Hammock length

**100milerunner** · 03-17-2012, 21:15

I'm looking at getting a first hammock. I'm looking at the Grand Trunk ultralight. The negative reviews of the GTUL I've read have to do with size. I'm trying to determine if the GTUL will be too short/narrow for me. I'm 6'0 170#.

I'm looking for a cost effective first hammock to try out hanging. I'm read up on suspension and rigging so I don't need a ready out of the box model.

Suggestions/recommendations?

**Catavarie** · 03-17-2012, 21:19

It may, or may not fit you. Depends on how you sleep in it really. I've read that many people feel it is too small for anyone over about 5'6" but several taller people seem to love theirs.

**DivaB** · 03-17-2012, 21:33

I'm 5'11 and we'll leave the weight alone; but I find it uncomfortable and don't like it for myself. My son is 5'9 and 155 lbs and can sleep any where (he has the 14 teen sleep all the time thing going on)...but he can not sleep in the Grand Trunk UL.

**100milerunner** · 03-17-2012, 22:11

What length hammock should a 6' guy be looking for?
Should I be looking into a DIY option? I'm pretty good with a sewing machine.

**Catavarie** · 03-17-2012, 22:18

You would probably be most comfortable in a +10' hammock.

Formula for determining hammock length is: Height + 27" + 2'

Of course many people find that going longer or wider (or both) is more comfortable.

**DemostiX** · 03-18-2012, 00:33

Originally Posted by Catavarie

You would probably be most comfortable in a +10' hammock.

Formula for determining hammock length is: Height + 27" + 2'

Of course many people find that going longer or wider (or both) is more comfortable.

And, not to trouble the noob, but it has been reported that some admit to sleeping quite comfortably with other than Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, or in a king-size bed.

Really, if it were otherwise, profit-seeking hammock makers would not have long been making 8 foot hammocks. The cost of that added foot of fabric is trivial.

**DemostiX** · 03-17-2012, 22:17

So, if you are not spending much, move on to larger hammocks from the mass marketers, or go to BIAS (Butt in a Sling), or appreciate that for $60 you can get a Warbonnet Traveller that is complete with all suspension -- no extra shipping and handling charges for the other parts -- and you have a hammock that, with 14 more posts, you can sell here in as-new condition for no more than a $25 loss.

Another complete inexpensive hammock to try: Wilderness Logics Snipe.

The important point: You want to avoid unexpected expense and trouble of the suspension -- the rope, hooks, attachment-points, and tree straps.

**jbrianb** · 03-23-2012, 19:01

Originally Posted by DemostiX

So, if you are not spending much, move on to larger hammocks from the mass marketers, or go to BIAS (Butt in a Sling), or appreciate that for $60 you can get a Warbonnet Traveller that is complete with all suspension -- no extra shipping and handling charges for the other parts -- and you have a hammock that, with 14 more posts, you can sell here in as-new condition for no more than a $25 loss.

Another complete inexpensive hammock to try: Wilderness Logics Snipe.

The important point: You want to avoid unexpected expense and trouble of the suspension -- the rope, hooks, attachment-points, and tree straps.

Thanks for the shout out, DemostiX. And your points are correct (even about our competitors whose work we greatly respect). Our hammocks are all 11 feet long these days (friends and buyers keep recommending that so we upped it). We sell an inexpensive, but durable 1.9 ripstop Camper hammock ($39.95) and since the initial asker is on HF, we offer a discount on suspension (see the link in my tag line) and that can be had for $19.95. That puts us at Warbonnet's Traveller price... I wish we could be cheaper. They have a great reputation. But it's a good hammock we sell. Check with those who've bought.

No matter where you get it from, I learned that a narrower hammock in a longer length could be very comfortable for me and help me shave weight. Some like a wide hammock, but wide spikes up weight more than long due to the physics of a hammock. A 10 foot by 68 inch hammock weighs far more than an 11 foot by 52 inch hammock, and I find 52 inches x 11 feet is about dead perfect FOR ME. I am 5'10 (that said, my shoulder to height ratio is about 30 percent, so I am a broad fellow).

Just my thoughts.

Thanks again to DemostiX.

Happy hanging, all!

**jons4real** · 03-17-2012, 22:17

I'm 6'1 and it's to short for me along with my old eno double. They were just to short to get a flat lay . I always thought that " wide" was my answer. Nope ! It wasn't until I got into a 11.5 diy, It's was awesome. I just ordered a hammock from dream hammock and I ordered a 12ft'er