View Full Version : Looking for the sweet spot
This weekend was a time for backyard hanging to try out some new gear including my Switchback hammock. So Friday night I got everything rigged (Switchback, MacCat Deluxe with Opie's new toggled ridge line, MW4UQ, whoopie slings). For the life of me, I couldn't find the "sweet spot" and wound up with only about 2 hours sleep. Ugh!:confused::scared:
Wondering if it was only me, I swapped out the Switchback for my trusty Blackbird and slept comfortably and soundly on Saturday night.
My experience was a dramatically more comfortable "lie" with the WBBB over the Switchback. The Switchback is beautifully made and hugely spacious. I want to like it, but it's not a good start so far. I'll give it another night or two. It may just be me...or the way I had it hung. Next time I'll try it with a bit more sag (the absence of a fixed ridgeline may have contributed to pitching issues).
What have other Switchback users found?
sclittlefield
03-22-2010, 12:11
It may just be me...or the way I had it hung. Next time I'll try it with a bit more sag (the absence of a fixed ridgeline may have contributed to pitching issues).
First, I am not (yet) a Switchback owner.
That said - I think you hit the nail on the head there - it was likely the slight learning curve of a non-structural ridgeline hammock. It's very easy to set them up with too much, or too little sag. Experiments with ridgeline length show us that it doesn't take much to seriously affect the comfort level (folks talk of even an inch change can seriously affect the hang). I believe that once you "dial" it in for you, it'll be a great hang.
This may not be ideal, perhaps other owners and the makers could chime in, but could you add a structural ridgeline to it without negatively affecting the interior space?
Beep... I also think it needs a RL. I couldnt quite find the sweet spot in mine either.
I was going to add a RL if my intention was to keep it... But I didnt want to canibalize the bug net by poking a couple holes in it if I was going to turn around and sell it.
Beep... I also think it needs a RL. I couldnt quite find the sweet spot in mine either.
I was going to add a RL if my intention was to keep it... But I didnt want to canibalize the bug net by poking a couple holes in it if I was going to turn around and sell it.
That's my dilemma. I really like the hammock's construction quality and spaciousness, but it's bulkier and heavier than my WBBB. Since both weight and bulk are a priority for me in my gear selection as a backpacker with pretensions of going lighter, I want to give it a fair shot, but I may end up selling it.
Beep... I say take the plunge. I think with a RL... It will be a contender in the top spot for hammocks. Just heat up the end of a pin and poke a small hole in the center of the bug net on either end and slip some zing it or some other small line through.
This weekend was a time for backyard hanging to try out some new gear including my Switchback hammock. So Friday night I got everything rigged (Switchback, MacCat Deluxe with Opie's new toggled ridge line, MW4UQ, whoopie slings). For the life of me, I couldn't find the "sweet spot" and wound up with only about 2 hours sleep. Ugh!:confused::scared:
Wondering if it was only me, I swapped out the Switchback for my trusty Blackbird and slept comfortably and soundly on Saturday night.
My experience was a dramatically more comfortable "lie" with the WBBB over the Switchback. The Switchback is beautifully made and hugely spacious. I want to like it, but it's not a good start so far. I'll give it another night or two. It may just be me...or the way I had it hung. Next time I'll try it with a bit more sag (the absence of a fixed ridgeline may have contributed to pitching issues).
What have other Switchback users found?
Beeb,
Have you played with the suspension angle ? 30 degrees is a good starting point. Try starting out with a little more sag than usual and then tighten in increments of about 1" of strap on both ends. This is how I found my sweet spot in all of my hammocks, some less sweet than others. If you want, PM me your phone # and I will give you call.
Cheers, Dale
Cannibal
03-22-2010, 17:38
Another one thinking it was probably the sag of the hammock that was responsible for any discomfort. Blackbirds will spoil you...and fast! However, I find my Switchback to be a very comfortable hammock when it's set correctly. Keep playing with it and I think you'll find a hang that works for you.
millarky
04-12-2010, 07:15
A middle aged thread I know, but I had the same issue last night. Granted, it was my first night in the Switchback but I was not comfortable at all. I'm going to play around with different degrees and sags. I may be trying to make it a flatter hang as I'm a newbie. If I were to go to a structural ridge line, does it attach to the ring buckles? I really want this hammock to work. It is well made and quite spacious.
A middle aged thread I know, but I had the same issue last night. Granted, it was my first night in the Switchback but I was not comfortable at all. I'm going to play around with different degrees and sags. I may be trying to make it a flatter hang as I'm a newbie. If I were to go to a structural ridge line, does it attach to the ring buckles? I really want this hammock to work. It is well made and quite spacious.
Hey Millarky! You can stop by and take a look at mine. PM me if ya wanna stop by tonight or anytime.
Hetairoi
04-12-2010, 10:46
It seems to take a bit more tinkering to get that 'sweet spot' in my Switchback, maybe because it's narrower than the BB or Traveler. But once I found it, my opinion is that it's as comfortable as anything else available. YMMV, as always.
A middle aged thread I know, but I had the same issue last night. Granted, it was my first night in the Switchback but I was not comfortable at all. I'm going to play around with different degrees and sags. I may be trying to make it a flatter hang as I'm a newbie. If I were to go to a structural ridge line, does it attach to the ring buckles? I really want this hammock to work. It is well made and quite spacious.
I'd be inclined to try more sag rather than a flatter hang, but then I don't know how you had it pitched. The "rule of thumb" (IIRC) for a fixed ridgeline is 83% of the nominal hammock length (e.g. 10 foot hammock =120 inches times 83% yields 100" ridgeline.) Other posters "tinker" with the ridgeline length in 1 inch increments to find what works best for them. You don't HAVE to have a fixed ridgeline, though I find that having one makes consistent pitching easier to achieve and less stressful!:)
millarky
04-13-2010, 06:50
Mike, Thanks for the offer! Really busy right now working :( and getting ready to kayak but I hope to do the Springboro hang then I can get my stuff sorted out. Hope to see you there.