Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    40

    Newbie questions

    I am sorry in advance because I know all of this has probable be asked many times before but please bare with me. I am new to hammocks and backpacking in general. I am planning a trip for the summer and want to try a hammock on the trip. I just started this journey and have only looked at the hammocks at academy sports. Then I found this cite and got excited because I am a DIY guy. I try to make any and everything I can that I need. So for a beginner how much is an estimate for material for making your hammocks, nets and tarps. Where is a cheap place to get the stuff and how should i go about getting started. I have watched some of your videos and think there is a ton of great info on here but it is a little overwhelming when you don't have a cluE where to start. Any help would be appreciated and lessons learned are always helpful.

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Living the Highlife's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Honolulu, HI
    Hammock
    DIY 1.9
    Tarp
    HammockGear CF
    Insulation
    DIY UQ + Lafuma TQ
    Suspension
    Whoopies
    Posts
    162
    Well, I would say the majority of the DIY projects on this site require a sewing machine. If you do not have one or do not know how to use one, check out Ramblinrev's how to videos for sewing gear. They are great and most of his posts regarding sewing machines are a good source of info on how to pick the right one.. Happy DIYing.
    Corey Miller

    "Some ships are designed to sink… others require our assistance."

  3. #3
    Senior Member cwford's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    NTX
    Hammock
    WBBB, DIY Double Layer
    Tarp
    Superfly
    Insulation
    EE 20 / Phoenix20
    Suspension
    DIY whoopies
    Posts
    123
    Images
    3
    Well that's a mighty big question.... Why not start by making the hammock in this tutorial http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205 and you can buy pretty much everything you need at http://www.diygearsupply.com. DIYGearSupply also has a number of great tutorial sheets on bug nets, straps and whoopee slings. Plans for a great tarp here http://www.hammockforums.net/index.php?page=blackcat


    Have fun!!
    Last edited by cwford; 12-15-2011 at 23:30. Reason: added tarp info

  4. #4
    Senior Member cwford's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    NTX
    Hammock
    WBBB, DIY Double Layer
    Tarp
    Superfly
    Insulation
    EE 20 / Phoenix20
    Suspension
    DIY whoopies
    Posts
    123
    Images
    3
    I also would recommend The Ultimate Hang. It a great reference book on hammock camping. http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Hang-...4009803&sr=1-1

  5. #5
    Senior Member JohnSawyer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Hammock
    WB RidgeRunner
    Tarp
    8x10 DIY (speer)
    Insulation
    KAQ Lost River
    Suspension
    Straps
    Posts
    4,631
    Images
    108
    If you already have a sewing machine, half the battle is won.

    All the materials you need to get started can be had here:

    http://www.diygearsupply.com Scott (who frequents here) has good stuff, at good prices and excellent customer service. I've made many hammocks with his materials.

    (the 1.1 ripstop 2nds is my favorite material for hammocks...)

    If you can't sew, watch RamblinRev's videos, and like cwford said, start with a simple DIY hammock. Or go buy a $20 hammock somewhere and add your pad... Hammocking doesn't HAVE to be expensive, but like most hobbies, it CAN.


    Best of luck,

    welcome to the DIY Addiction.
    "Do or do not, there is no try." -- Yoda


  6. #6
    Senior Member HappyHiker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Lakewood,CO
    Hammock
    DIY DL/HH Hyperlite/WBBB 1.1 DL
    Tarp
    WL Old Man Winter
    Insulation
    HHSS/DIY Down UQ
    Suspension
    Whoopies/Webbing
    Posts
    281
    Images
    22
    +1 to the above posts.

    Check out the tutorials, a hammock is really simple to make. If you're planning on using a CCF pad I highly recommend a double layer (a good guide is on the diy site as well http://www.diygearsupply.com/diy_gui...%20Hammock.jpg - a lot of other good guides there too - check 'em out). I made one and it was easy.

    Hammock:
    Single layer needs 4 yards of material, ~ $13. Double that for a double layer. Spool of thread $3.65
    ( or a GTUL from Amazon for $14)
    30 yds amsteel for whoopie slings $7.50.

    Bug net: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=39983
    7 yds noseeum @ 3.55 yd $24.85
    5 yds 1/8" shockcord $1
    cordlock $.25

    Tree straps: polyester webbing, 12 ft @ $.40 ft $4.80

    Altogether ~$50

    Tarp - depends on how big you want. 2nd silnylon @ $3.25 yd, grosgrain for tieouts/reinforcement (unless you have a largish area and are really confident with your sewing skills, I'd personally recommend just buying a tarp). Cheap tarps ~$50: kelty noah 12, chinook 12x9, Hennessy hex etc. Of course inexpensive = heavier.

    Misc cords and line will be needed also.

    So ~$100 all said and done.

    As noted earlier, this all assumes you have access to a good machine, misc equipment (scissors, rulers, long straightedge, seam ripper, pins or tape etc etc - the small things you don't think of but can add expense quickly).

    HTH
    Experience is the worst teacher - it presents the exam first and the lesson later. - Unknown

  7. #7
    New Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    40
    Great info guys. I am still watching videos and getting ready.. I am not an expert with a machine but my wife is pretty good so I think she can guide me through. This is a great forum and I really appreciate everyones willingness to share.

    Thanks

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. Newbie has some questions
      By Tobl in forum Dream Hammock
      Replies: 2
      Last Post: 06-13-2014, 09:18
    2. new with newbie questions
      By kgbenson in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 22
      Last Post: 04-28-2011, 16:39
    3. more newbie questions
      By mbiraman in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 11-11-2009, 12:33
    4. Questions from a newbie
      By clwilla in forum Jacks-R-Better
      Replies: 8
      Last Post: 07-01-2008, 09:01
    5. Newbie questions??
      By koaloha05 in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 1
      Last Post: 05-13-2008, 00:36

    Tags for this Thread

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •