How do you do adjustments solo?

[cougarmeat]

When I watch videos about setting up an under quilt, usually there is someone else in the hammock while another person tightens things up.

But what if some of us don't have any friends , not even a sister to climb inside and at least load the hammock a little. is there some trick - maybe tossing in your pack while it is still a bit heavy - to getting it setup solo?

I figure I can get the 30 degree hang with the hammock unloaded and hope it doesn't stretch too much. I could rig a fixed ridge line cord and check it for tautness to see if things have shifted out too much.

But when it comes to the UQ, I'm a little stumped about how to get it cinched up tight, but not too tight, by myself.

[Floridahanger]

Yes and no.
Don't just toss in your pack. That's putting weight into 1 spot in the middle.
Open your pack and take out your sleeping bag or Top Quilt and other stuff and spread it out(at your laying angle if you can). That way it is more in your shape.
After making your rough adjustments, and remember not to make too tight to squish the down, get in and make your little, specific adjustments to your likeing.

[Nighthauk]

Yes and no.
Don't just toss in your pack. That's putting weight into 1 spot in the middle.
Open your pack and take out your sleeping bag or Top Quilt and other stuff and spread it out(at your laying angle if you can). That way it is more in your shape.
After making your rough adjustments, and remember not to make too tight to squish the down, get in and make your little, specific adjustments to your likeing.

Great idea. I like the pack idea. Though you can tighten it up as tight as you want. With a differential cut in the UQ you will not be able to squish the down. Tighten that sucker down.

[Cannibal]

Plan ahead.

Setting your quilt is something you should do before you leave. Once it is set, you shouldn't have to change anything in the field; just attach and snore. Or, get a partial length and you can just reach out of the hammock and slide it into position. I'm a fan of the latter.

[Shug]

I just get in and out as I tweak it....and feel around while in the hammy.
Shug

[dakotaross]

UQs with a differential cut are made for the interior material to be somewhat taut, the differential being that the loft is unencumbered by the inside material being pulled tight. So, when you're not in it, set it so that the inside of the UQ is right up against the bottom of the hammock, or perhaps just lightly off, but not so tight that its lifting the hammock material. When you get in the hammock, it will be pulled tight but with enough give through the bungie suspension as to not stretch the material. So, in essense, you get it close enough and let your weight and the bungies do their work.

Prior to most being made with differential cut, UQs DID have to be adjusted several times to get it just right on the bottom, but not so close that it affected loft. These days, it should be a one-time eyeball affair.

[gnar]

I just get in and out as I tweak it....and feel around while in the hammy.
Shug

have to agree 100% besides its fun to get in and out 5-10 times

[SnrMoment]

I can reach down the outer sides of the hammock and feel the distance between the hammock and the UQ. If there's space, I tighten it up until it's just touching the hammock. I modified my suspension a bit since the quilt is an older version and I cannow tweak it to tighten and align the sides at a bit of an angle to match my lay.
Spreading your gear out inside will give you a good starting point to get things set. The upper sides are easy for me, especially since I can see through the ACU camo in the sunlight. I have it set now so that everything is a bit tight when empty and snugs up when I'm in.
Us friendless hermits get by.