This year, I wanted to make a hammock I could easily carry in my daypack while hiking. I wanted it partly to force me to slow down and relax outdoors and partly as a backup if I can’t hike that day because of pain / lingering health issues. I was not prepared for the trove of hammock and suspension options.
Hammock
Style
Two popular types of hammocks are the gathered-end hammock and the bridge hammock.
Gathered-End Hammocks
Design and Structure: Gathered-end hammocks are the traditional style, where the fabric is gathered at each end and attached to suspension lines. This design creates a cocoon-like shape when you lie in it.
Comfort and Use: They are favored for their simplicity and comfort.
Weight and Portability: Generally lighter and more compact than bridge hammocks.
Setup: The setup is relatively straightforward, usually requiring just two anchor points (trees, posts, etc.) and some knowledge of knots or the use of straps and carabiners.
Bridge Hammocks
Design and Structure: Bridge hammocks feature a flat, non-gathered bed with spreader bars at each end, creating a more open and flat lying surface. This design resembles a floating bed more than the traditional cocoon shape.
Comfort and Use: They offer a flatter lying position without the need to lie diagonally, which can be more comfortable for some users, especially those who prefer sleeping on their back or stomach. The flat lay can reduce the cocoon effect and feels more open.
Weight and Portability: Typically heavier and bulkier than gathered-end hammocks due to the additional structure (spreader bars). This makes them less ideal for ultralight backpacking but still a good choice for car camping or shorter trips.
Setup: The setup can be more complex than gathered-end hammocks due to the need for precise tensioning and sometimes more elaborate suspension systems to accommodate the spreader bars.
Material
I decided to go with a gathered-end hammock. The next decision was what material to use? Ripstop By the Roll has a great blog post that reviews the properties of each material.
| Fabric | Weight Limit |
|---|---|
| 0.7 MONOLITE | 180 lbs |
| 1.0 MONOLITE | 200 lbs |
| 1.1 Ripstop | 200 lbs |
| 1.2 MTN XL Hybrid | 275 lbs |
| 1.5 MONOLITE | 300 lbs |
| 1.6 outdoorINK poly ripstop | 300 lbs |
| 1.6 HyperD | 300 lbs |
| 1.9 Ripstop Nylon | 350 lbs |
| 1.8 Airwave | 350 lbs |
| 1.7 MTN Hybrid | 400 lbs |
| 2.2 Hex70 | 400 lbs |
I ended up purchasing 1.6 HyperD. I wanted something breathable and durable within the 300-lb weight limit.
Suspension
Another confusing topic is the method you use for hanging the hammock between two trees. The options are endless, but I wanted something that didn’t require me to tie a bunch of fancy knots, was lightweight for hiking, and could hold at least 300 lbs. of weight. There are enough people who have posted comprehensive series about hammock suspensions on YouTube, so I won’t go over everything here. I went with a whoopie sling suspension system with hooks.
Materials
Here are all my materials for this project:
Subscribe to continue reading
Become a paid subscriber to get access to the rest of this post and other exclusive content.
