DWR or Regular 70D for scouts

**samjaynes** · 07-21-2013, 09:46

I have been working on getting my scouts interested in hammock camping for a while - I just got back from an overnighter, and all the scouts slept in my personal hammocks and loved it.

I am looking at getting some fabric for some scout hammocks, with a budget in mind, and found some 70D (1.9oz) ripstop available in DWR and regular. What would you recommend? Is the DWR breathable enough for some afternoon lounging and sleeping at night? Granted most these boys will be sleeping under the stars and may or may not have a tarp / netting.

Look forward to your comments

**gmcttr** · 07-21-2013, 10:35

My preference is a pure finish (non-calendared) without DWR for comfort and breathability.

Magna Fabrics should have several colors at ~$1.20/sq yd shipped....here's one example.

**Alamosa** · 07-21-2013, 11:37

Thanks for the link to Magna. Those are some fantastic prices.

We did hammocks for some of our scouts (12) and went the table cloth route. Certainly more expensive, but given the fact they are already hemmed and we spent 4 meetings on the hammocks as it was, I think this may have been the best route for us.

We also found a deal for cheap blue tarps at the local Ace hardware - package of 2 8x10 foot tarps for $5.

My idea was to make a cheap usable starter system and then the people who get into hammocking can upgrade their components as they choose.

**samjaynes** · 07-22-2013, 09:01

Thanks - I have been eyeing the fabric at that site since another Scoutmaster told me of the place.

What length of tree straps should I make for each hammock? All my hammocks use whoopie slings, but for the scouts I anticipate to use o-rings or cinch buckles to keep the cost down.

Thanks -

**gmcttr** · 07-22-2013, 10:13

Warbonnet provides 14' straps with their strap/cinch buckle system.

I prefer cinch buckles (that don't require a half hitch back-up) over descender rings (that do). Of course, that is based on my bias after deciding I didn't need the half hitch back-up with the rings....I did and I hit the ground hard to prove it.

**jbrescue** · 07-22-2013, 10:14

We were looking at this also for our boys. With the magna fabric, whoopies and straps (1" tubular webbing) we were in the $15-$20 range each.

**samjaynes** · 07-22-2013, 10:36

Originally Posted by jbrescue

We were looking at this also for our boys. With the magna fabric, whoopies and straps (1" tubular webbing) we were in the $15-$20 range each.

I would need at least 250' of 7/64 Amsteel to create enoough whoopies for the group - any recommendations for purchasing?

Scoutmasters - Granted there isnt an offical hammocking merit badge, but have you found other merit badge requirements that can be met by making one?

**Atlas918** · 07-22-2013, 14:14

backwoods daydreamer/DIY gear supply sells pre hemmed hammock blanks -- http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/p...hable-fabrics/

**monkeykoder** · 07-22-2013, 14:42

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Warbonnet provides 14' straps with their strap/cinch buckle system.

I prefer cinch buckles (that don't require a half hitch back-up) over descender rings (that do). Of course, that is based on my bias after deciding I didn't need the half hitch back-up with the rings....I did and I hit the ground hard to prove it.

This is what led to my hammock ripping in half before even getting to sleep in it.

**Chigger** · 07-22-2013, 15:05

Originally Posted by samjaynes

I would need at least 250' of 7/64 Amsteel to create enoough whoopies for the group - any recommendations for purchasing?

Scoutmasters - Granted there isnt an offical hammocking merit badge, but have you found other merit badge requirements that can be met by making one?

Keep looking at Amazon. It was a few months back but I got 600 ft. for about 10 cents a foot. Just blind luck or blessed maybe.