Modifying Ridgeline

I just received a new Desert Rat in the mail from Hennessy Hammocks. I have already set it up in my bedroom to test it out. I have slept in it a few nights already and I'm having some of the best nights.

I have tried to use the hammock as a lounger by resting myself on top of the bug net but find it very uncomfortable with the ridgeline there. Is the ridgeline necessary to holding up and/or keeping the hammock stable or is it just there to hold up the bug netting. If it is not necessary then I might cut the ridge line and add some carabiners to the ends of the ropes so I can reattach them at will.

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Originally Posted by windigo

I just received a new Desert Rat in the mail from Hennessy Hammocks. I have already set it up in my bedroom to test it out. I have slept in it a few nights already and I'm having some of the best nights.

I have tried to use the hammock as a lounger by resting myself on top of the bug net but find it very uncomfortable with the ridgeline there. Is the ridgeline necessary to holding up and/or keeping the hammock stable or is it just there to hold up the bug netting. If it is not necessary then I might cut the ridge line and add some carabiners to the ends of the ropes so I can reattach them at will.

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The HH ridgeline is structural - it sets the sag of the hammock, as well as holding up the bugnet and keeping it from being overstretched or torn. Cutting one end and adding a 'biner so it can be temporarily removed is pretty nice, but I wouldn't remove it permanently.

The only way I think you could get by with permanently removing the ridge line is to also remove the bug netting. Like Jeff said, it would rip without the ridgeline.

If you cut the ridgeline and add biners to make it adjustable, then to use it as a lounger, make provision for a VERY short ridgeline. A very short ridgeline will give the hammock a LOT of sag. That will raise the ridgeline up out of the way. The shorter the ridgeline, the higher it will be above the hammock and the better for lounging or use as a chair. You will then have to readjust the ridgeline back to it's "normal" length for use as a regular hammock. As BB351 wrote, do not remove the ridgeline permanently or you could do serious damage to the bug netting or over-tighten and damage the hammock fabric itself.

Just had a thought - if you decide to try a very short ridgeline for lounging or use as a chair, be sure to check the bug netting before and as you sit on the hammock.

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Originally Posted by TeeDee

If you cut the ridgeline and add biners to make it adjustable, then to use it as a lounger, make provision for a VERY short ridgeline. A very short ridgeline will give the hammock a LOT of sag. That will raise the ridgeline up out of the way. The shorter the ridgeline, the higher it will be above the hammock and the better for lounging or use as a chair. You will then have to readjust the ridgeline back to it's "normal" length for use as a regular hammock. As BB351 wrote, do not remove the ridgeline permanently or you could do serious damage to the bug netting or over-tighten and damage the hammock fabric itself.

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Why have adjustability? Mine is either hooked or unhooked. I made the length fit the bugnetting without stretching it. For sitting/lounging, I just unhook the ridge completely, fold the body material over (from the outside) so I'm only laying on nylon and not netting, and voila. Simple.

A taught ridgeline hits the back of my head on my Hyperlight when used as a chair. Not very comfy. To remedy this, I just hang it much looser.