Buying a hammock from walmart hammock for $8 to see if I like hammock camping

**JaxHiker** · 01-31-2011, 10:11

Originally Posted by greenlespaul

Warbonnet Blackbird ...the best hammock out there

I think you mean Switchback.

**rjcress** · 01-31-2011, 10:48

Why not:
1) gets 3 yards of ripstop nylon or polyester taffeta fabric for $10-15.
2) tie an overhand knot near each end of the fabric
3) Attach a non-stretchy rope to each end (plenty of info here at HF on different suspension options)

You now have a gathered end hammock to experiment with. It should be long and wide enough that you can lay on diagonal.
Use Dejoha's hang calculator to understand roughly how to hang it properly, as this really does effect comfort.
http://dejoha.com/projects/hammocks/...alculator.html

Where to get the fabric?
a) get a coupon for Jo-ann or Hancock fabric (easy to find online) for 40-50% off
b) see if any of the walmarts in your area still have fabric departments. I keep hearing that some still do, and still carry ripstop nylon for $1.50/yard.
c) check out some of the cottage retailers here on HF like BackwoodsDayDreamer or Arrowhead. They tend to do a great job of supplying great DIY materials at great prices.
d) I've even heard of folks using normal bed sheets with success.

**rankinesoccer** · 02-01-2011, 19:48

im thinking of the expedition hammock and a tarp instead of the jungle. is claytor's small tarp for $50 a good deal?

**G.L.P.** · 02-01-2011, 20:06

Originally Posted by JaxHiker

I think you mean Switchback.

no...i'm pretty sure i mean the Warbonnet BLACKBIRD !!!!!

**crazy_dave** · 02-02-2011, 06:53

My first hammock was a gatheredend bed sheet. I still used it even after I got a HH and made a few DIY ripstop’s. The G/F and I love just hanging out in it down by the lake. Ripped after three years.

**Ramblinrev** · 02-02-2011, 09:15

The bed sheet route is not my favorite but it does work. 2 caveats... 1 Buy a new bedsheet. Frankly I don't trust used bedsheets. I've seen too many of my own rip on the bed after some use. 2) I would recommend king sized 100% polyester sheets rather than cotton or blend. They are cheaper, which is the point after all right? Plus they are synthetic fibers and therefore man made. That means (to me) the spinning of the fibers is likely more consistent as well as the weave. Cheap poly/cotton blend have the lowest durability rating IMO. By the same token, really good cotton bedsheets will cost you as much as a bottom line Trek Light or Grand Trunk hammock and not get you any benefit for the price.

IMO bed sheets are too short for good comfort as an overnight sleep but lounging they do just fine.