Structural ridgeline to ensure proper hang angle?

[ADVWannabe]

I am waiting for the arrival of carabiners, descender rings, polyester straps and Amsteel loops to build out my suspension. I plan to rig my hammock up the way Shug demonstrates in one of his videos (see link below, skip to the 3:50 mark and play to the 5:00 mark).

Shug's hammock video (skip to 3:50):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOT7NkI-gU

My next task is to setup a ridgeline. I was looking at the DIY hammock stand thread and noticed that the hammock is not fully resting on the straps but is being held higher due to the ridgeline (see photo below). I assume this is what is meant by a structural ridgeline? If so, I think I want to go this way as well to ensure the proper hammock sag every time. I will attach the ridgeline to the descender rings. Can anyone provide guidance on how long the ridgeline should be?

Finally, after all this, I will rig up my Noah Kelty tarp. Who knew hammocks were so much work to get rigged up? I am hoping that it will be well worth the effort though compared to tents.

[PapaSmurf]

Most folks suggest starting with 83% of hammock length (or in your case length between the rings). Then you can adjust a little longer or shorter until you find the length that feels best to you.

It really does help take some of the guess work out of dialing in a comfortable hang each time.

Please send photos when you get it all worked out.

[ADVWannabe]

Please send photos when you get it all worked out.

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely post up picks once I get it setup.

One more question though, what is the best cord/rope to use? I have some cord from REI that I think is only good for 400 lbs. I assume by the time I put a knot in each end to tie it to the rings it will be well below that rating.

[nacra533]

That 400# rope will be beyond it's safety factor, especially with knots. BUT... since a structural ridgeline failure doesn't drop you, I wouldn't hesitate to do a few test hangs with it until you can get a properly rated line. Worst case scenario is you receive a little surprise jolt if it breaks. I guess true worst case would be that it hits you in the eye.

I use Amsteel for my ridgeline and although its tight, it's not REAL tight.

As far as setup time, once you get it dialed in, set up time is very quick when compared to a tent, especially if you stay with straps and rings.

[ADVWannabe]

I use Amsteel for my ridgeline and although its tight, it's not REAL tight.

Maybe I can use the ridgeline to tell when the hammock is at the proper angle and not tighten the straps beyond that? Then the ridgeline would not be supporting significant weight.

[GrayDog]

I am hoping that it will be well worth the effort though compared to tents.

I would personally spend 10x the effort to enjoy such comfort!

[DemostiX]

I made this easy with an SRL that is, like many, adjustable. It is a whoopie with a minimum length of exactly 80 inches. The loop that extends the range has hashmarks at 2 inch increments.

When I am trying different hangs and different hammocks, I can immediately set the desired length. Casual changes don't require pulling out a tape measure. Just count marks, multiply by two and add to 80.

Useful for the arithmetic to remember that 83.333% is five parts out of six.

[gmcttr]

Maybe I can use the ridgeline to tell when the hammock is at the proper angle and not tighten the straps beyond that? Then the ridgeline would not be supporting significant weight.

That's the way it should work. Many of us use Zing It, Tech Line or other cords with strengths from 300-600 lbs for the SRL.