Structural ridge line on Switchback

**Sidewinder** · 03-15-2011, 15:49

Been thinking about the Switchbacks as I have one on order now. Lighthiker to be be exact. Was wondering why not put a structural ridge line to help with getting a consistent hang. Beside having the line in the way when sitting up, why wouldn't you add one?

**flatline** · 03-15-2011, 19:35

that's a good question, i plan on ordering one this summer and i like the SRL on my bb.
i'd like to hear the SB owner thoughts myself.

**^shane^** · 03-21-2011, 06:47

I have the Light Hiker (and a 1.1 dbl SB on order). I don't know that a structural ridge line is doable on the Switchback line.

The hammock hangs a bit flatter than the WBBB, so if you could run a SRL through the bug netting, it would only be about 8"-12" above you when you lay in the hammock - not high enough to pull the netting up and out of the way.

I have a WBBB as well, and was anxious to see how the SB would compare without a SRL. It compares nicely. You won't miss the SRL. The design of the SB is superb.

If you were going to attempt a SRL, you would have to put a hole in the bug netting on each end of the hammock for entry and exit point.

**mph5** · 03-21-2011, 06:54

What about a setup similar to RAW's Clark in this thread?

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...lark+ridgeline

Marti

**MAD777** · 03-21-2011, 12:10

I have a WBBB and a regular Switchback. I have discovered some things while playing with ridgelines and hanging angles.

First, I replaced the fixed ridgleline on my BB with an adjustable one. Small adjustments made significant differences in the way the hammock felt. When all was said and done with an afternoon of testing a range of ridgeline lengths from short to long, I ended up with Brandon's fixed ridgline length!

Since the SB doen't have a ridgleline, theoretically the hanging angle should have a significant impact on the the feel of the hammock, much like adjusting the ridgeline on the BB. However, in my opinion, the SB feels comfortable over a fairly wide range of hanging angles. It's as if it is somewhat immune to the angle, which doesn't make sense because that is what a fixed ridgeline is supposed to do.

There's no point to this post, other than just my rambling observations.

**Gumbo** · 03-21-2011, 12:20

From what I've read the Switchback likes less sag than most hammocks out there. I've heard the less the better, so I don't see much point in using one on that kind of hammock.

I still dream of owning one...ah..someday.

**OutandBack** · 03-21-2011, 12:39

Originally Posted by ^shane^

I have the Light Hiker (and a 1.1 dbl SB on order). I don't know that a structural ridge line is doable on the Switchback line.

The hammock hangs a bit flatter than the WBBB, so if you could run a SRL through the bug netting, it would only be about 8"-12" above you when you lay in the hammock - not high enough to pull the netting up and out of the way.

I have a WBBB as well, and was anxious to see how the SB would compare without a SRL. It compares nicely. You won't miss the SRL. The design of the SB is superb.

If you were going to attempt a SRL, you would have to put a hole in the bug netting on each end of the hammock for entry and exit point.

+1

My SB is comfortable within a wider range of sags. For me a RL would really get in the way and not required for a proper sag.

In this pict you can see how close it would be to your head. That said this is not my sleep mode sag it's my
upright, look around , nap after lunch mode. For sleeping I would drop the angle to flatten out the lay.

**Sidewinder** · 03-22-2011, 22:18

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I like the ridgeline on the clark. Might have to give that a try when I get it. Seems like you could hook the bugnet to it as well.

Can't wait to get it in my hands and give it a try (with and without a SRL)

~S~