short 6-8" "spreader bar" help or hurt?

[cdesmet52]

I was wondering if anyone is currently using a short (4"-8"??) "spreader bar" after the end channel, before attaching to their suspension of choice to help flatten the lie? I saw it mentioned in a very old thread and wondered if it had in fact been used on a Jungle Hammock and if it helped or hurt.
Thanks much and Merry Christmas!

[Brute1100]

Look up mini spreader bar... It works very well on short hammocks in particular...


Found the link
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=52094

[cdesmet52]

Thanks much! Your comment "works well on shorter hammocks" says it all. Guess I didn't realize it would ultimately approach quantum physics in it's application (40 pg thread, and I read it all!). I'm a "big guy" 6'5" x 250 lbs with BAD knees (need double replacement) and made my first hammock purchase (Claytor JH). Hyper extension of my knees is a killer and absolutely prevents sleep. The JH will be my "test lab". Looks like a short slotted piece of PVC tube and some carefully place knots, might offer additional help if needed.
Thanks again, and hope you have a great Christmas!

[Brute1100]

Hey something you can't try is putting something under your knees... Water bottle, small stiff pillow, extra clothes rolled up and lashed together, pack... It helps me, I don't need it all days but sometimes it just adds a little comfort...

I have the plan to do this mod to my grand trunk ultra... The amsteel is on its way, USPS was supposed to have brought it yesterday but whatever...

[Bic]

I've experimented... Isn't the mini spreader bar thread about having the spreader between the hammock and the suspension? I tried it integrated into the end of the hammock itself. It worked okay, but not really worth it in my opinion.....HYOH

[cdesmet52]

I've tried the stuff sack under my knees and it certainly helps, but......rather not have to go that route all the time. I figure I had to start somewhere if I'm going to make a go of hammocks, and the Claytor JH seemed like a good place to start figuring out what works for me and to minimize the impact on my wallet while doing so. Last thing I want/need is another "gear" addiction!

[Brute1100]

I've tried the stuff sack under my knees and it certainly helps, but......rather not have to go that route all the time. I figure I had to start somewhere if I'm going to make a go of hammocks, and the Claytor JH seemed like a good place to start figuring out what works for me and to minimize the impact on my wallet while doing so. Last thing I want/need is another "gear" addiction!

You could try a tablecloth hammock, if you catch a deal its like $13 and then whip your ends... And your good to go for less than $20 and its big and comfy...

[oldgringo]

The CJH is not, in my opinion, a good choice for a big guy. I'm "only" 6-0, and find it too narrow.

I agree with Brute, that tablecloth hammock offers more comfort for dollar spent than anything else out there, and will give you a truer sense of what you can expect from hammocks in general.

I don't understand your aversion to putting something under your knees. Many, maybe even most, of us do that routinely. Dead simple, and it works.

[Brute1100]

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=62832

This is my preferred way to make a table cloth hammock, simple and effective... And easy enough that the second one you make will be done in 20 minutes or less...

[cdesmet52]

I know there's a lot of low cost options out there, but I've got something pretty specific in mind (dual use), which limits selection. There's a lot of bigger hammocks on the market but they just don't have the design I'm after. Nice products, just not right for me. I think the JH will be a good "research" platform to work with. If it doesn't work out, or something more appropriate comes on the market, I can always sell it and minimize the $$ hit. One thing is certain, anything I may need to know, is somewhere on this site, and the members have proven to be very knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge. I know that I learned a lot, and have ideas for changing the suspension, but also was intrigued when I first saw mention of the mini-spreader. I know I have some 1" PVC tube on hand I can fiddle with and sure learned a lot about the concept thanks to Brute1100 providing the link to that thread. I may need to try my hand at splicing as well. All good!!

[Brute1100]

The thing about the spreader bar inside the channel is you have to have a pretty big channel... Which is fine on something you make, but most things produced are going to have a smaller channel due to aesthetics...

What do you have in mind for doing dual purpose...

[cdesmet52]

Dual purpose refers to going to the ground. I don't want to be forced into one application or the other. Safety on the water and convenience are both jeopardized if you're forced to continue searching for an appropriate site for one technique or the other especially when travelling solo. Although using a hammock indicates hanging is the preferred option I don't want it to limit my options (same as a tent only). I feel that hammock designs like the Dream or Blackbird with incorporated net are designs that don't translate well to the ground. Yes it can be done, but the finished setup is pretty cumbersome, and risk damage to the hammock fabric as well. I know that any hammock is vulnerable to damage on the ground and a ground sheet will need to be used and the pad should be placed under the hammock to provide additional protection. Hammocks with a detached bug net are a cumbersome design in both applications (IMHO).
As for the mini spreader, if I do attempt using one, I don't plan on inserting it in the channel itself. The thread on mini spreaders is very informative regarding their application/use and did a good job of illustrating what was most successful. I hope I don't have to go down that path, but if I do, I think I'm pretty comfortable with what I should try. I know I don't want to attempt anything that permanently alters the hammock or couldn't be removed easily.

[Brute1100]

Sounds like you have thought long and hard... I know there are a few hammocks that have bivy options as well as tiring up options... I will quit throwing out ideas though as it seems you have all your ducks in a row...

[outdoorsguy]

A bridge hammock might be worth a look. People have written about going to ground in them if need be.

Billy bob has written extensively on here about knee pain in gathered end hammocks and how his BMBH has completely solved that problem, might be worth a search. I have a RR and love it but I'm smaller than you and I'm not sure your frame would fit comfortably in it. However, I think a BMBH is longer than a RR, not sure though, but specs on their respective websites. They are both bridges and both have owners on here who love them. I'm one of them.

[cdesmet52]

I sure appreciate the feedback and ideas. I knew going into this purchase that some of the appropriate size estimates and comfort are theoretical and subjective at best. Not sure where you would even find a 7'5" x 350 lb hammock camper to ask!
I hope this forum provides honest feedback especially for the vendors so they are able to use that feedback as "field research" to determine what opportunities may exist in the market place. The "cottage vendors" in particular have demonstrated their willingness to respond to market demand if they feel the opportunity outweighs the risk and can provide a return on investment.
I also think those contemplating hammock camping as an alternative to tents want an honest idea of what some of the drawbacks might be. It's all subjective and you can find reviews on the web of virtually any item (not just hammocks) that support almost any claim. Which ultimately translates to........"you pay your money and take your chances". Fortunately the first hand knowledge presented in this forum helps a lot with trying to sort fact from fiction, but requires a lot of research just to get informed enough to realize what is actually being said. My own experience when viewing other product reviews (ie: paddle sports) is the purchaser is primarily trying to justify their purchase in both their own mind and in the mind of those reading the review.
Thanks again for the help!!!!!!!!

[oldgringo]

7'5" x 350#...that's quite a holiday growth spurt.

[cdesmet52]

shortbread dunnit!

Some of the comfort profiles I've read on vendor sites lead me to believe Sasquatch was a customer and provided favorable feedback!

[Lupus]

At 7'5", according to some of my readings about building your own hammock, your hammock should be at least your height plus 2' between the knots. (Source found here) (http://www.tothewoods.net/HomemadeHammock1.html) At 7'4" that means the shortest hammock you should consider should be at least 9' 4" between the knots and I'd honestly recommend a hammock at least 10' in length, if not 11'.

I know at 5' 10" I find a 9' 4" hammock comfortable, if I try to extrapolate what size hammock you would need for a similar sleep experience, I would guess that you needed one 10' 10" long. You may find that doing a DIY solution will most easily fit your needs. Although I know many of our cottage people are willing to do custom work as well.