Hang angle, SRL length

**flashbang009** · 09-23-2011, 00:12

Hey all,

Hung for the first time for a few hours tonight! Never been more excited in my life! (ok it was close).

Two questions:
1.) I've read the basis/starting point for SRL length is 83% of hammock length. I've got a GT Double, 10 ft long. If my math is correct that puts me at a 105" ridgeline (counting biners and loops in ends), but I haven't tested it at this length. I've got it set to this length now, but without even getting in it looks awfully bowed... I had it at 117" before and it felt pretty comfortable. Am i doing something wrong?

2.) I've read about this magical 30 degree hang angle from the tree and your suspension. I've looked at the pictorials and descriptions, but still can't figure out if the angle is with an empty or loaded hammock.

Help?

**littlebigpole** · 09-23-2011, 06:14

Here is the calculator.

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

**Apollo2112** · 09-23-2011, 06:55

Generally, I would say you want 30 degrees when loaded. When I hang, I usually gather the fabric and push down to simulate load. This also helps me make sure my MSHs are secure.

When I got my first hammock (Grand Trunk Nano7) It felt great strung tightly. Then I took the ridgeline down to 83% and I much flatter lie and a more comfortable hammock. Trust me, as good as it may seem now, it gets better.

**Sparrow** · 09-23-2011, 09:43

I agree with Apollo, my original 30* hang felt great but . . .it gets better.

**AaronAlso** · 09-23-2011, 10:31

I read somewhere around here that the thumb & index finger can be used as a rough gauge for suspension angle. (simulates a right triangle) making the "gun" shape with you hand.

I have used this method ever since to check my angles before loading my hammock and never had an problems. (yet, fingers crossed)

I find that a comfortable sag, for me, with or without a SRL; looks alot like a cheesey smiley face.

YMMV.

**flashbang009** · 09-23-2011, 10:33

Originally Posted by lymphocytosis

...Ideally, it should be 30* loaded so that the user's full weight is applied to each end of your suspension.

If you start going flatter than 30*, you start applying more and more stress to your suspension.

I'm slightly confused.. If it's 30* loaded then wont it have to lay flatter when you're not in it? Or was the second part of your comment about going flatter than 30 referring to loaded angle?

**Shug** · 09-23-2011, 10:38

Myself....I don't think in angles. Most of the time I go neck (mine) high or even higher but that depends on the width between the trees and the slope (or not slope) of the ground.
In the woods a wee push up here and pull down there of the tree straps does it all. Lay in....feel it...adjust height.....rock it.
Shug

**Jazilla** · 09-23-2011, 11:01

30* is ideal which is right. Its is also not necessary. Enter the SRL. The SRL sets the sag of the hammock no matter what angle your suspension is, unless its less then 30* then your ridge will be loose. I measure my SRL from point A to point B. That is from where it exits my whipping on both sides. This is just how I do my thing.

**Bubba** · 09-23-2011, 11:10

Numbers are good but don't forget to go by how it feels.

**flashbang009** · 09-25-2011, 00:41

Gotcha. Thanks everyone for the input. That's a fancy calculator, great work!

Slept out for the first night in my hammock outside my dorm. Have to say that my original "more slack" ridgeline and consequently tighter hammock felt better than the 83% length ridgeline. I'll try it again sometime soon but I've always favored firmer beds...