View Full Version : Needing help with my setupÂ…
Lucid deer
12-12-2021, 19:02
IÂ’ve been getting more serious into backpacking with my hammock, but I am having serious issues with getting comfortable. Here is my current set-up & issuesÂ…
- DW Chameleon SL 1.6
- 20* HG Incubator
- 5’10” 240 wide shoulders
- head left, feet right lay
This set up has been really finicky for me. I seem to get really bad calf ridge with the incubator. IÂ’ve watched all of the videos on calf ridge and UQ adjustments and canÂ’t seem to get a consistent good flat lay with out the calf ridge unless IÂ’m using constant pressure pushing out the foot end and head end with my body. When the underquilt isnÂ’t attached, I donÂ’t have nearly the issue.
I have adjusted every part of the suspension of the incubator from completely loose to tightening up the head end and foot end asymmetrically. Completely loose is fine on my rear, but moves around too much on my shoulders and feet. Tightening up the left side head end, and right side foot end helps keep the quilt in place, but the calf ridge pops up right away and compresses my feet too much.
Not sure if the SL 1.6 is too “stretchy” and need to upgrade to a double layer, or if the incubator is too “narrow” and I need to look at getting a wider UQ. All input is greatly appreciated!
Phantom Grappler
12-12-2021, 20:30
You might want to study one of Shug’s videos on reduction of calf ridge pressure or CRP
Maybe a 12x6 gathered end hammock will work for you. Or you could split the difference and get a gathered end hammock 138 inches long by 66 inches wide.
Get a wide under quilt, less cold spots for more coverage. And the primary suspension of under quilt will be less in your way. The under quilt suspension that you have now, might be adding to your discomfort.
I have both a 12x6 and an eleven and half foot hammocks. Both are wide 68 to 72 inches wide.
They are comfortable for me. But oversized hammocks are not for everybody. They can make backpacking more of a challenge…bigger hammock bigger tarp bigger pack
Now I need a Sherpa Guide
CRP Happens
Good Luck
Phantom Grappler
12-12-2021, 20:38
Maybe you can go to a group hang. Ask hammock campers if you can stretch out in their hammocks. You might find a different brand hammock that is 11x5 that you find comfortable.
Good Luck!
Lucid deer
12-12-2021, 21:03
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m not aware of any hangs in my neck of the woods of Kansas ��. Longer/wider hammocks are most beneficial for taller individuals aren’t they?
FLTurtle
12-13-2021, 08:26
Hmmm, that's a new one. Once I get the calf ridge under control, I don't recall after attaching the UQ causes the calf ridge to come back. Maybe the primary suspension for the UQ is too short? When the hammock is empty with the UQ attached, it should lift the hammock up somewhat. Shug goes into detail about that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrGfSgt1w2E
Typically, my issues with the Incubator are closing the foot end gaps to keep out drafts with a symmetrical bug net and switching head left/head right throughout the night. I'm a little bit taller and heavier than you and find the Hexon 1.6 pretty comfy.
Lucid deer
12-13-2021, 08:51
Hmmm, that's a new one. Once I get the calf ridge under control, I don't recall after attaching the UQ causes the calf ridge to come back. Maybe the primary suspension for the UQ is too short? When the hammock is empty with the UQ attached, it should lift the hammock up somewhat. Shug goes into detail about that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrGfSgt1w2E
Typically, my issues with the Incubator are closing the foot end gaps to keep out drafts with a symmetrical bug net and switching head left/head right throughout the night. I'm a little bit taller and heavier than you and find the Hexon 1.6 pretty comfy.
One thing IÂ’ve noticed is if I loosen up the secondary suspension, IÂ’d doesnÂ’t move the UQ at all. The cordage just hangs there loose. The secondary suspension came knotted on the s-biner on both ends. Is that how it is suppose to be?
Also, do you find the contoured foot end to cause any issues with the lay compared to other UQÂ’s that arenÂ’t?
Possible that the 1.6 single may be too stretchy for your size and weight. There is a learning curve for all this for sure.
I'll offer this for perusal.
The primary suspension should lift your hammock up.
The secondary stretches it out.
Shug
https://youtu.be/U1D3s-oijAY
https://youtu.be/WI0B20DwLPU
Lucid deer
12-13-2021, 10:12
Possible that the 1.6 single may be too stretchy for your size and weight. There is a learning curve for all this for sure.
I'll offer this for perusal.
The primary suspension should lift your hammock up.
The secondary stretches it out.
Shug
https://youtu.be/U1D3s-oijAY
https://youtu.be/WI0B20DwLPU
Thanks Shug! Love the content and help you provide to all of us newbies! My step-son is a huge fan as well. Your comedy is a big reason why he has interest in hammock camping!!! I now have a hobby I can share with him. So, thank you!
My next step was to work ok adjusting my ridge line/sag. Should I start with trying to get more sag or less?
Thanks Shug! Love the content and help you provide to all of us newbies! My step-son is a huge fan as well. Your comedy is a big reason why he has interest in hammock camping!!! I now have a hobby I can share with him. So, thank you!
My next step was to work ok adjusting my ridge line/sag. Should I start with trying to get more sag or less?
That takes trial and error to see what feels good to you.
Thus...the learning curve.
Be patient and it will all pay off.
https://youtu.be/0wKEOK7G23o
I went to a stiff double layer to get comfortable in a gathered end. And wide. You could also try a bridge like the ridge runner, which I find to be a nice compromise. But they have their imperfections too. The best thing Ive found to make my hammocks more comfortable is to spend a few nights on the ground in a tent. That chameleon will feel like heaven.
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FLTurtle
12-13-2021, 17:56
One thing IÂ’ve noticed is if I loosen up the secondary suspension, IÂ’d doesnÂ’t move the UQ at all. The cordage just hangs there loose. The secondary suspension came knotted on the s-biner on both ends. Is that how it is suppose to be?
The primary suspension is the one that is knotted onto the s-biner. It holds the UQ onto the hammock. The secondary suspension uses the line locs that pull through to adjust the UQ laterally along the primary suspension.
Also, do you find the contoured foot end to cause any issues with the lay compared to other UQÂ’s that arenÂ’t?
I've only had the Phoenix and the Incubator, so I don't have anything to compare it to. The Phoenix isn't as fiddly on the foot end since it's 3/4 length.
Lucid deer
12-13-2021, 18:28
I went to a stiff double layer to get comfortable in a gathered end. And wide. You could also try a bridge like the ridge runner, which I find to be a nice compromise. But they have their imperfections too. The best thing Ive found to make my hammocks more comfortable is to spend a few nights on the ground in a tent. That chameleon will feel like heaven.
Lol. What DL wide hammock did you go with?
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Ive grown pretty fond of the simply light designs trail lair. He will build you one out of MTN 1.2XL which will finish out at about 63-64”. And relatively light for a double layer. You can also go with the lightweight bugnet. Or maybe a heavier single layer.
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