Ridgeline slack...bad idea?

[Scratch]

I can't honestly say I've ever seen anyone suggesting a slack ridgeline while you're in the hammock.

A ridgeline that isn't so tight you can play the blues on it, sure, but I can't recall a single time where someone said it should actually be sagging.

OK, I'll go on record and say that I've used a slack ridgeline to create more sag in my hammock. I liked more sag in my hammock and the only way I could get it was with a sagging ridgeline. However, I shortened the ridgeline so now I have my preferred sag as well as a taut ridgeline. For me, the best of both worlds. YMMV.

[Knotty]

OK, I'll go on record and say that I've used a slack ridgeline to create more sag in my hammock. I liked more sag in my hammock and the only way I could get it was with a sagging ridgeline. However, I shortened the ridgeline so now I have my preferred sag as well as a taut ridgeline. For me, the best of both worlds. YMMV.

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

[opie]

The WB Traveler is the first hammock Ive slept in with a RL. When I swapped the suspension for whoopies, I added an adjustable RL using the Zing It. Ive been toying with adjustments, heights etc.

Does the ridgeline actually do anything once you occupy the hammock? Last night I set the RL to around 101".... And the lay was very flat. I didnt like it, at all. So far my best comfort level is right around 95". But once I set it up, and pull the suspension so the RL is semi-taught, what difference does it make if it sags when I get in it? Doesnt the hanging taughtness define the initial sag? Or is having the RL under tension while occupied keeping the sag consistent?

[angrysparrow]

Doesnt the hanging taughtness define the initial sag?

Yes it does.

Or is having the RL under tension while occupied keeping the sag consistent?

Again, yes.

It is possible for the suspension to be hung so that there is enough sag for a structural ridgeline to be loose and thus ineffective. But if you tighten the suspension the ridgeline will also tighten and prevent it from sagging less. Thus, the ridgeline sets a minimum about of sag, but not a maximum.

[tlbj6142]

When I swapped the suspension for whoopies, I added an adjustable RL using the Zing It. Ive been toying with adjustments, heights etc.

So, what sort of "adjustable" setup did you use? I've been trying to figure out the best, or maybe "good enough", way to have an adjustable RL until I figure out what I like.

[opie]

Yes it does.

So if you have already defined the initial sag, does it really make a difference if the RL stays tight once you enter the hammock?

I would think, and Im no rocket scientist... but the ridgeline being tight while occupied will limit movement of the hammock while loaded. i.e. conforming to you as you move around in it.

Althought, Im sure thats the desired outcome of keeping the RL taught, right?

Again, yes.

It is possible for the suspension to be hung so that there is enough sag for a structural ridgeline to be loose and thus ineffective. But if you tighten the suspension the ridgeline will also tighten and prevent it from sagging less. Thus, the ridgeline sets a minimum about of sag, but not a maximum.

I think Im over thinking it.

[opie]

So, what sort of "adjustable" setup did you use? I've been trying to figure out the best, or maybe "good enough", way to have an adjustable RL until I figure out what I like.

I started with 16' of 1.75 Zing It. I spliced in a fixed eye on one end and incorporated that into the larks head of the whoopie sling on one end.

Then I spliced in a 9" adjustable bury starting at 89" and exiting at roughly 80". Measurments are from the fixed eye end. I incorporated that loop into the larks head of the whoopie on the other end, which for me is the foot end. With the RL set at 95", I have about 12" more until I can get it no tighter.

Yes, its long... but I wanted to make sure I had adjustment enough to work out. I can probably move my adjustable bury 10" closer to the fixed eye. I could also probably remove 2-3' off the initial length of line.

If you like, I can whip one up for you.

[oldgringo]

I think Im over thinking it.

Rrrrripped the words straight from my lips.

[opie]

Rrrrripped the words straight from my lips.

I know I know... a tinkering mind never stops working.

[angrysparrow]

Doesnt the hanging taughtness define the initial sag?

Yes it does.

I should have qualified my answer.

The hanging tautness only defines the hammock sag if the amount of sag is enough to also create sag in the ridgeline. If not, then the amount of hammock sag is entirely defined by the length of the ridgeline.

I think Im over thinking it.

Yes, I think that's probably true. But it's a topic worth discussing, even if I'm explaining it poorly.