Hammock Hugging Problem

[dufus934]

I just recently was messing around with different whipping styles, and came across a problem that I wasn't sure how to solve. How do you achieve stiff walls with out the hammock feeling like it is hugging you so tight your shoulders will be touching by morning? I don't think this is really a whipping problem, but the get the strong hugging feeling, I folded the fabric in half, gathered the fabric from the middle fold, and when I got to the top, I pulled a little extra through so the sides would be tighter. However, this has resulted in a pretty strong hug that my hammock puts on me. I know that I could fix this problem with spreader bars, but is there a way to fix this without using spreader bars. I'm hoping that I can pitch this another way and get more room and still have the tight walls. Hope this is clear and hopefully someone knows the solution to this problem.

[headchange4u]

That, my friend, is known as shoulder squeeze. Try not pulling the fabric out on the ends or hanging with more sag and see if that helps.

[angrysparrow]

The 'hugging' that you describe is commonly referred to here as 'shoulder squeeze'. A search using that term will reveal quite a bit of information on the topic.

That being said, when doing your whipping you should try pulling less material through for the sides.

Also, using more sag in the suspension when hanging the hammock can help.

[dufus934]

so, is there a way to whip the ends with out having to sew a hem to keep the fabric from slidding through? I have done a lot with just tying a knot in the end of the fabric, but I have to take what ever I get when I do that b/c it's way to hard to untie the knot. So, other than a knot, how can I whip the ends without a hem?

[slowhike]

check out this thread about using a sheet bend.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ght=sheet+bend

[speyguy]

I've had good luck using the Rayway. It usually takes me a couple of times of whipping, tying and untying to get the shoulder squeeze how I like it. So it's best to not trim the whipping rope material down all the way until you are sure you have it how you like it. Once I'm done, I trim the rope and use a strap looped around the whipping.

[T-BACK]

I use Just Jeff's idea (at least I think it was his) and "whip" my hammocks with a nylon zip tie. It's very easy to cut and retension the sides and works very well. Personally I like the sides to be a little floppy so that I can cover up with them and I find it makes the lounge chair mode more comfortable. Try giving yourself a little more sag before you retie the ends. I have wide shoulders and no matter how I fix the ends, if the body is stretched too tight it gets really tight. Once you find that sweet spot, consider using a strong ridgeline to set the sag without even thinking. Mine is a piece of Ed's cord with a loop at each end that just slips over the hammock ends. It's there when I need it but easily removable. Hang in there, you figure it out.

[riverkeeper]

so, is there a way to whip the ends with out having to sew a hem to keep the fabric from slidding through?

Sometimes I'm a belt AND suspenders kind of guy SO I lightly sparingly apply Shoe Goo to the fabric under the whip AND occasionally to the whipping cord and final knot. Not much chance for a do-over but if it gets screwed up I cut the ends, do it again and it becomes Spousey's, she's 6 inches shorter. . No end hem and approx 48 inches wide.

[Rat]

If you whip it correctly you don't need the hem, although it does tend to fry a lot.