Shoulder squeezin'

[sotaram]

Hey all,

Just finished my first hammock and tarp set up, I'm pretty excited about it!
Anyway, I set up the hammock without a ridgeline, and without staking the sides out just to try it for size, and it seems like I have a lot of shoulder squeeze. Will it make that much difference when I stake the sides out? Will a ridgeline help with that? (I don't think so). I cut it to 10' long, and did a "W" gather and pulled the edges according to Jeff's page. Any ideas?

[slowhike]

Try hanging it again w/ more sag. You'll have to hang it higher if you use two trees (or other supports) at the same distance.
Sometimes that will loosen it up & allow you to lay more diagonally, but sometimes you may need to untie the whipping & play around w/ how much of the edges you pull out.
Hope you get to suit you. Be sure & let us know if you continue to have problems.
Do you have anywhere to hang it at home, or will you need to wait?

[sotaram]

That could be my problem, I'm truying to hang it in the backyard, and my trees are too far apart so I'm hanging from the deck, which I probably can't get high enough. I'm camping nect weekend, so I'll try it then I guess.

Thanks Slowhike!

[JohnSawyer]

Adding a structural ridgeline will really help. Get a LOT of sag... When you think you have enough, add a lot more...

That's the advice I got, and they're right...

BTW: You really should try to test your rig THIS weekend, just to avoid a potentially miserable weekend in the future.

Happy Hangin'

[sotaram]

Yeah, thank guys! I will have a tent along with the group I can use if something doesn't work out, so no problem there.

[titanium_hiker]

if you're hanging it on the deck, hang it so that your rear almost scrapes the ground when you get in. That way you can hang it with HEAPS of sag. Embrace the diagonal lay!
The ridgeline means you get it right each time you hang.

TH

[Trout]

Making your hammock longer helps too.

[slowhike]

Making your hammock longer helps too.

This is true!