Choosing a hammock fabric is like choosing a mattress. one type does not work for all

[Double E]

My wife and I had this discussion several years ago. It concerned mattresses, but as I read through the posts I see it applies to hammocks as well. I was in an automobile accident a few years back that left my upper back a mess.I sleep very well on a very firm mattress. However she wanted a softer one. The solution was a sleep number bed where she could set her side at 45 and I could set mine at 96. Both of us were happy.

Fast forward to hammock discussions on fabric type. the important thing about any sleep system is how well you sleep. I am new to hammock camping and am looking at different types of fabric. I read people complaining that light nylon materials are too stretchy. I'm thinking too soft mattress.

If I throw my ideas of ultra light out the window for a while, I can put away the 1.0 nylon I had planned to use for my first hammock. I have reconsidered and now believe that a 1.6 poly (40d at 60 wide) is a much better choice for me. Poly is much less stretchy than nylon. So I have 5 yards on order. As Shug suggests in another thread I can always add a second layer if it is not firm enough.

These are my thoughts, Your input is greatly appreciated.

[Baka Dasai]

I think your general take is correct.

Poly is not as stretchy as nylon, so would be a good choice for you.

Of the nylons available, RBTR's "Mountain" series is firm for its weight, and comes in 1.3 and 1.7 weights. The 1.7 seems firm as a board to me, but I've never slept in a poly hammock, or in a heavier fabric, so my ability to compare may be lacking.

[Shug]

A bit more to peruse......
Shug

[Double E]

Shug, I watched your video and thank you, it is very informative.

Just thinking, if I am testing a piece of fabric to see if it will be a good choice for me, Do you see any problem with suspending 12 feet of fabric between 2 trees, no hems no nothing. I can attach it to the suspension with sheep bends at the ends, and give it a test. See if I like it. Im thinking if I use safety pins I could even do a double layer.

[Double E]

"The 1.7 seems firm as a board to me"....That's the way my wife described my side of the bed

thanks, I will keep this under advisement.

[Shug]

Shug, I watched your video and thank you, it is very informative.

Just thinking, if I am testing a piece of fabric to see if it will be a good choice for me, Do you see any problem with suspending 12 feet of fabric between 2 trees, no hems no nothing. I can attach it to the suspension with sheep bends at the ends, and give it a test. See if I like it. Im thinking if I use safety pins I could even do a double layer.

Should be no problem. Not sure about how the second layer will work with safety pins....but go for it.

[SLG45]

Good luck in your search. There are subtle, or not so subtle, differences between the various 1.6 fabrics, as there are with the other weights. In addition to that, I am finding that even though I sleep in a hammock full time, one night does not always tell me what I need to know. Sometimes things improve after a couple nights, sometimes they get worse. Hang in there, lol.

[cmoulder]

I'm not versed in this at all, but might a bridge hammock (with air mat) or Amok work better?

I do have a serious interest in this because my niece and her husband want to get into backpacking, and naturally I'm going to steer them toward hammocks. However, niece's husband was also in a car accident several years ago and his back gives him a lot of grief. We're doing a day hike-n-hang Sunday and I plan to have him try a GE made of 1.7 Robic and see how he feels after about an hour nap.

[Double E]

I wish that I knew of a method of testing that was less subjective (I find this comfortable) and more scientific. I will think about it. Please post if you have any suggestions.