New hanger needs LOTS of info...

**Dragon Rider** · 02-04-2011, 12:20

Hey everyone,

This is a repost in a different forum. I am new to the site and posted my first thread in the wrong forum area. My hope is that by posting this thread here it will draw more attention...not that I am an attention hog only that I am trying to get as much input as possible. Thanks to SHUG for his quick response...I am also posting my second question as found on the "Introduce Yourself" Forum. Thanks again to all...I can't wait to get hangin in the woods this spring.

POST #1
Hi...I am brand new to the forum but I have watched probably 100 or more vids on hangin...I want to make all my own gear 'cuz that's how I roll. However, I need info on the best material (what wt. ripstop) for my DIY hammock and same for the silnylon for my tarp and how to navigate this site to find asym hammock designs and specs. I also was wondering how far apart to put the posts in my yard this Spring so that I can hang at home...looking to use whoopie slings for my suspension adjustment and maybe some light weight webbing to protect the trees...pretty much any info that y'all can post would be great...I am looking forward to posting my very fist pics in the months to come of my completed hammock/tarp. Thanks everyone...good to be on the site

Oh yeah...any websites to buy materials and accessories would be appreciated.

POST #2

Thanks for the info Shug...I have already checked out most of the sites...now what I want to know is what wt. ripstop will be good for my hammock...when I'm in shape I weigh 190lbs...when I'm out of shape (like now) i weigh 210lbs...will a lighter ripstop suffice...i.e. the 1.1oz ripstop? Anyone else want to chime in??? I'm loving the prices...I can start working on my project beginning next month...but I still want as much input as possible...Shug, could you tell all your buddies to check out this thread and add their two cents...i'd appreciate it.

**JohnSawyer** · 02-05-2011, 03:47

I have a 1.1 ripstop single layer, and I'm 210#. It stretches a bit much, so I'd either go double or up to 1.9 fabric... (or polyester).

I'm 6', and the hammock started as a piece of fabric 11' in length, use Knotty's instructions for gathering the ends.

As far as keeping warm, if you want to use a pad, you'll need to widen the pad a bit (search for Segmented Pad extender). or cut a second pad down to about 30", and position it sideways across your shoulders...

Lots of UQ options, Poncho liners work well down to 40 degrees or warmer, and can be assembled cheap...

Hope that helps. Keep reading...

**Dragon Rider** · 02-05-2011, 17:03

Thanks John...I'm looking forward to getting started...just a little more research and I will be ready to order my fabric and buy the thread...the tarp will have to come later...silnylon will set me back a little more than uncoated...

**slowhike** · 02-05-2011, 20:19

Dragon Rider, it had been a while since I had seen this info, but I found it as a sub-forum under this DIY forum, titled "Fabrics".
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4182
Also, you'll find helpful info by clicking on "Articles" near the top of the home page.

And I'll bet you will get a few more responses here too as Monday rolls around.
The answers tend to come a little slower on the weekend.

**grich9860** · 02-05-2011, 20:36

i would say that 1.9 ripstop would be overkill for someone your weight. i am 260-270lbs and made my diy hammock from 1.9 and have no strech and no worries about failure. maybe 1.5 ripstop would work for you?

**JohnSawyer** · 02-05-2011, 22:25

Originally Posted by grich9860

i would say that 1.9 ripstop would be overkill for someone your weight. i am 260-270lbs and made my diy hammock from 1.9 and have no strech and no worries about failure. maybe 1.5 ripstop would work for you?

Good point, 1.5 is a bit harder to find, though.

When you can find ripstop at a local store, it's most likely 1.9.

Backwoodsdaydreamer.com has 1.1 and 1.5. If you're going to use a pad, I'd make a double, as it makes using a pad a bit easier. (YMMV)

John

**creativeKayt** · 02-05-2011, 22:46

I posted some DIY how to videos (see my youtube channel below) that might help. There are also a lot of folks here who've posted "how to" instructions and videos (i.e., Just Jeff - http://www.tothewoods.net/, our Professor of the Hammock - http://www.youtube.com/user/ProfessorHammock, etc.). As you continue to poke around and/or lurk, you'll bump into them.

I obtain most of my hammock camping fabric from Seattle Fabrics (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/products.html) because I live over in the Pacific Northwest.
They are great, but there are other wonderful places to get fabric, i.e. (and sorry if I forgot someone):
- Arrowhead - http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/
- Backwoods Daydreamer - http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/apps/webstore/
- Jacks R Better - http://www.jacksrbetter.com/
- Quest Outfitters - http://www.questoutfitters.com/
- Speer Hammocks - http://www.speerhammocks.com/
- Tree to Tree Trail Gear - http://stores.tttrailgear.com/StoreFront.bok
- Sailmaker's Supply - http://www.sailmakerssupply.com/nocookies

And then there are all the hammock gear folks (look in the Hammock Gear section of the forums, here - http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2). The manufacturers and suppliers here are all VERY approachable and helpful and willing to answer questions and most do custom work, too.

I hope this'll help! See also:
- Overview to Help Newbies - http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=27835
- Hammock Acronyms - http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=218

Welcome!! My best to you! And, post some pics as you go!

**creativeKayt** · 02-05-2011, 22:50

P.S. Love your handle and avatar!! Fabulous!

**Dragon Rider** · 02-06-2011, 17:33

Thanks everyone...this is the kind of stuff that keeps me comin' back...y'all have made me feel very welcome here and y'all are also a veritable cornucopia of info...I think that I'll look into pricing 1.5 ripstop as it seems like a great in between...that way as my fitness (aka my bulk) fluctuates either way I'm good...not planning on using a pad so I'll go single layer...have to remember to buy a roller foot for my machine...I'll definitely keep everyone updated as material comes in the process begins...thanks again everybody...peace out