Rule-of-Thumb for strap height?

**mikewithe** · 05-08-2011, 13:47

In a different thread I showed my setup between two poles that were 16.5' (198") apart.

Bubba said that for that distance the straps should be 7-7.5' high. As it turns out, a strap height of 7'3" (87") would have - with all the other measurements remaining the same - according to my math - given me the ~30* angle that I was looking for on my straps. This works out to:

(16.5/2) - 1 = 7.25

Is this relationship constant, i.e., can this equation (where S = span and H = height of strap placement):

(S/2) - 1 = H

be used to determine optimum strap height for a given span? If so, is the 1 value constant or is it a variable, e.g., strap length from tree to whoopie connection point, etc.?

**ChrisH** · 05-08-2011, 15:06

I think you are over thinking it, just hang it and lay in it. If it's not right, adjust it. 30 degrees is just a guideline, it doesn't have to perfect to be comfortable. We will be having our 1st Annual Oregon Hang June 4th, 5th and 6th. I think you should come and check out what we all use and how we set up our gear. It would be the best learning experience you could possibly have for hammocking. The thread is in the Hangouts/Trip Planning forum.

**mikewithe** · 05-08-2011, 15:49

Originally Posted by ChrisH

I think you are over thinking it, just hang it and lay in it. If it's not right, adjust it. 30 degrees is just a guideline, it doesn't have to perfect to be comfortable. We will be having our 1st Annual Oregon Hang June 4th, 5th and 6th. I think you should come and check out what we all use and how we set up our gear. It would be the best learning experience you could possibly have for hammocking. The thread is in the Hangouts/Trip Planning forum.

Yeah I know, I tend to do that. It comes from being a teacher I guess. I have this overwhelming need to understand relationships etc. And I'm an OC personality so that doesn't help either

.

Anyway, you say, "just hang it and lay in it. If it's not right adjust it. But I say why not do it right the first time and lay back and watch all the other people futzing with theirs.

**Tendertoe** · 05-08-2011, 16:00

http://www.dejoha.com/projects/hammo...alculator.html

Put your distances in and watch the magic.

In the field - I walk out the paces from tree to tree. Five to six paces between trees is 15 feet for me. I'm about 6 feet tall so I put my straps roughly eye level. If I take more steps - my trees are further apart and I move my straps higher. If i take less steps - my trees are closer together and I move my straps lower.

Practice at a park.

**Randy** · 05-08-2011, 16:00

Crap... now I gotta get a protractor, a calculator, I hope I have room....

**mikewithe** · 05-08-2011, 16:17

Originally Posted by Tendertoe

http://www.dejoha.com/projects/hammo...alculator.html

Put your distances in and watch the magic.

In the field - I walk out the paces from tree to tree. Five to six paces between trees is 15 feet for me. I'm about 6 feet tall so I put my straps roughly eye level. If I take more steps - my trees are further apart and I move my straps higher. If i take less steps - my trees are closer together and I move my straps lower.

Practice at a park.

Thanks for that link! Saves me having to create a spreadsheet, etc. I also just did a search in the android market place and what do you know? There is an ap called "Hammock tools." Guess what it does...

Seriously though, thanks for all the help guys. I know I'm weird but I don't have it in me to just "try it and adjust." I NEED precision. It is compulsive for me.

**gmcttr** · 05-08-2011, 18:24

Originally Posted by Randy

Crap... now I gotta get a protractor, a calculator, I hope I have room....

Don't forget to include a level or plumb bob to insure accuracy from the protractor.

**G.L.P.** · 05-08-2011, 18:35

Originally Posted by Randy

Crap... now I gotta get a protractor, a calculator, I hope I have room....

pack the drafting table too....

**G.L.P.** · 05-08-2011, 18:37

i think you are Really overthinking this.... just eye it up... lay in it.. if it feels right they your good..don't worry about the height of your straps or the sag in your RL and all that other stuff .... once you start doing that your going to drive yourself nuts....

just hang it...lay in it... and if it feels good let it be

**NCPatrick** · 05-08-2011, 20:15

If you're using ENO Slapstraps, you will need to hang higher, to allow for the large amount of strap stretch.

What type of strap material are you using? It might factor in.