Homemade Tarp and Hammock

[finallyME]

Mostly because I am poor, and because I like making stuff, I decided to make my own hammock and tarp. First the tarp.

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So, basically, I bought the fabric at Walmart in the $1.50 bin. I thought it was 1.1 oz breathable ripstop, but I have my doubts now. Then I looked online for tarp directions. I didn't follow the instructions completely, and I don't think I like the corner tieouts. Since I wanted an 8' X 10' tarp, and I didn't have enough material to sew the seam along the ridge line, I sewed it down the middle, perpendicular to the ridge line. I also read on another forum about people trying to make their own silnylon, so I decided to try that as well. Once the tarp was all sewn together, I set it up in my yard and mixed 100% clear silicon with mineral spirits. Then I took a sponge and scraped it all over the fabric. I did this twice all over, and a third time on the ridge line. A few days later, I set it up again and laid under it with my wife sprinkling it with the hose....NO LEAKS. I was very surprised and very happy. The final weight is 26 oz. It is a little heavier then I expected. I was expecting 16 oz. So, maybe it isn't 1.1 oz per square yard ripstop.

Now the hammock..

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Basically I followed the advice of this site...Just Jeff (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock.html)

He explains a lot. For the bug netting, I took an army mosquito net for a cot, and cut two holes for the hammock suspension to pass through. I plan to put some velco there to close the holes because I can also use the tarp and bug net alone without the hammock for a tarp tent.

[FVR]

Thanks...........

[crashdive123]

Nice work.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I like the tarp and great pictures!

[FVR]

I've been looking for a hammock, just hate to buy one. Now all I need is a trip to wallyworld. Have to make it look primitive somehow.

[hunter63]

Nice job!
Thanks for the site.

Makes me wish I still had my old, bought from the add, on the back of Popular Mechanics Magazine, army surplus jungle hammock, but I bet yours is lighter, the old canves one weighed a ton!
Had the bug screen and everything.
Took some time to get used to sleeping in it, all nite.

Used to carry it around in the trunk of my car, welded a piece of pipe and cap on the back bumper,to slid in one pole
Tied up one end to a tree, hook up the other end to the pipe in the bumper and pull forward till the proper tighness was reached.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

FM here's a Blog that has some really good info on tarps Hammocks,and stuff sacks things he makes himself. looks like really good directions...but then who am I to say. The only sewing I've done is with needle and thread sewing up rips and putting buttons back on. The real simple stuff.
http://backwoodsdaydreamer.blogspot.com/

[panch0]

Nice job! Great Ideas thanks for sharing.

[canid]

nice. you just reminded me that i left my hammock up at my old place in chico when i came back down south.

[Fletcher]

looks good. What's the hammock made of?

[mccaw69]

great job..i've checked out jeff's site several times,and am considering doing the same thing my old hammock,a jungle style,is about worn plum out.plus it looks like your rig would b alot lighter.did u use ripstop mat. for the hammock as well?

[finallyME]

My hammock is too heavy. I used some pretty heavy stuff, I think it came out to 4 oz per square yard. Anyways, I have some light ripstop nylon that I am going to make a new one with. It might even be more comfortable. So, that is my next project.

[OGsBF]

great job.. making stuff... thats the spirit