Check out my gear, tell me what i might have forgotten or whatever,

**ieye360** · 05-10-2012, 17:07

Hi folks, I just invested in a hammock and some other equipment. I would be thankful if you all can tell me what else I might need, or where I can improve my setup:
*Grand Trunk Single Parachute Nylon (I’m 6’, 264 Lbs.). 10’6” long x 5’ wide
*Whoopie Hooks with complete suspension, 38” tree hugger, 6’ whoopee sling out of 7/64th Amsteel
*Hammock Bliss No-See-Um cocoon
*Walmart Blue CCF pad
*Gear Guide 12 x 12
I know i need a ridgeline, what length should it be? Tie out lengths?
I haven’t bought an UQ or TQ yet.
This will be my first camping trip with this gear, I’m excited. I thought I would bounce it off you guys before I go to see what you have to say. Thanks.

**toygun** · 05-10-2012, 18:55

From my understanding a ridgeline should be 5/6 or 83.33% of the length from one bunch end of the hammock (where the whoopies exit the hammock) to the other bunch end. It is suggested to make an adjustable one so you can tweak it to fit your sweet spot and once you find that spot lock it in by a replacing the adjustable one with a fixed length one. Also from the info I've gathered any non stretching rope that will support 350lbs+ will work. Zing it, techline, and amsteel all seem to be pretty popular. http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/p...age/cord-line/

HOWEVER...Try this thread for Structural ridgeline info http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ural+ridgeline

Shug suggested this link in that thread which I have to agree...is chocked full of vital info on the reasoning behind having a ridgeline to begin with.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock4.html

**Jcavenagh** · 05-10-2012, 19:14

You have a 20" wide ccf pad. Now get another one and make yourself a pad extender (instructions are on the DIY area). Or just cut the extra down to about 38 or 36" and lay it under your shoulder to wrap around and keep them warm.

P.S. Once you get a UQ, you'll likely never go back to the pad.

**Jcavenagh** · 05-10-2012, 19:17

And, in the GG 12x12, my wife sewed an extra loop in the center of two opposite sides and now I can use it in rectagular fashion. That allows me to have doors if I want.

**titanium_hiker** · 05-10-2012, 19:32

do you have a sleeping bag? It will work as a top quilt.

maybe a 'door step' (a small square or rectangle of plastic) to put your shoes and pack on and have somewhere to step on when you get up in the morning.

Try out the pad at home and see if your shoulders (or sides) get cold. you might like to make a pad extender, or an overlap pad.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeGearSPE.html
http://www.imrisk.com/overlappad/overlap.htm

Sounds like you're about there- just try it out at home first before you try it in the woods.

TH

**crashvandicoot** · 05-10-2012, 19:35

Also, if you haven't already, make sure you seal the seam on that tarp. Otherwise, I promise you, water will get in.

**ieye360** · 05-10-2012, 20:05

Thanks guys, I'll make the extender. I just bought some of that silicone sealer from amazon and I'll put it on the seams of my GG tarp. Shug's videos are awesome! I'm going to do a dry run in my back yard next weekend. I have an indoor (Living room) hammock stand and soft rope hammock, which helped me fall in love with hammocks in general. I have almost completely eliminated my nightly heart burn. Marvelous!!! I will take some pics of the extender and set up when i get done.