Making a Graceful Exit with Limited Strength

[IcyThunder]

I've hammocked a long time, but as I'm getting older (and wider), I'm finding it less enjoyable to get shoes on and get out of the hammock for the middle of the night bathroom run. It takes a lot of effort to get up and out. I've seen previous suggestions of switching to a bridge or bottom-entry hammock. Neither of those will work for me for various reasons.

And, I've attempted the straddling the hammock and pulling up method, but was not very graceful. And, it's annoying to have to unzip on both sides to do that.

If I stick with a typical GE hammock, would going shorter or narrower help enough in getting out? Or, would switching to a less stretchy fabric or going double-layer help? I know I should just work on my ab strength, but am thinking a new hammock might help me in the short-term.

(My last trip I was using my single layer DH Sparrow, if it helps.)

[Justin P]

Would changing your hang height help you out at all?
Maybe just a bit lower or higher than you have typically been hanging at would make a difference. I was thinking it might change the effort to get to standing position. But it wouldn't make getting from laying down to sitting any easier though.

I know you said a bridge is not an option, but if at some point it becomes a possibility, I think that is probably my best suggestion.
There is less spare fabric to have to climb over.
That why I switched to a bridge at home.

[dkurfiss]

I have some physical limitations as a medical condition took most of my core muscles and turned them to mush. I find the easiest hammock for me is the HH with classic bottom. I can drop my legs to the ground via the opening and then pull myself up via the ridgeline.

I can get out of a GE hammock but it is certainly not very graceful

[deadeye]

I attached a loop of line to my hammock's ridge line with a prussik knot to use as a handle to help me out of the depths of the hammock. What kind of line isn't important, but it helps if its bigger diameter to avoid digging into your hand.

[Phantom Grappler]

What works for me, might not work for everyone.
I get my feet to hang over hammock edge and help twist my body at an angle to hammock, by pushing with my feet against hammock edge.
Now I’m at a diagonal lay to hammock with my feet and lower legs outside the hammock.

I draw both knees toward my chest and do three things at once:
I kick both legs high in air towards outside of hammock. Legs are fully extended outside hammock.
And at same time I throw my arm that is furthest from edge of hammock, I throw that arm in direction of my knees that are kicking-extending out.
And at same time I twist my head and neck towards the hammocks edge.

This maneuver usually gets me sitting up with my feet on ground. I usually wait a few seconds in case this kick and spin move has caused any dizziness.

[gargoyle]

Pee bottle.
Practice the technique first at home, if possible.
Roll to edge of hammock, do your business into a wide mouthed bottle.

[cougarmeat]

In addition to the bottle option, "gel" relief pouches turn liquid into a more solid gel - no spilling concerns. I keep one in the car for those unanticipated stops because of a highway incident or construction delays.

You can find them on Amazon and maybe REI (other camping supply outlets).

Following Justin P's thinking, what would it take to duplicate how you currently get out of a chair? Pay attention to that. Setup your hammock so it's the same height above ground. Is the problem getting your feet out or just standing up? With both feet on the ground, you can push back a little and the hammock will tip into more of a chair orientation. Perhaps a staff of some kind, in a reachable location, would give you something solid to push on.

[Shug]

You can see me getting out of a bottom entry in this video. Maybe it'll be something you can try.
Shug

[oldgringo]

Rig line from your hammock to something solid. Use it to haul yourself up and out.

[joe_guilbeau]

Or, would switching to a less stretchy fabric or going double-layer help?

A no stretch hammock made from Polyester might help. With stretching in most hammocks, as you move from your normal lay position to where you are sitting with legs hanging over the edge there is no 'anchor point" to begin to transition weight to the legs.

Sketchers sneakers have a slip on version so with some thin socks, that should alleviate that worry.

The reason a no stretch material helps is that you can place your feet in the sneakers and shuttle backwards a bit without shifting or sinking. You jut "moonwalk backwards" about two feet, grip the hammock zippered edge (holding the hammock still) and then push up (your hands are now fists with the knuckles down gripping the hammock edge. Should be easy to leverage the legs which are now underneath you to stand up.

Seat height of the hammock is critical, an inch or two either under or over the optimal height will not be easy. This is why a no stretch hammock works, at least for me for the past 6-years.