My homemade hammock(quick and cheap)

[jimtanker]

Now let me preface this with the fact that I really hate mosquitoes and I attract them like I attract fat chicks when I go out drinking. No offence fat chicks, I like you too. I just don’t like mosquitoes. Hate them! I know that they have a very valuable part in the ecosystem pollinating more plants than all the bees do. I still hate them. So making this hammock I planned on making sure that I didn’t get stuck though the bottom. Keep that in mind.

This is what I made my hammock out of:


2 cheap sleeping pads ($5 ea.) $10
7 yards of nylon $40
mosquito netting $10
2 aluminum carabiners ($5.50 ea.) $11
4 aluminum tent stakes (just lying around) $3
bootlace (free)
550 cord (also lying around) $4
2 pc 7mm cord (my climbing gear) $1.60
2 climbing runners (my climbing gear) $5
Total: $84.60

I had most of the stuff. All I had to buy was the sleeping pads and the nylon. So I really made my hammock for $50.

One thing that I dont have listed here is one of those blue tarps from Wallyworld. I have it I just didn't put it in the picture.

First thing I did was to take the whole 7 yards of fabric and fold it over in half so that I had a double layer that was 3 1/2 yards long.


Then I whipped the ends ala Jeffs page: http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockWhipping.html



I took two of those cheap blue CCF pads from Wallyworld and cut 4 evenly spaced slits 1/3 the width of the pad:


Then I just alternated the little flaps and connected the pads together:


Then put these two pads on the inside of my hammock:


These will do a variety of things for me. One, they will keep the mosquitoes from getting me through the nylon. Two, I dont think I will need an underquilt for winter time. Mucho inulation there. Three, they keep the hammock spread out so there is plenty of room in there for me.
Picture to follow.(Its raining out and I cant get a pic now)

To hang it, I took the 7mm cord and used a prussik knot:


And used the runners and caribeener to hang it up:


The knot I use is a Tautline Hitch. Works for me.

Now this whole setup may seem kind of wierd to some but it fits into a bigger plan too. Just wait till I'm complete with my whole system.

I haven't finished of course because I haven't put up a ridgeline and hung my mosquitoe netting over it.
Then comes the tarp. I will eventually replace the tarp with a nice highspeed diamond tarp in the near future. Remember this is the quick and cheap hammock!

[jimtanker]

One thing that I've learned is that I need longer cords for the ends. I can hang it up fine but I just dont have the variability that I need. Takes a while to find just the right distance to hang it up.

[dropkick]

Looks neat.
I like the way you did the mat.
I'm waiting for the pictures to come and your report.
I've never tried Risk's easy end tied style, for some reason I keep feeling the need to sew loops onto or into the ends of the hammocks. Looks simpler and much easier.

[jimtanker]

Ive been in it and its very stable and doesn't seem like it would rip out.

[JAK]

That is great. That's what I was looking for.
So there is no sewing of the hammock. Is that right?

p.s. The blue foam is extra bulk, but I tend to have the room and like the idea that I could use the hammock as a bivy or a snow shelter or for a quick lunch stop and warmup. I wonder if the hammock could be adapted so that it is also the backpack.

[jimtanker]

You dont have to sew it but I'm going to have it hemmed up just to make sure that it doesn't unravel on me over time. You dont have to though.

As for the blue foam, its part of my bigger plan. When I get the hammock back from being sewn and have my backpack everyone will see how it will work.

I wonder if the hammock could be adapted so that it is also the backpack.

You're getting the idea.

[Just Jeff]

JAK, the tear strength of the hammock's long edges is MUCH lower when you don't hem it. It'll probably be ok for a short time, a la Risk's TestHammock, but for any long term use I think you'd be risking being dumped on your butt. At rolled hem will make it much safer and more durable, IMO.

Can't wait to see the final setup, jt!

[JAK]

That makes sense, about the hem. Gives a nice clean look also. I also liked the way you put the two pads together. It would also be possible to make the slits different depths, and angles maybe, so that when it goes together it takes up some sort of shape, like a dory maybe. Might take 3 pieces though. Not sure. Flat is probably better.

[jimtanker]

Mines being hemmed by blackbishop as we speak. Got my pack back and will take some pics tonight. But I dont have the hammock now to put in it to show my system.

[jimtanker]

And now my backpack:
It used to be a basic book bag with a bottle pocket one one side and a pocket on one side with a velcro flap on the other. Also has a mesh pocket on the back of it. The whole thing has to weigh much less than a pound. I'll wheigh it tomorrow.



Has had the entire back taken off of it and straps sewn on: two straps horizontaly and one vertically.





Those are the foam pads from my hammock in there and some filling(not much) in between. When the hammock is done you will see these images with the hammock holding my whole kit.

[blackbishop351]

Notice the EXPERT hand-stitching on the strap attachments...

Also notice that Jim didn't mention the SOURCE of such high-quality workmanship....LOL

[jimtanker]

Oh, and by the way, Blackbishop did all the work on my backpack for me.

[JAK]

Very nice design. That looks very totally comfortable.
Should be able to tilt you head back also.

Very fine craftmanship as well.

Something you can try without changing anything is to roll the two foam pads up separately and put them side by side inside your hammock when you get that back into the mix. Might not be better, depending on what you are packing, but it is something to try. The idea is that it gives you two tube like compartments to pack your stuff into, and some other spots in between, and the double tube configuration might be more stable. It might give you a narrower configuration for cross country skiing. I have these very light 4"x10" plastic containers that flax powder came in and I sometimes use them to carry food and stuff rolled up inside blue foam pads.

[Frolicking Dino]

Originally Posted by Male hiker who has saved himself from a terrible fate

No offence fat chicks, I like you too.

I resemble that remark

This work in progress is one of the most ingenious things I've seen - my hat is off to both JimTanker and BlackBishop351 for thinking outside the box and making that thinking a reality.

[jimtanker]

Im just standing on the shoulders of giants. If it wasn't for the Gearskin and the pack that Rock made I never would have thought of this design. My hat is off to thier inovation.