This hammock post got me wondering...so I spent some time looking into it and decided to build one to see if I liked it. Instructions were from
Just Jeff's hammock page I have spent two nights in this thus far in temperature down to 40 degrees and it is quit comfortable. However I already have some improvements in mind. I will likey buy one of the more popular larger ones now and use this one for naps and light weight back packing.
I have been learning as much as I could from hammockforum.com for over a week. Here is the post that I placed there.
The task:
Build a hammock for car camping that could also be used for backpacking.
It must be able to fit my oversized Paco pad (my home away from home).
I do not need a bug screen (I detest tents… I like stars).
It needs to be short enough to fit under my tarp should the need arise.
It should be flexible enough to also be used for backpacking with a lighter mattress.
Has to be warm. It gets cold here and freezes on any given day (I know..its Arizona...what is this guy talking about...were at 7000 feet...it gets cold at night.)
Here is the progress and product from Saturday's 4 hours of work by a complete imbecile. If I can do this anyone can.
The test..Will the fat pad fit for insulation and comfort for a fat man? I left a gap between the layers large enough to fit the pad in.
IT WORKED!!! No one was more surprised than me. The large pad actually forces the sides out at a diagonal.
Side view.
The true test. This hammock is more comfortable than I expected...In fact I hope to never sleep in the dirt again. It is 9' 6" between the ties and is 58 " wide. The large pad acts as spreader bars and keeps most of the cloth off my shoulders. I look forward to its maiden voyage this next week.
Here is the lighter weight pad. I tried it at40 degrees F for one night and it was quit warm for backpacking (it needs extended insulation at the shoulders). It is not as comfy as the monster pad. The gaps in the side of the pad work wonders for comfort.
Packed up and ready for next week.
The next project will add more room for the feet and sholders and I will also build an under quilt for warmth.
Scott