How important is it? I don't know, but I'd like your opinions. I try to get my tarp lines and treehugger straps at the same height (ignoring the undulations of the ground). I then try to make sure the same amount of strap is played out at each end of the hammock. Sometimes I think the hammock is too tight or too loose, but I don't know for sure.
So... for my next hang I have prepared two things:
1) A laser pointer with a level indicator attached.
I made this this afternoon. I got a laser pointer and a cheap bubble level from a dollar store. The laser pointer is cylindrical, about 2" long. The bubble level came apart easily and yielded three tubes with green liquid (containing a bubble) and reference lines marked on the outside. I used tie-wraps to attach one of the bubble tubes to the laser pointer. I then rolled the tube around the outside of the laser pointer bit by bit until the beam actually pointed level. I superglued the bubble tube to the laser pointer.
I will be able to use this contraption to check that two points on two trees are level by shining the laser from one to the other when the bubble is level.
2) I have attached two weighted strings to each end of my tarp, where the ridgelines are attached. When the tarp is set up the strings will hang down. The strings will cross the hammock supports at some point, so I will be able to see how the hammock is positioned with respect to the tarp. Obviously I want the hammock to be centred under the tarp, and I want the ends to be level with respect to the tarp. What this will also let me do is record the actual position of the hammock (by noting the point where the vertical strings cross the hammock supports). Afterwards I can gauge the comfort of the hang and know *why* it's comfortable or not.
Until now I have just been eyeballing it, and I have become frustrated when I cannot reproduce a comfortable hang because I am not sure the ends of the hammock are level, or that I have the right amount of sag.
Once I find a comfortable setup that I can reproduce easily I can sew a button to the straps as a visual indicator of where the string should hang.
If anyone thinks this idea is crazy or pointless please tell me. If it's not crazy then I'd be keen to hear suggestions for improvement.
Thank you,
A
PS Of course, I use the word 'level' for appropriate values of level.
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