>>103267i can respect that rationale, i have a sewing machine so that is a big difference.
however, it doesn't take long, so if you have a friend with one you can just buy him some beer and do it at his place in an evening.
just a few more 2cents for anyone else listening:
the advantages of making your own are:
- it is cheaper, especially if you compare to a feature-rich hammock with lots of doodads (which are all easy to make, but its where the mark-up kicks in)
- you know how its made, always a plus for future repair/improvement
- you can alter the dimensions to fit you if you're tall/short or know you want something non-standard in the design
- add whatever features you need (ridgeline, longer hanging straps, mufuggin pockets everwhere) and save on ones you don't for weight
- ALL THE COLORS OF THE RAINBOW!
- sense of DIY pride, which i think goes hand in hand with outdoorsy shit
the main reason i made my own was because i had time and tools available, but i also didn't know if i wanted to sleep in a hammock, so buying one for $100+ seemed like a risk.
i will tell you now that while i still prefer sleeping on the ground when i can (on sand, grass), i actually sleep better in a hammock, wake up more rested, less sore, toss and turn less, etc. i just like the ground because its easy. hanging a hammock takes longer if you make camp after dark. also its a BITCH to pee.
