I wanted to share my plans for a Gathered End Bridge Hammock. Based on the Ariel Bridge Hammock by Grizz, I wanted a design that:
- had enclosed ends (working on a tarp design to address the bridge issues of tarp damage)
- maintained a flat lay at the foot and head ends
- allowed for a simple suspension on the sides and ends
I made several prototypes out of different materials and suspensions.
- Suspension using only the 2" Wrights Blanket Binding. This worked but had a little more stretch and sag than I wanted.
- Suspension with 1" webbing material (poly, polypro, kevlar would work) hidden in the blanket binding. Worked great. Could use 1/2" kevlar I suspect for really light weight.
- Suspension with Amsteel threaded into the Blanket Binding. My preference as very light weight and inexpensive vs Kevlar.
Certainly the heavier fabrics or poly fabrics will give less stretch.
Also you can make this wider or narrower. I tried 48 inches, 46 inches and 44 inches. The wider the more sag but if you get too narrow you kind of need to watch how you turn over or you may fall out.
The spreader bars are 36" (Two 18" sections) from Dutch or Questoutfitters.
I used Spiderline for the loops on the ends because I like the simplicity of the Becket Hitch and it grips better then Amsteel.
I also sewed in two pieces of fabric on this model for containment of clothing, sacks, etc.
I encourage making templates as they save time in the long run especially if you are going to make more than 1.
As always, thank you to those who go before me, especially Grizz for his design of the Ariel. Improvements and suggestions are always welcome to help us all out in the future.
Gathered End Bridge Hammock Plans.pdf
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