I just set mine up with the regular length head end spreader bar. It was totally doable. I didn't notice much if any difference at the head end but I had to cross my ankles at the foot end with no spreader bar. I had no doubt I could sleep this way.
I also tried the short pole alone at the head end and that wasn't happening so much. You could probably do it in a pinch but you wouldn't be happy. You would be the one being pinched!
Of course there are some variations to consider. Do you use the stock five piece bars from Warbonnett, the custom four piece set a few of us had made or the adjustable hiking poles. Which pole you break will make a world of difference with the exception of the hiking pole since you can adjust it to any length.
If you break a short solid pole, you're golden. You break a long solid pole, prepare yourself for a long night. With the hiking poles it really doesn't make a difference since you can make either one any length.
The hiking poles def give you more flexibility but personally I see them as having a greater chance of breaking in some way shape or form. I've seen tips break, locking mechanisms fail and at times literally bending or breaking. I also don't see how a wooden stick fashioned from a branch would work.
Poles breaking is one of the things to consider when backpacking with a Bridge hammock. Treat your poles with extra respect. Don't lay them on the ground to be stepped on...lean them against a tree or immediately place them in your pack. My wife actually stepped on mine as I was experimenting. (no breakage) This, after just informing me I would never step on my poles!
Hope this helps. Oh yeah....push comes to shove you could also set it up on the ground. (hopefully you brought a pad)
Miguel
Thanks Miguel. The RR is my first hammock, and so far I'm most comfortable with the stock poles without the 4" center part. I'm not too worried about the stock pole breaking, more concerned with using hiking poles since I have come close to breaking a couple of my adjustable carbon fiber poles near the tip. I guess for my first few trips I'll just carry the extra weight until I have some more confidence in my setup and whether or not I'll want the poles for setting up a tarp rather than for the hammock.
Very useful.
What is the advantage of removing the 4 inch extra part in the head bar?
Just less sholder room?
I am sure I am going to lose it at some point, so if can just shed it now, I might as well.......
You can also shorten your suspension (dogbones) with the 4" extension out. If yu do shorten the suspension of the triangles..its a "must" to remove the 4" extension or you will break the head spreader bar. Lots of info on shortening suspension if you do a search. Mine are at 37 inches on both my RR's and even using hiking poles while shortened works great.
Bookmarks