How to hang when you are shorter than 5 ft

I see a lot of pics of people hanging pretty high up, taller than they can reach.
I also wonder how people get their ridgelines so high, for tarps and such.

Those people tend not to be actual hammock campers but kids playing with hammocks. Around here the saying goes don't hang higher than your willing to fall. Having your hammock hung so it sits about chair height is what you should be shooting for.

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Originally Posted by pgibson

Those people tend not to be actual hammock campers but kids playing with hammocks. Around here the saying goes don't hang higher than your willing to fall. Having your hammock hung so it sits about chair height is what you should be shooting for.

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Spot on advice, just reach up with your hands and use that as your guide.

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Originally Posted by Woodsie8

I see a lot of pics of people hanging pretty high up, taller than they can reach.
I also wonder how people get their ridgelines so high, for tarps and such.

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Hi Woodsie,
Short hangers(<5') do have some advantages. You can get by with an 8' hammock, and a 10' tarp, 3/4 underquilts is all you would need for full coverage or darn close to it.
All this adds up to everything being smaller, lighter, cheaper($$$) in your pack.
With the shorter hammock you would look for trees that are closer together than those sporting 10'-12' models. This should allow you attach your tree strap as high as you can reach
which should give you the proper hang angle and sitting distance. It might take a little practice but I am sure it can be done.

hth and welcome to the forums.

Thanks much! I knew about the chair height but was still wondering if I was going to need to stand on rocks or something to get the ridgeline up higher.
Loving this forum!

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Originally Posted by Woodsie8

Thanks much! I knew about the chair height but was still wondering if I was going to need to stand on rocks or something to get the ridgeline up higher.
Loving this forum!

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I don't think you will need a ladder so to speak if you pick tree that are closer together. If you use hiking poles they could assist you in cases where you need another foot or so.

Have you seen this little app? Remember you won't need tree's that are 15' apart with a shorter hammock.

http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/

There are many very inventive and helpful folks on this forum who will give it their all to come to a lady in distress ;-)
I am sure they will have some great ideas to help get you off the ground without having to pack a stepstool. haha

Do you have any DIY talents? Making your own custom length gatherend hammock would be a great first start.

Hoping to be so far in the bush, no one will be within miles :) will be on my own.. Until I find group hangs in my area