Simple Hammock to Lay In Perpendicularly?

[goober]

Seems like 90 degree hammocks like the AMOK Draumr are getting a lot of attention.

But instead of such a fancy (and heavy) one, why not just make an extra wide nylon hammock? My father took a boat down the Amazon to Manaus, Brazil, and the sleeping arrangements were in hammocks; he said that everyone would lay in them perpendicularly. (Based on my reading, hammocks originated in Brazil/The Caribbean, so maybe they know what they're doing!)

Does anyone know of a simple hammock that is made to hang in width-wise? I think a lot of people would give it a try if it cost less than a hundred bones. Might really be comfortable as you would be laying in a flat spot. Since I'm 6'4", it would have to be pretty wide, though!

[johnspenn]

I forget the dimensions, but tableclothsfactory.com sells some pretty long/wide blanks. That might be a place to look.

[tangara]

Their hammocks are cotton and stretch a lot, and the edges are a little less stretchy than the middle. That helps. Any hammock that is as wide as you are high can be laid in sideways. They hang them closer together and with a deeper sag. And yes, they do know what they're doing. Anyone from middle and south America would probably laugh hysterically at all the calculations and trials we go through to get our perfect hang.

[Cracker Jack]

I made my hammock 11 feet long and 57 inches wide it lays pretty good but now i wished i would have made it wider but it will do for now!

[goober]

QUOTE=tangara; Anyone from middle and south America would probably laugh hysterically at all the calculations and trials we go through to get our perfect hang

That's a good one!

I've discovered a Hammock Bliss hammock that is 80" wide. Why not give it a shot!

[Kroma]

I forget the dimensions, but tableclothsfactory.com sells some pretty long/wide blanks. That might be a place to look.

They have a 90" x 132" and a 90" x 156"

That's a mere 7 1/2 feet wide!

[hutzelbein]

The reason traditional hammocks like Brazilian hammocks are so comfortable is not only the material used (nowadays cotton), but also how it's used (woven not sewn) and the dimensions. A Brazilian is not only wide but also very long. Think 14' and more. I guess you could make a 14' x 80" hammock from nylon, but it probably would be quite a bit heavier than you were hoping for, and I'm not sure that you could go completely perpendicular. Plus you would need a larger tarp, too. Maybe settle for a Dutch extra wide 1.6oz Hexon? With 70' you won't be able to lie at a 90° angle, but you could get fairly close if the fabric will allow it.

Also, there is a lighter 90° hammock on the market than the Amok Draumr: http://www.hammocktent.com/en
The design is a bit different, but I hear it's very comfortable.