Tightening up the edges of the GTUL Hammock

**SaabZombee** · 11-19-2012, 21:49

I got my Ultralight last week and put in some whoopies. However, the edges of the hammock are a little too loose for me. I know I can do it by gathering the ends and pulling the edges a little tighter. However, I think if I did that, I'm concerned about losing a good 6" off the length of the hammock.

So how about it. Has anybody figured out how to tighten up the edges on this hammock?

**DivaB** · 11-19-2012, 21:53

Perhaps someone else can help. The GT UL is so darn narrow, I can't imagine having floppy sides, at least we didn't....but then we quickly decided that wasn't a hammock for us.

Are you laying on the diagonal and still have problems with the sides?

**Two Tents** · 11-19-2012, 21:58

I had the same issue. I didn't have the hammock very long when, somehow, I got a 2 to 3 inch tear right along side the edge. I gathered the tear and made a very small overhand knot. Just enough to put all the tear inside the knot. This made a foot box of sorts and it really made a big difference in the sloppy edges I had been noticing with this hammock. That was a necessity of invention kinda deal. Put in a toggle so you could get the knot undone if you weren't getting what you were looking to do.

**dejoha** · 11-19-2012, 22:02

Wow, I've never heard of this issue before on a GTUL -- one of my favorite hammocks! In fact, I've been sleeping in this hammock indoors for the past few days.

But, floppy edges are possible and it all depends on how you hang it. I find that smaller hammocks benefit from a tighter pitch (less than the recommended 30° angle, like 20° or so?).

Are you using a structural ridge line? Are you sleeping inline or on the diagonal?

**SaabZombee** · 11-19-2012, 22:10

I'm on the diagonal. No ridgeline, but I've got maybe a 25* hang angle (hangle?). The lay is flat, no complaints there. It's just that I'd love to have a little tension on the edges to keep my topquilt from falling out. I'm 5'9", so I'm definitely not too tall for the hammock.

**dejoha** · 11-19-2012, 22:14

Sounds like you should be perfect for that hammock. Maybe post a photo?

**ibgary** · 11-19-2012, 22:15

Take a look @ the knotty mod. Since it takes slack out of the edges it migh be just what you need. Let us know.

**Tuck** · 11-19-2012, 22:29

I think Grizz shows the knotty mod in one of his how-to videos. I'm not sure which one exactly though.

**SwinginIt** · 11-20-2012, 05:26

Yep, the Knotty mod is the solution to your problem. Look in the DIY forum for a sticky on a stretch side hammock. In those instructions is the instructions for the knotty mod. Basically you put a length of shock cord in the hem on opposite sides, near your head and feet, with a cord lock. Then you can tighten it up to take the flop out of the sides.

**Throkda** · 11-20-2012, 07:25

"Hangle" - I like that!

I occasionally have a floppy edge with the GTUL. Usually it's when I hang on the back porch (only about 11' between the posts) or if I put something in the attached stuff sack. Maybe I'll look into the Knotty mod to see how it works on mine, too.

Just what I need...another potential project