Quick question, ridgeline length

**Prestidge** · 03-29-2010, 18:06

I've made a ZHammock and following the instructions I made it 9'6" (I'm 6'2") including whipping. (Is this a good length?)

My next step is my structural ridgeline. Roughly how long do you guys think would be a good starting point for my ridgeline?

I know I can adjust it to how I like it but I honestly dont know where to start so it could take me a really long time to figure out.

Thanks!

**Dutch** · 03-29-2010, 18:08

How wide is your material? I'm 6' and use 10' hammocks, but extra width can help.

**Shug** · 03-29-2010, 18:11

Mine is close to the same as yours and I like my ridgeline around 90 inches. That gives me a good deal of sag for a pretty flat lay.
Shug

**ikemouser** · 03-29-2010, 18:36

Why not make an adjustable ridgeline via whoppie sling? Then you can fine tune it where ever you want it to be.

**hangnout** · 03-29-2010, 18:49

Start out around 83% of your hammock length. The link below shows the HH hammock line with hammock material lengths and ridgeline lengths. Most average in the 83% +/- range. I think a WBBB is almost 85% of hammock length. This should be a good place to start then adjust your liking

http://hennessyhammock.com/comparisonchart.html

**JohnSawyer** · 03-29-2010, 18:59

Pick a starting point (about 2'-3' of sag from the ridgeline to the bottom of the hammock) Most people, from their pics, like a shorter ridgeline, but mine's right in that range.

My first ridgeline was paracord. I tied a bowline at the foot end, and a taut line hitch at the head-end. http://www.animatedknots.com/rolling...ting/index.php (only I used 3 loops before the half-hitch)

I tied the ridgeline to the larkshead support. When I'm out of the hammock, I can easily adjust the ridgeline by pulling the taut line hitch either way.

I played with mine a long time before I found a lay that I liked.

I found that a too-short ridgeline applied pressure to my calves (down the centerline of the hammock).

Best of luck!

**Prestidge** · 03-29-2010, 19:09

Thanks heaps guys!

Dutch - My fabric was 60" bofore hemming.

ikemouser - Yip I'm using whoopie slings, so making adjustments should be nice and easy!

I'll head into the basement tonight and have a play around but first I have to make some adjustments with the whipping (I did the 'W' whipping and find it a bit awkward for a first time)

Very excited!!

**Knotty** · 03-29-2010, 19:35

Hammock making sure is fun! Post a pic when done.

Like Dutch said, you might want to consider a longer hammock for your height should you make another. I'm 6"2" and started with 138" of raw material. Finished length was just over 11'. The Warbonnet method of whipping is easy many say those are the most comfortable hammocks.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=15205

**opie** · 03-29-2010, 21:55

Originally Posted by Prestidge

ikemouser - Yip I'm using whoopie slings, so making adjustments should be nice and easy!

Very excited!!

ikes talking about your RL being 1 long whoopie sling.

**Prestidge** · 03-29-2010, 22:38

Thanks Knotty thats a real helpful link! I'll try that shortly

Opie - Im using a whoopie sling for the ridgeline, so have 3 whoopie slings in total (ridgeline + 2 end suspensions)