Polyester hammock, yes or no?

**Mule** · 12-08-2007, 13:59

I know this is covered elsewhere, but it may take me hours to find anything about the fabric used to make a hammock that is other than nylon. Thinking I was buying nylon on ebay, I see by the invoice that it is not nylon but polyester. Make a hammock, yes or no?

**Nest** · 12-08-2007, 14:04

I don't see why not. I've thought about using polyester to make one. It's stronger than nylon, but still breathes. Only possible problem I could see is that it doesn't stretch, but that may not even be a problem. Give it a shot. If it doesn't work then you could use the material for something else.

**Just Jeff** · 12-08-2007, 15:08

My most comfortable hammock was (I think) polyester. It ripped b/c I had torn out a heavy stitch from it, which left a small hole. My heel miraculously found that hole and out I went.

But I never had any problems with it except for that hole. I think 1.4 oz polyester is good.

**Cannibal** · 12-10-2007, 08:25

I've made several DIY hammocks from polyester; it's the only thing I ever score at Walmart. They are quite comfortable, but I've not put any real time on any of them; just experiments.

**Jazilla** · 12-10-2007, 08:35

Nothing wrong with polyester. Big plus its softer than nylon

**Just Jeff** · 12-10-2007, 22:36

Yep - much softer hand and often less static.

Though the static show I got from the nylon HH, the nylon on the No Sniveler and my polyester long johns in the dry air of the Sierras was downright amazing. I kept moving around for about 10 minutes just to see how many sparks I could create under there! Had the side effect of warming me up, too. I bet it's allmost as cool as the northern lights and a whiskey. Almost.

**warbonnetguy** · 12-11-2007, 06:49

probably less shoulder squeeze in a polyester hammock too. i wish polyester ripstop was easier to find, it's more naturally water resistant than nylon as well.

**Mule** · 12-11-2007, 11:22

The Hammocks came out really good and are very comfortable made with polyester. Thanks for your help everyone.

**Redtail** · 12-11-2007, 11:51

Originally Posted by warbonnetguy

probably less shoulder squeeze in a polyester hammock too. i wish polyester ripstop was easier to find, it's more naturally water resistant than nylon as well.

I thought I remembered reading somewhere that poly is more resistant to UV damage also.

**Spock** · 12-11-2007, 16:23

Polyester will also not stretch like nylon, so it will keep its shape better. It absorbs less water, resists UV and chemicals, and is about half the strength per ounce. However, 1.6 ounce polyester or heavier is still way stronger than absolutely necessary for a tarp.

There are a lot of variables in fabric (and lines and attachments, etc), so it is a really good idea to do your proof testing at low altitude and over a matress - no matter what material you use.