This is my first DIY post (actually first post ever), but I am so happy with the outcome I felt like I had to post something. Up until now, I was using a WBBB XLC, which is a great hammock. But I wanted to try my hand at making something a little bit lighter for those longer trips. So I ordered some fabric and decided to give it a go. My first attempt was at a netless hammock made out of 1.9 oz nylon. This was a great learning opportunity because I am not the most experienced at sewing.
Once I got the hang of it, I went to work on my second hammock. As the purpose of making this was to lighten my pack up a bit, I went with 1.0 ROBIC XL in Charcoal for the body, and .5oz nosseum mesh for the netting. I know, most would just say get a bug net instead of doing an integrated net, but I live in Florida where the mosquitoes will carry you away. So I didn’t want to risk it. As I can’t think of a single situation where I needed to zip off my WBBB netting, instead of just flipping it back, I decided to save some weight and just do a #3 non-separating zipper that goes 60% of the way around the body. The ridgeline is made out of 1.75mm Zing-it and the side pull outs are zing it, and 1/8 shock cord.
Overall I am thrilled with the result. Attaching the netting could have gone a little smoother, it may be a little bit tight in a few spots. Trying to sew the .5oz netting is like trying to sew a cloud, it just floats and moves everywhere. I believe a walking foot could have made that job go much smoother. The ending dimensions are 59 ½” wide, and 11 foot long. Total weight including side pull outs (but no stakes) is 10.3 oz. My stuff sack, also 1.0 ROBIC weighs .3oz and my suspension (whoopee slings with Dutch hooks, and 4’ Kevlar tree huggers) comes in at 2.2oz. Which gives me a total packed weight of 12.8oz. The ROBIC is super comfortable and breathable with just the right amount of stretch, and with the 11 foot length and 60” width I am able to get a nice flat lay.
Fabric cut and hemmed
Giving it a lay before attempting to attach the netting
All DONE!
12.8 oz for hammock, stuff sack, and all suspension and tie outs.
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