0:00 Introduction
0:17 Climbing on the Hammock
0:30 Leveling the Mounts
1:35 Tying the Rope Frame
2:54 Weaving the Rope Through the Hammock
3:49 Evening out the Net
6:20 Close-up Work-In-Progress
7:03 Final adjustments and Rope Ladder
7:25 Dismount Time!
7:56 Behind the Screen
Sometimes, the key to solving a problem is to stop working on it. I was struggling with a particular ranger subclass build when I decided to hang up a hammock I'd built years ago for the kids. We'd moved, and I couldn't bring the original frame with me, but we had a solid tree stand that would work perfectly. As I pieced together the hammock it suddenly came to me. I could use a reaction attack mechanic when an ally is targeted by an attack-a perfect solution for my Provocateur Ranger! Now, I have an awesome spot to hang with family and friends and maybe even catch an owlbear...
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to build your own giant hammock, including links to the materials. This project uses surprisingly few tools, making it accessible and budget-friendly. I spent about $400 on materials (excluding the sewing machine). For reference, a custom net half this size would have cost upwards of $2,500!
How to Build Your Giant Hammock:
1. Find Your Location: Choose a spot with trees or build a frame. My original build was an 8ft square using 4x4s cut in half for the posts, about 4ft off the ground. Next time, I'd make it tall enough to stand under. It will require some cross-bracing. You'll build your net around this frame.
2. Secure Your Hammock Straps: If using trees, attach hammock straps securely. Then, string your ratcheting straps between the endpoints and level them as best as possible.
3. Add Rope: Tie your rope between the straps. I recommend a trucker's hitch: https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/truckers-hitch. This knot helps apply tension to the rope, similar to a pulley system.
4. Weave the Hammock Net: Sew one end into a loop and use a locking carabiner in the loop. Initially, I used stainless steel rings, but the carabiner gives you a lot more flexibility. I used two different colors of webbing to make a pattern, but you could stick with one. Once you've woven one direction, you can then do the second set of webbing in the opposite direction. This one will take substantially longer. I originally had the gaps in the net pretty wide, about 5 inches, but because the nylon will shift, it was not as comfortable as I wanted. I would recommend making them pretty tight, with very little room between rows or columns. If you look closely, one side has twice as many rows as the other. I decided I didn't need it to be that tight in both directions, and it will dramatically reduce your time with minimal impact on the design. Also keep in mind it will change size based on the temperature. The wider the temperature swings, the more slack you need in the system. If you're doing this around wood, DO NOT MAKE IT TIGHT WHEN IT'S COLD. When it gets hot, it will tighten and potentially break your wood.
5. Adjust for Weather: Check your hammock on a hot day to ensure the webbing isn't too tight.
6. Enjoy relaxing in your giant hammock!
Tools/Raw Materials:
🔹Nylon Webbing: https://amzn.to/3XwALt6
🔹Rope: https://amzn.to/4geggZG
🔹Ratcheting Straps: https://amzn.to/3Th28Vr
🔹Sewing Machine: https://amzn.to/47bzkUh
🔹locking carabiners: https://amzn.to/3AStnzz
🔹hammock straps: https://amzn.to/3XcdYBu
Have questions, want to give feedback on content, or ready to jump into a D&D game? Join our community and be a part of the adventure!
🔹Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/knightvisioncreative-951530598609080350
Welcome to the party!
-Brendan
*Note: Depending on the number of people you want to have on here, you should factor in at least a 2x safety factor. My build is weighted for 3,840 lbs working load, with the ropes being the weakest piece of the equation. 2x safety factor would put us at 1,920 lbs. With an average weight of 150 lbs per person, the hammock could hold 12.8 people. Make sure you do your own calculations, especially if you're going bigger!