hammock length

[Kassal01]

Completely new to the hammock craze. I have a few questions about choosing the correct hammock for my bodytype. I am short n fat just envenvision a fire hydrant with arms. I am 5'7 (on a good day) and currently weight 256.64. Since I am a bit on the shorter side would a 11' hang be to much. Being an Ohio kid I am leaning towards the thunderbird from dream. Go buckeyes.

[Trail Runner]

I suspect that you would be fine with a 10' hammock. I'd shoot Randy (Papa Smurf) at Dream Hammock an email or PM and see what he says. Or, if you're up for a drive, you could visit DH HQ and try out a couple of the hammocks they have on hand.

Welcome aboard!

[FJRpilot]

A 10' would work but I think an 11' would be even better. If your not into ultra-light hiking... Go with the 11'... It's not to much for 5'7...

[soul embrace]

I'm five foot even and I have a 11' hammock from Dutch and love it. Never had a 10' one so can't compare the two, and the 3 other hammocks I had was an eno doublenest, grand truck skeeter beeter pro and a grand truck nano.

[drlupton]

I second sending Randy an email. I believe he's about the same size as you and I know I've seen him post that he's in a 10'. I can't say enough about Dream Hammock customer service and how much I love my DangerBird.

I'm right at 6' and in an 11' which feels a little big to me, but I can lay flat without any calf pressure.

[PapaSmurf]

Hi Kassal01,
I'm 5'7" & currently down to 254lbs.
I prefer a 10ft hammock even for my indoor hammocks. While it's true that the 11ft length provides a slightly flatter lay, I find the difference very minimal at my height. More noticeable for me is that the ridgeline is farther away and it's harder for me to reach the ridgeline organizer and zippers on an 11ft hammock. Something that us folks with short, stubby arms & legs have to consider.

Hope this helps.
Randy

[Thom]

I'm 6 feet tall, maybe a hair under and I agree with Randy. It can be hard to reach a ridgeline in an 11' hammock.
Being 5'7" I don't think you need an 11 foot hammock.
Go for a drive and check out the offerings from Dream Hammock. He knows how to make a hammock.
He goes through enough thread in a day to stretch to the moon and back, lol.

[Trail Runner]

More noticeable for me is that the ridgeline is farther away and it's harder for me to reach the ridgeline organizer and zippers on an 11ft hammock.

Hope this helps.
Randy

Interesting... I had never considered that that could be an issue. Filed for future reference.