Design concepts for flatter sleeping.

**riverkeeper** · 08-26-2008, 12:54

I gotta go soon...will get back to the forum on this.
Thanks...Some interesting and useful ideas provided.

One problem is that I've only seen one other backpack hammock in almost 5 years and that was a hennessy similar to my own....have made a few quickie DIY Speers. So the quick references to Enos, Clarks, Warbonnets, Claytors etc are only helpful when I can find pics or they're with esp good descriptions. I can usually find pics or visualize most of the suggestions so far ... thanks.

A visting AT-thruhiker-friend from DC tried out one of our hennessys for a few wilderness nights and suddenly thinks there's no other kind to consider .. he's wrong of course but he's determined to buy one.

**Cannibal** · 08-26-2008, 14:16

Originally Posted by riverkeeper

A visting AT-thruhiker-friend from DC tried out one of our hennessys for a few wilderness nights and suddenly thinks there's no other kind to consider .. he's wrong of course but he's determined to buy one.

As long as he's hangin it's alllllll goooood.

**Spock** · 08-26-2008, 17:13

Confused,
I like to mark 2 lines because one is for stitching and the other is for cutting and searing if I want to reduce the weight and bulk. I prefer to do that only after setting up and testing.

Warbonnet,
60" width before hemming. Using a string compass, you don't have to worry about the offset you ask about. I'm not sure what it is anyway. Never measured it.

**Peter_pan** · 08-26-2008, 21:29

if flat is the goal.... think bridge approach.

pan

**Mule** · 08-26-2008, 22:44

Originally Posted by Peter_pan

if flat is the goal.... think bridge approach.

pan

Oh yeh....

**Spock** · 08-27-2008, 17:00

Peter Pan,
RE: bridge hammock. What about us gram weenies?

**TeeDee** · 08-27-2008, 18:53

Originally Posted by Spock

Peter Pan,
RE: bridge hammock. What about us gram weenies?

Simple: DIY

My Bridge Hammocks are less than 16 oz.

No special materials.

Consider: My Bridge uses 1.9 sq yards of fabric. With 1.9 oz/sq yard material, that comes to 3.6 oz for the fabric.

A Hennessy ULBA uses 5.5 sq yards of fabric. Again with 1.9 oz/sq yard fabric that comes to 10.45 oz. A Speer will be approximately the same as the ULBA.

Huge weight advantage for Bridge Hammock right from the start and that doesn't even consider the comfort advantages. Go lighter and get more comfort.

Then use a SLS (either my version or HeadChange4U's version) and you can have a Bridge Hammock for under 1 lb.

What isn't there for a gram weenie to like??

**riverkeeper** · 08-27-2008, 21:00

There are some really new (to me) ideas in the thread.

Esp Slowhike's semi bridge, Spocks end shape will definitely be in the next one and maybe even a real bridge based on TeeDee's light weight....gotta get more info on that one.

I had dismissed the bridge for backpacking given the JRB weight at 3+ ... then add huggers, I assume a Mega Tarp @ > 1# and stakes and line = 5 or so pounds I guess. If correct it's about 2# too heavy.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 08-27-2008, 21:31

Originally Posted by riverkeeper

There are some really new (to me) ideas in the thread.

Esp Slowhike's semi bridge, Spocks end shape will definitely be in the next one and maybe even a real bridge based on TeeDee's light weight....gotta get more info on that one.

I had dismissed the bridge for backpacking given the JRB weight at 3+ ... then add huggers, I assume a Mega Tarp @ > 1# and stakes and line = 5 or so pounds I guess. If correct it's about 2# too heavy.

Not sure what all TeeDee includes in his figures...there is a post somewhere where he goes through it in detail. Important to note that those figures assume 0 grams for spreader bars, as hiking poles are pressed into dual use.

I built a bridge whose end-to-end weight (include tree webbing, and bishop bag) was 20 oz. Excludes spreader bars because hiking poles are used. Is not entirely mimimal because it has a double body.

A JRB 10'x11' or SWT is enough tarp to cover this well, so add another 20 oz or so. (more pictures and explanation in this post.) Put in stakes, and under 3 lbs total.

BTW, the instructions I posted on building the dual mode bridge are largely the same as ones (not written out) for building the lightweight model. The differences should be mostly obvious from comparing pictures.

Grizz

**Smee** · 08-28-2008, 07:54

Originally Posted by riverkeeper

There are some really new (to me) ideas in the thread.

Esp Slowhike's semi bridge, Spocks end shape will definitely be in the next one and maybe even a real bridge based on TeeDee's light weight....gotta get more info on that one.

I had dismissed the bridge for backpacking given the JRB weight at 3+ ... then add huggers, I assume a Mega Tarp @ > 1# and stakes and line = 5 or so pounds I guess. If correct it's about 2# too heavy.

I don't know where you got your figures, but just to set the record straight ...

BMBH (hammock, bug net, complete suspension, tri-glides, pillow) weighs 37 oz.

JRB 11x10 Cat Tarp weighs 18 oz.

JRB Tarp Line & STL Set (6 STLs, 2 ridge cords) weighs 1.5 oz.

6 Titanium UL stakes weigh 1 oz.

Total is 57.5 call it 58 or 3 lbs 10 oz.

I realize this is still heavier than many people desire but it's way under 5 plus! It really boils down to a question of priorities. Especially once you're down to a sub 10-15 pound base weight. How many ounces is a really comfortable night's sleep worth? Just like the guy with the most toys doesn't win, the guy with the lightest pack doesn't win either.

Regards,