I have been having a lot of fun with DIY gear and have completed a new gear set (tarp/UQs,TQs,GE hammock) and it all worked great. Soooo .... looking for new stuff to do, I made a new bridge, to the following specs:
36" x .625" spreader bars (Easton)
2 x 1/2" kevlar ribbon edge suspension
Dutch titanium bridge hardware set
Nylon Ripstop 1.9 material
Length 80" x 48" (Depth 15"), cat cut 6"
Dogbones 30"
Sewn in endcaps (double to make storage pockets)
This is directly from Kitsapcowboys post : https://hammockforums.net/forum/show...-Beta-Version)
I won't bother with pictures or construction, it would just be a repeat of what has been posted (if you want to see it, the link is there) .... after setting up and trying out some pads/underquilts and various hang scenarios, I have decided that I like it, but feel I would like to try a few changes, so I will deem it a prototype (for me), usable ...but i think another version is in order.
Features include:
- widen head end to both widen and flatten the support arc (shoulder squeeze), as well as adding a few inches to the center area (found a bit narrow)
- 1/2" tubular PolyPro side suspension for strength and economics
- side storage pockets
- head storage area
- external gear hooks along the zipper line
- internal gear hooks storage area
I made a couple of prototypes and tested them out in 2019 and was happy enough with them, then went on to make a "final" version for me. I have been a bit delinquent in posting as I have also started a new canoe and that took a lot of my attention. Now it seems ... we all have a bit more time on our hands and I am finally getting around to posting/sharing my build(s).
As a preface, i have done a lot of reading and learned a lot from the pioneers/masters around this site, i don't believe this is a copy of anyone else's work, but it certainly uses a lot of the shared wisdom.
Specifications:
Front width: 55", Front pole: 43" x .742" (Easton)
Foot Width: 47", Foot pole: 36" x .625" (Easton)
Overall Length : Hammock 80", Head Storage 28"
Edge/Suspension 1/2" tubular PolyPro
Double Layer
Dog Bones: Head 43", Foot 36"
For my prototypes I used HyperD 1.1 inner and Ripstop 1.9, the 1.1 inside for hand feel and the 1.9 outside for strength, both selected for function and cost effectiveness. The final version swapped out the 1.9 ripstop for 2.2 Hex70 .... this was some what based on a remark by "Just Bill" to the effect that a bridge hammock may benefit from hex weave material, due to the multi directional forces on it (that was a year ago, don't quote me and if I got that wrong, I am sure Bill will correct me), which made sense to me, and I had to order more fabric anyhow.
This is a pic setup at camp, head bar is internal and foot bar is external. There are 2 large storage pockets (10" x 30") on each side, dual zipper tabs on each side .... plus the zipper can be run back to the foot end and the bug net rolled up and out of the way.
Above the head bar, there is a 28" space for additional storage, I use it to get the quilts and such out of the way when setting up.
There are also evenly spaced external gear hooks down the length of the hammock, for a variety of purposes, as shown here on one of the prototypes. Ok, they are not evenly spaced on this prototype ... but I was more careful on the final version.
The prototype, prior to bug net installation (the zipper is installed though) ... I opted for a hardware less pole install
Closeup of the pole install
If there is any interest, i will post the design and some building tips, for now I offer the completed project.
Brian
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