Semi-Gathered Bridge in 8 steps

[dblhmmck]

nice work, as usual!

Much appreciated, coming from you!

Also, for Otter1 here is a picture of the sewn 3/8 webbing. It also shows my humble webbing pouches. These are in the materials list, and serve as versatile spreader bar holders.
foot_ridge_creek_attachment.JPG

[stoikurt]

I like it. Nice job!

[dblhmmck]

I like it. Nice job!

Thank-you Stoikurt!

Here is a look at how that semi-gathered end cap works in actual use. side_sleep_arm_up.jpgThe photo was taken with the 34" spreader at the head and the 20" spreader at the foot. The extra fabric folds allow the arms to go overhead, with a little bit of give for the elbows. Similarly at the foot, the extra fabric allows comfortable positioning of the feet. Despite that it uses a narrower foot spreader bar.

[cold_funky]

That looks comfy! Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to attempt one.

[dblhmmck]

That looks comfy! Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to attempt one.

Yeah, really comfy IMO!

If you are thinking of attempting one, and have even a little bit of sewing experience, the next step would be to watch these videos entitled "Easy-DIY-Bridge-Hammock". Bic, formerly known as HikingDad has put out a thoughtful, and simple set of instructions for making a bridge hammock. You could substitute my pattern for the one shown in the videos, if it looks like it would be more comfy for you. Mine is only a tiny bit more complex to make, and gives the advantage of the recessed spreader bars. Grizz also has some fascinating videos on the topic that are worth watching when you get the time.

If you do make a SGB (Semi-Gathered Bridge) hammock, please post a photo in this thread. In fact anybody out there who is making one, I would be happy to see your photo's posted here. Thank-you.

[Shug]

Whoooooo Buddy)))) That is some impressive engineering.
Always terrific to see what you come up with.
Shug

[sidneyhornblower]

I'm constantly astounded at the creative work people do. And share. Very cool.

[dblhmmck]

That is very kind of you, Shug! And thanks for all that you do to educate people about enjoying life with a hammock.

And I am glad that you like it too, Sidneyornblower!

Some people may be wondering why I am using old fashioned webbing pouches, when there is special Dutch titanium hardware that will do the job. The truth is, I bought a set of those bridge hammock corner pieces, and I think they are great. However, webbing pouches hold a variety of spreader poles, and those poles do not require special tips which add weight. Also, my hammock can go directly into the washing machine, as there is no metal attached to it at all.

There is a significant downside though. Webbing pouches will use up some of the length of the spreader bar that gets inserted into them. I am losing about an inch on each end of effective spread. So I could get the same effect from spreaders two inches shorter if I used the titanium hardware and had tips at the ends of my spreaders. In the end, I think there is very little difference in weight. So I would advise everybody to use the method that they feel most comfortable with, when creating the spreader bar holders for their suspension triangles.

[Redoleary]

That is very slick, keep up the innovation.

[dblhmmck]

That is very slick, keep up the innovation.

Thank- you Redoleary! Now I finally have the opportunity to tell you that your signature line is one of my all time favorites!


I have made another hammock following the instructions from this thread. And now I wish that I had made a few small changes to it. Here is what I would change:

Steps 4 and 5 should be done in reverse order. That way, cut off ends of the lateral arcs can be used when you make the four straps, that go adjacent to the channel openings.

Then I would also make a change in step 8. I would mention that this can be done more easily in two steps. First tying the Lash-it through the channels, through the webbing loops, and around the Amsteel. Then taking a second length of Lash-it, and tying the two webbing loops 8" from the head apex. If scaling up the suspension triangles from the diagrams, scale up the lengths from the apex proportionately.

Also, I have been noticing difficulty in bar tacking 3/8" kevlar strap. I have no prior experience sewing this material, and don't know how it will hold up. For that reason, I would make a change in how I listed the materials. I would recommend 3/8 polypro straps, and mention that the kevlar straps exist, but are untested.

And finally, my apologies to Bic who no longer goes by the name "HikingDad'" .

So in summary:
1. Switch 4 and 5.
2. Do step 8 as two steps.
3. Use PolyPlo straps, or experiment with kevlar at your own risk.