Hexon 1.0
Best for ultralight backpackers who want the lightest hammock body option available.
- Approx. 1.0 oz fabric class
- Soft feel
- Very small packed size
- Best for careful users and ounce-counters
Fabric Guide
Understanding Hammock & Tarp Fabrics
Fabric choice affects comfort, stretch, durability, packed weight, and long-term performance. Here’s the trail-simple version so you can choose the right setup without needing a textile degree and a campfire oracle.
Quick Recommendations
Not sure where to start? These are the easy answers.
Most Campers
Choose Hexon 1.6 for the best all-around mix of comfort, strength, and durability.
Backpacking
Choose Hexon 1.2 when saving weight matters but comfort still counts.
Ultralight
Choose Hexon 1.0 when every ounce is being interrogated under a headlamp.
Durability
Choose 70D Square Ripstop for a firmer, rugged, classic hammock feel.
Balanced Strength
Choose DymondLite 1.8 for a strong 300 lb rated fabric with a distinctive diamond grid.
Hammock Body Fabrics
These are the fabrics used for hammock bodies. Ratings are based on proper use, proper setup, and staying within the listed weight limits.
Hexon 1.2
A lightweight backpacking fabric with more support and durability than Hexon 1.0.
- Approx. 1.2 oz fabric class
- Great strength-to-weight balance
- Comfortable stretch
- Excellent trail fabric
Hexon 1.6
The best all-around choice for most hammock campers.
- Approx. 1.6 oz fabric class
- Strong and durable
- Comfortable lay
- Our safest recommendation when you are unsure
70D Square Ripstop Nylon
A classic 1.9 oz hammock fabric with a firmer, more supportive feel.
- Approx. 1.9 oz fabric
- Square ripstop grid
- Great durability
- Less stretch than lighter fabrics
DymondLite 1.8
A diamond-grid nylon with a strong, distinctive look and excellent everyday performance.
- Approx. 1.8 oz fabric
- Diamond grid pattern
- Strong but not overly heavy
- Good balance of durability and comfort
Weight Rating Isn’t Everything
Two campers at the same body weight may prefer totally different fabrics. One may want the softest ultralight option, while another may prefer a firmer, tougher fabric for years of casual camping.
What Do the Fabric Numbers Mean?
The numbers, like 1.0, 1.2, 1.6, 1.8, and 1.9, refer to the approximate fabric weight in ounces per square yard.
- Lower numbers usually mean lighter packed weight.
- Higher numbers usually mean more durability and support.
- Lighter fabrics often have more stretch and need more care.
- Heavier fabrics often feel firmer and more rugged.
Fabric Comparison
A simple cheat sheet for the fabric cave. No torch required.
| Fabric | Approx. Weight | Rating | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hexon 1.0 | 1.0 oz | 200 lbs | Softest / lightest | Ultralight backpacking |
| Hexon 1.2 | 1.2 oz | 275 lbs | Soft / supportive | Lightweight backpacking |
| Hexon 1.6 | 1.6 oz | 350 lbs | Balanced | Most hammock campers |
| DymondLite 1.8 | 1.8 oz | 300 lbs | Supportive / durable | Balanced strength and style |
| 70D Square Ripstop | 1.9 oz | 300 lbs | Firmest | Durability and classic hammock feel |
Xenon SilPoly Tarp Fabric
Hammock bodies and tarp fabrics do different jobs. Hammock fabric is about comfort and load support. Tarp fabric is about weather protection, waterproofing, packed size, and keeping a tight pitch in ugly weather.
- Waterproof silicone-coated polyester
- Lightweight and packable
- Excellent rain protection
- Less sag when wet compared to nylon tarp fabrics
- Great for hammock tarps, winter tarps, and rain flys
Fabric FAQ
The quick answers before the gear goblin starts whispering conflicting advice.
Which hammock fabric should I choose?
For most campers, Hexon 1.6 is the easiest recommendation. It has the highest listed rating of the Hexon options and gives a great balance of comfort, strength, and durability.
Is Hexon waterproof?
No. Hexon is used for hammock bodies, not tarps. It is breathable and comfortable, but it is not meant to be a waterproof shelter fabric.
Why use Xenon SilPoly for tarps?
Xenon SilPoly is lightweight, waterproof, packable, and resists wet-weather sag better than nylon tarp fabrics.
Is 70D Ripstop better than Hexon?
Not better, just different. 70D Ripstop has a firmer, more classic hammock feel and excellent durability. Hexon is softer and more specialized for lightweight hammock camping.
What if I am close to a fabric’s weight rating?
Choose the next stronger fabric. Staying well under the rating gives you more margin and usually better long-term durability.
Still Not Sure?
Send us your height, weight, camping style, and whether you are backpacking or mostly car camping. We’ll help point you toward the right fabric and hammock setup.
Contact Hemlock Mountain Outdoors