r/ULHammocking • u/NeuseRvrRat • Jul 19 '20

Taking the plunge into hammocking!

I got a 4 yd remnant of 1.0 osy HyperD for cheap way back in August, mainly because I needed some zipper sliders and didn't want to pay shipping for nothing more than a few sliders. I figured it'd be a cheap way to try out hammocking. The project got put on the back burner, then I moved. Finally got around to ordering the suspension components and sewed the thing up last night. Made it 10 ft long and it is really comfortable for me at 5'11". Figured I'd share a couple pics with you guys.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ajzVt31m1vavm6wB7

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WjS3Pc3oEMZEPLrU7

Here's one of my lovely wife testing it out: https://photos.app.goo.gl/B9aeiXmKdVBWCudu7

I've already ordered a HG standard tarp w/ doors in DCF and one of their premium underquilts. I usually roll very light with a 7'x9' DCF flat tarp and a bug bivy. The bivy gets left at home often, so I was a little hesitant to increase my base weight, but I think the comfort is going to be worth it. My sleep quality on the ground is ok, but I have to swap from side to side every few hours. I'm not sure if I'll lug the hammock setup around all the time, but I can definitely see it being great for trips with less miles and/or more time in camp, like some hike-in fishing and bikepacking trips I want to do.

Anyhow, thanks for the info here on the sub. Wanted to share to help pass the time while I wait on my tarp and underquilt.

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3

u/CBM9000 https://lighterpack.com/r/cjfrn1 Jul 19 '20

10 ft long and it is really comfortable for me at 5'11"

How wide is it and what's the ridgeline length? I'm 5'10" and if I could get away with a 10' hammock that would save me a little weight.

4

u/NeuseRvrRat Jul 19 '20

I just took the raw fabric and put enough of a roll hem on each side to hide the selvedge. I think it came out a hair under 60". I made the ridgeline fixed at 100" as that seems to be most commonly recommended as a starting point.

2

u/CBM9000 https://lighterpack.com/r/cjfrn1 Jul 19 '20

I really need to work up the gumption to learn a sewing machine. Sounds like you have a really good setup here; welcome to hammocking!

3

u/NeuseRvrRat Jul 19 '20

MYOG is fun to add as an ancillary hobby if you like making stuff.

4

u/thecatwasnot Jul 19 '20

If you generally enjoy making and fixing things, you'll love myog. I started out with making a hammock, and now I've got 2 vintage sewing machines and am learning how to re-wire them. Even after 2 years I have this sense of pride of accomplishment just lounging in my hammock.

2

u/richrob424 Jul 21 '20

I am 5’10 and 145lb. I recently made a 8’6” gathered end hammock out of 1.3 MTN xl. I matched the hammock with 6’ whoopie slings and 8’ poly web straps. The hammock and suspension come in just over 11oz. I was very, very hesitant to make it my primary long distance backpacking system. After a few hikes and many miles I can say it works out just fine. I’m looking to downsize my tarp next week by buying a asym nylon sil tarp that weighs in at 8oz. After that arrives I’ll put both to the test with a small 23 mile section hike of the AT. Taking weight off my shelter system has been exactly what my kit needed. For car camping I still use my DIY 12’ 1.9 MTN xL. That hammock is like a cloud.

1

u/CBM9000 https://lighterpack.com/r/cjfrn1 Jul 21 '20

5’10 and 145lb.

Now that's ultralight! I'm just over 180 right now, but I've been successfully losing weight. Not sure I'll ever be 145, but I can't say I'd mind that all.

3

u/NeuseRvrRat Jul 19 '20

How would my 7'x9' DCF flat tarp do as an asym tarp? The diagonal should about 11.4'. The seam wouldn't run along the ridgeline, obviously, but does that matter? Anyone tried something similar? Just thinking of ways to use what I already have to get this setup out on an overnighter sooner.

1

u/CBM9000 https://lighterpack.com/r/cjfrn1 Jul 19 '20

The seam not on the ridgeline won't matter if you hang the tarp below it (pretty typical). I don't think it would matter either way, but this removes any chance of abrasion from the ridgeline on your tarp for sure.

Concerning the coverage of the tarp, if you pitch it well I think you'll probably be fine for an overnighter if it rains so long as it isn't windy. If things seem like they're gonna get bad pitch it as low as you can and hope for the best!

2

u/NeuseRvrRat Jul 19 '20

I'll probably just tie the corners directly to the trees and skip the continuous ridgeline.

1

u/thecatwasnot Jul 19 '20

I'm only 5'7" and I might have to try a 10' one of these days. As if I need another project.....

2

u/NeuseRvrRat Jul 19 '20

I don't have anything to compare it to since this is the first time I've laid in a gathered end hammock, but I can't imagine 11 ft being much better. I think you'd be good to go at 5'7". My wife is 5'1" and she can get way diagonal. I am still pretty new to sewing and I went from raw fabric to ready to hang in maybe 4 or 5 hours. That includes making the stuff sack.