Hammock width?

**cataraftgirl** · 11-06-2012, 14:06

So, I've been using a Trek Light double for the past 3 years. It's 120 X 78. I tried a WBBB & Traveler, but they just weren't comfy for me and I went back to the TL Double. I'd like to try out a WL Snipe or a BIAS Camper so that I can get rid of the one annoying thing on my TL Double ......flappage (it that a word?). I don't know how I'll like a narrower hammock. I do like to get fairly diagonal. Will I get the same flat lay in a narrower but longer hammock? Or maybe I should try out the BIAS XL hammock @ 132 X 72.....longer & wider but with the Knotty Mod to get rid of the flappage? I'll be using a HG Phoenix UQ if that makes any difference.
One other thing.....both the WL and BIAS come with whoopies & huggers. I've never used these. I like the webbing & cinch buckle better. Can these hammock be converted to this suspension fairly easily?
Thanks oh wise HF members!
KJ

**dejoha** · 11-06-2012, 14:46

All suspension options are interchangable, although some require some refiguring. It's not difficult.

I have all the hammocks you mentioned and I love the BIAS with it's extra length.

The extra fabric that flaps indicates that the hammock is wider than you need and can use. If that hammock were longer, you'd be able to increase the diagonal and eliminate the flapping, extra fabric.

The edges or "gunnels" of a hammock effectively get shorter as they are gathered into the center. So, when a hammock gets wider but not longer, it tends to barrel up or "canoe," which prevents the hanger from getting a good diagonal and flat lay. You can get diagonal, but you end up bowing up like a banana since the gunnels of the hammock are bowing up.

The Knotty Mod helps eliminate some or all of the flapping, but some of that can be fixed with changing the lay of the hammock and getting into a different diagonal lay.

**gordonfreeman** · 11-06-2012, 14:48

Brian - 601-507-4050
Shane - 901-568-2314
[email protected]

Give em a call, I'd be surprised if they couldn't just outfit it with straps if you prefer.

My bias doesn't flap and it lays so flat I have to have a pillow now! The knotty mod is a wise move.

**SmokeHouse** · 11-06-2012, 16:41

I made an 11' x 5' hammock with 9' ridgeline. I like it alot...
Maybe the hammocks you have, the ridgeline needs adjusting/replaced either longer or shorter, than see if that helps any...

**TrekLightGear** · 11-06-2012, 17:16

KJ - Have you tried out our Single Hammock? I personally love the Double but everyone fits a little different - the width on the Single is definitely enough for most people to still lie diagonally so it may be exactly what you need. And of course you can always mod all of our hammock models with any number of custom suspension options so it hangs the way you like. If you want to try out our Single let me know and I'll get you a 20% discount coupon - I know you've been a TLG owner for a while!

**cataraftgirl** · 11-07-2012, 09:34

Thanks for all the info guys, and for the offer Seth. I'll have to do some thinking about it. Right now I get a nice diagonal and comfy sleeping position in the TL Double. I just have that extra fabric at my head and feet. I like the idea of the Knotty Mod to corral my pillow and my TQ. It seems the BIAS XL might be the best of both worlds....longer, still wide, with the Knotty Mod, but it might also be overkill ???? Hmmmm. Lots to ponder. More input is greatly appreciated.

**MAD777** · 11-07-2012, 09:58

Cataraftgirl,
Check my recent thread with video on hammock width theory...
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=59836

**Shug** · 11-07-2012, 10:11

I just took my Snipe from WL on a 4 night trip and was very pleased in comfort and lack of calf-ridge. Never tried a BIAS so can't say on that.
Shug

**cataraftgirl** · 11-07-2012, 10:45

Thanks MAD777 and Shug. The extra fabric and flapping edge is what I'm talking about. As a visual person, it sure helps to see a video of the product in use.
Next question....any issues with using a partial length UQ (HG Phoenix) with the longer hammock?

**Shug** · 11-07-2012, 10:47

Originally Posted by cataraftgirl

Thanks MAD777 and Shug. The extra fabric and flapping edge is what I'm talking about. As a visual person, it sure helps to see a video of the product in use.
Next question....any issues with using a partial length UQ (HG Phoenix) with the longer hammock?

Naw....just a slight re-tweak fron your current set-up. Extended my UQ suspension by 8-10" then tightened up to snug me.