Question on Gathered End LENGTH

**olvegrn** · 07-04-2011, 20:40

Hello Hammockers!
I made a gathered end hammock for my wife (5'3") out of 3 yds of ripstop. She says it is hard to get comfortable. I think it's because it is too short for her. There are pressure points at her hips and shoulders.
Question is this: Does anyone have a formula for how long a gathered end hammock should be for certain heights?

If this is a repeat thread, please just post a link and not a bashing of my ignorance...I searched and didn't find anything. Thanks.

**NewtonGT** · 07-04-2011, 20:42

I believe alot of hammocks are no longer than 120 except maybe a bridge. but the pressure might also be how its hung

**Fronkey** · 07-04-2011, 21:10

Has she tried laying diagonally in her hammock?

Also, what is the sag look like as well?

I have made quite a few hammocks for me and my friends. I usually go 12ft, mostly because I'm too lazy to cut it down. But, roughly 11-12 ft is good for an average sized dude. You're wife being a little shorter would probably be more comfy in a 10 footer. However, I'm sure the 9ft one can work for her once we figure out the above answers.

Fronkey

**hiker_DC** · 07-04-2011, 21:39

I am 5' 6" and have an uncomfortable 9 foot hammock and a wonderful hammock that is about 10 1/2 feet. Both have ridge lines set for 83%"ish" sag. Sometimes a little length goes a long way.

Doc

**olvegrn** · 07-05-2011, 00:57

Great replies! Thank you!
She has laid in it every which way imaginable. I think I just need to get her a longer one because we have also tried every sag combo possible too.

**hppyfngy** · 07-05-2011, 13:26

Speer, (I think,) says it should be the person's height plus 2' plus 24" for knots plus 3" for hem.

Longer is always better though. Wider is better too! I like to start with 11.5-12'.

**gargoyle** · 07-05-2011, 13:55

Width of the fabric will be a big factor in squeeze. What width did you use?
At 5'3" she should be swimming in the hammock and not have any discomfort.
And the amount of sag you start out with will help the fabric spread under load. Try a temporary ridgeline to adjust the sag (tie a length of cord to the hammock ends, tighten to create more sag, test, adjust, test, till its good) Once you found a good length, you can measure and make a permanent ridgeline out of suitable rope/line.

Hammocks aren't for everybody, maybe she's one of those?

**olvegrn** · 07-05-2011, 21:23

I hope she can hammock! We are using 60" wide ripstop nylon. I'll start by making her a longer one with a ridgeline that I will connect to using stopperknots like a klemheist or something like that.