View Full Version : Homemade Hammock
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OK after hearing all the fuss about hammocks I decided to make one and give it a try.
I used some light weight ripstop nylon I found at Walmart and some nylon rope. After I got it made I had to try it out so I went for a walk on the farm and found two suitable trees to attach this VERY questionable thing to.
Well, it acutally held me and none of the stitching showes any sign of ripping or coming undone. I also managed to dose off for about an hour or so.
I got so excited about the hammock I put two hooks in the guest bedroom and set the hammock up there so I can see what a full nights sleep will be like.
As of now I am having thought of leaving the tent at home on my up coming thru hike.
Also anyone used the Walmart ripstop nylon and sprayed it down with silicon to make a light weight tarp? I still have some of the material left and a homemade tarp seems to be in order if I can make it water proof.
Just Jeff
02-02-2010, 01:08
Congrats on your new hammock! Looks great. What are the dimensions? And do you know if it's 1.9oz or 1.1 oz?
A few folks have had marginal success making their own silnylon, but not with the spray. They dissolved silicone in mineral spirits, then dipped the nylon in, then strung it up to dry. Pretty messy and involved...might be worth your time and effort to get a DIY kit from www.speerhammocks.com (http://www.speerhammocks.com) or www.thru-hiker.com (http://www.thru-hiker.com).
Lots of folks thru-hike with hammocks...some use it all the way, others use it only in the warmer months. As long as you're comfortable, use it whenever it feels good!
Congrats on your new hammock! Looks great. What are the dimensions? And do you know if it's 1.9oz or 1.1 oz?
I think it is 1.9 oz because I can't see thru it. The material I am thinking of using for the tarp is even lighter and I can see right throught it .
I had a great night sleep in the tarp last night. My back isn't even sore this morning:) I do remember switching sleeping positions last night and I went from back to side with no problem. I think I am hooked:eek: .
droptopbenz
02-02-2010, 10:44
I think it is 1.9 oz because I can't see thru it. The material I am thinking of using for the tarp is even lighter and I can see right throught it .
I had a great night sleep in the tarp last night. My back isn't even sore this morning:) I do remember switching sleeping positions last night and I went from back to side with no problem. I think I am hooked:eek: .
good job! i'm taking my hammock on my thru! welcome to the club! maddog
Well I took the hammock down today after a good nights sleep and weighted it. Wow 12 oz and that is with the heavy braided nylon support ropes. The support ropes are 10 foot long each .
IdahoDavid
02-02-2010, 17:43
I think if you could somehow manage a double thickness of material so that your sleeping pad can be slipped inside you would like the results despite a slight increase in weight. Even a small amount of insulation will make a world of difference and with the pad between two layers of material it is much less likely to slide around in the night.
I think if you could somehow manage a double thickness of material so that your sleeping pad can be slipped inside you would like the results despite a slight increase in weight. Even a small amount of insulation will make a world of difference and with the pad between two layers of material it is much less likely to slide around in the night.
Hey:D Thanks for the Idea IdahoDavid I will give it a try
Just Jeff
02-03-2010, 09:23
You can use the lighter material if you make a double layer. For both layers, or just to add on another layer. Also, obviously you can save some weight by changing out the heavy ropes...just be sure to use tree huggers on the trees instead of putting the rope directly on there b/c it can damage the trees, especially if the same trees are used over and over again b/c they're near a shelter or in a great site.
Here's how I made a double-layer hammock, but I'd use the opening design on Risk's ZHammock that's linked on there.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearTwoLayerHammock.html
Some of the other hammocks I made are on there if you click the "Homemade Gear" tab at the top of that page.
Being in construction, the lumber banding (flat nylon webbing 1/2" wide) has worked well for the last 3 yrs. The Eno single hammock stuffs into it's own bag and is grapefruit size and $40 at Gander Mt.
Rope?
Just Jeff has already weighed in. Check his site under "How do I make my own hammock?" and "3 - Choose the suspension." One-inch webbing is cheap at Wal-Mart, and 30 feet gets two 15-foot straps that make an easy Four-Way Wrap around a suitable tree.
I just melted the ends, sewed a six-inch loop at one end, and did a lark's head over the knot on my ripstop nylon.
Jeff''s site does mention making an accordion pleat "W-shape" in the nylon before knotting each end. This gives two pockets for a diagonal sleeping position, rather than a banana shape.
There are some interesting tarps at campmor.com, which may be cheaper in the long run than a homemade job.
What are your plans for bugproofing?
Rope?
What are your plans for bugproofing?
I am not worried about bug netting . I just threw this setup together to see if I like hammocks. And as for the tarp, it was more of an experiment to see if the method would work.
Way to go Scruffy!!
My first test hammock ripped because I thought I'd see if hemming was really necessary. The let down was like an elevator ride-- so no harm done.
I'm a disciple of the double layer hammock myself. I always need under insullation.
And, look at this doityourself tutorial on hammock forums. A few more changes and you can convert to a hennessy clone style with top entry. The best of both worlds, IMHO
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=670&highlight=hennessy
Enjoy
Tom