N00b DIYer question

[NMardin]

As I start seeing the merits of DIY and lightening my load I want to upgrade my hammock and my finances hammock to something more comfortable to sleep in. I'm using an ENO SN and she's swinging in a GTUL. What dimensions has everyone used to make their hammocks both comfortable and light weight? What hasnt worked out as well as you hoped? give me all you got!

I'm planning on using 1.1 ripstop from DIY Gear Supply, planning on whipped ends as well. The ones we have now are channel ends and I've changed out the stock suspension with Amsteel and dynaglide. Thanks everyone!!

[Bubba]

Making 11 foot hammocks seems to be trend. It helps alleviate or eliminate the calf pressure gathered end hammock can cause. 60 inch width is a good width IMO. 1.1 single layer might be a little too thin unless you are not very heavy. It may also feel too stretchy to be as comfortable as maybe a thicker ripstop. I would recommend something in the 1.5+ range.

[NMardin]

I've been thinking of 11'. I'm 5' 9" at 150lbs and the fiancé is only 5' 4". Not divulging a woman's weight Given everything I've read about 1.1 ripstop it should suffice for our size and weight.

Now is that 11' the finished size or just the length if the fabric before the ends are gathered?

[Resqsarge03]

Welcome from Greer SC too!
I've made four hammocks now. The first two were 9 footers- cause I did not know any better and I am cheap. :-)
Then I quickly realized they were too short for me since I am 6 feet tall and large. Then I made a couple of longer hammocks, starting with 4 yards of ripstop nylon. I have not measured the final length but it is probably just over 11ft. They are way more comfortable than the 9 footers even though they are the same width. One is a double layer 1.9 and the other is a single layer 1.9. I am very happy with both.
Glad to see another Grrrrr resident here.
Let me know if I can help you along with this addiction. LOL
-Sarge

[NMardin]

Right down the road from you Sarge! I just moved here a year ago and I love the area. How wide are your hammocks?

[JohnSawyer]

I have made many hammocks, from.9 to 12 feet. I am 6', and find anything over 10'6" to be very comfy. Your wife may find 10' is a good length.

I am 210lbs and 1.1 from diy gear supply is what I use...

If ultralight is your goal, Sgt. Rock's ghost hammock.is reasonably comfortable, mine is 9'6". . .

John

[Bubba]

Ah, given your weight, 1.1 does sound about right. The length is usually the finished length. I like to say from where one end's suspension attaches to the other end where that suspension attaches.

[NMardin]

Thanks for all your input everyone, and thank you Bubba for the clarification on terms of length.

[Bubba]

There was a thread a while back that discussed smaller hammocks as being more comfortable for some. A key point being the lenght fit your height. I have actually slept several nights in a pronest and was comfortable. I'm only 5'6" and can sleep through anything though.

[NMardin]

Yeah I sleep well in my SN, and it's 9' 4" in length and 55" wide. Been wanting to try out something a little bit larger. I sleep like a rock most nights... one that moves a lot and just doesn't wake up.