DIY hammock chair

Nice. In the past I used one of the old net hammocks (used to list them as a backpacker hammock) that balls up the size of your fits. I would tie it high in one tree and low on a very near tree. It worked pretty well. Even slept in it a few warm nights.

I like where you are going and may have to try that.

Some of my shelters also require two trekking poles so I tried to make the setup as versatile as possible. I considered putting a reinforced pocket in the bottom where the end of a pole or stick could be inserted but went for simplicity first -- I used one-quarter inch double-braid polyester rope in the bottom channel that was long enough it could be lashed to a stick or the handle of a hiking pole or attached to a strap running to another tree or anchor point. It seemed to work just fine so I didn't bother with a pocket.

In this photo I used a stick instead of a trekking pole. The stick in the photo is 3.5 feet long. I figure I will often be able to find a stick that would work near a campsite. The bottom of the chair can be lashed at any point along the stick to get the comfort one desires. I also discovered that placing my sit pad in the chair makes it more comfortable.



A stake or other anchor point in the ground also works but is not as comfortable. The stake has to be angled sharply toward the chair, securely embedded in the ground, and heavy duty enough to handle the load. A lightweight tent stake may not be sufficient.



And there is always the option of attaching the bottom of the chair to another tree. I found that setting the height of the strap so the bottom is angled slightly upward is most comfortable.



And if none of those options are available, I'll just use my sit pad as I always have.

I'm thinking about either 1) buying a Cloud 71 or 2) making one out of the fabric. It seems to me that a hammock with a seam and a pocket sewn into the middle could double as both hammock and chair. It would, however, be heavier than just the chair. Just some shaped fabric "stirrups" hung on the line on the foot end would make relaxing with your feet up more fun.

Hammock Gear sells whoopie slings, which are a very lightweight suspension. Easy to make them yourself. link When I made mine, I made sure to include a hook into the loop to allow it to capture the strap that goes around the tree. A carabiner would work as well. Other types of suspension are heavier. If you really do buy the hammock, I can steer you to other places for more info.

I use whoopies also, but I attach them to the tree straps using toggles and a marlin spike hitch.  Dutch has a number of different suspension systems available.  

My poles are in the tent set-up and I found this type of chair made it hard to cook or do anything to the side in. They do work, though. You can't sit by the fire or on a beach or a river with your feet in the water, all debates I had before going full on chair.

Coolkat , if you haven't yet, go to Dutch's Hammock Suspension Page, and check out the options he offers. He has great videos for most options, showing how they work. As indicated, my preference is whoopies with tree straps and a marlin spike hitch knot, but the easiest would probably be one of the sliding buckle options. If I had to pick one to recommend to you, it would be the beetle buckle complete suspension. I haven't used this system, but have heard good reviews. It is lightweight and simple.