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  1. #1
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    Post 2-person/ 400lb supporting DIY hammock body material help needed

    Hi all,
    I am not a hammock camper (yet) but I love chilling in a hammock whenever possible. I was planning to make a nylon hammock that will hold 2 people with a combined weight of 350- 400 lbs. The weight of the hammock is not a major issue since I will be car camping and not backpacking.

    Do you think double layer 1.9 oz ripstop nylon will do the job?

    Will a plain weave 2.6 oz fabric work? (single layer)

    Will table cloth 2.2 oz taffeta work?

    I feel I am confident about the whipping and suspension part but I am not sure which fabric to select for this purpose.

    Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
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    Welcome to HF neighbor.

    Both the 1.9 dbl layer and 2.6 plain weave should work well.

    I'd skip the table cloth material for that weight as it is Chinese fabric that I assume is spec'd to meet the lowest price point possible.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    2.6 taffeta (plain weave) should work fine. I personally like taffeta better than ripstop for comfort. If you are not planning to camp then the double layer may not be needed. It's nice if you want to use a pad for insulation. It is generally considered that two people in one hammock is an acquired taste at best for sleeping. Some folks manage it. But for most it is too crowded and uncomfortable.
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  4. #4
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    Yeah it's doable, but not the most comfortable. My friend and I have laid in mine and it held us up. Probably 350 lbs combined and it was just a single layer of 1.9oz ripstop. The only way you'd be able to sleep all night is if you laid in opposite directions. You better really like the person too, because you're basically going to be on top of each other.

    Once you figure it out though it can actually be pretty comfortable. A wider hammock would help. (>60")
    Last edited by belro; 07-29-2013 at 09:38.

  5. #5
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    Thank you for your quick feedback!

    I found some table cloth material (90 x 152) that is rated at 135 gsm (3.98 oz)
    http://www.efavormart.com/red-90x156...FchDMgodEzMAhg

    At 4 oz, do you think this tablecloth will work?

    Just to clarify again, I don't anticipate 2 people sleeping in this hammock. I understand the comfort issues with two people in a hammock. I plan to use this to hang by the lake for a couple of hours or so. My doubts are regarding the strength of the fabric and not about the comfort/discomfort with 2 people in the hammock.

  6. #6
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    I don't have any experience with that material, but I'm sure it would hold two people fine. Like I said, even a single layer of 1.9oz ripstop nylon held two of us up, anything more is just gravy IMO. YMMV

    PS.. Noticed you were in Bloomington! My friend is starting on her MPA there in a couple of weeks.

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