeter Beeter Pro -- rated to 400# and includes a bug net.

Whipping -- means taking a light cord and wrapping it around the end of something (like a larger rope or in this case, the bunched up end of a tablecloth)
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock2.html

[SilvrSurfr]

It's a little early in the game for you, but you might want to start thinking about whether you're going to be happy with an integrated bugnet like the Blackbird. Starting out as a noob, I definitely wanted the Swiss Army knife hammock - everything all-in-one.

That's not the case any longer. Now, I definitely prefer a separate bugnet so I don't have to take it in cold weather when the skeeters aren't out.

Just another thing to think about.

[Gresh]

I appreciate that line of thought, but the reason I'm all tied up on the WBBB right now is 'cause it's the only one I've had any (read: "limited") experience with.

I'm getting ready to order a tablecloth to make me up one sans-bugnet. Taking the leap!

[Gresh]

Also, the problem I have with that Skeeter Beeter is how the bug net sets up. I really like the way it sets up on the WBBB, staking out to the sides rather than being suspended from above. That might be an unreasonable gripe...

[Gresh]

Check out a tablecloth hammock. It's long (126"), cheap ($12.99 per hammock blank), and strong.

Here's a thread on them.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...leclothfactory

I made a double-layer with two tablecloths. I'd imagine a double-layer would easily hold a 500 lb. man.

Going back to this post, when you say you made a double-layer...does that mean you stacked two and ran a new hem around both of them?

If so, what are your thoughts about running them hem around the two short dimensions and one of the long ones, leaving an opening between the two layers to accommodate a pad or other layer for cold weather?

[L.D. Cakes]

I have a friend who is right at 300lbs and is 6'5". He was uncomfortable in a 10"X60" hammock because his mass just takes up so much room, very wide shoulders! So to resolve the issue I'm making him an 11'X70" hammock to give him a little more wiggle room.
Also I would advise to make your hammock a double layer hammock. Not just for strength but to also slip a pad in between the layers for insulation. It keeps it in place so you're not fighting with it and it will keep your back from getting cold until you're ready to spend the $$ on an under quilt.
Note: Even in a 68 degree room you still need some kind of insulation under you or you start to feel the cold creep into your back side.

[Gresh]

Exactly the type of information I was after regarding not hemming one side of the double layer. Thanks!

I'm eyeballing the 90" wide tablecloth for my DIY hammock. Let me know what your friend thinks about the 70", please.