Rule-of-Thumb for strap height?

**JaxHiker** · 05-09-2011, 08:33

I really don't understand the need for spreadsheets, smartphone apps, etc. That thought never even crossed my mind what I started hanging. I just put my straps shoulder to head high and I'm done with it. It's not rocket surgery.

**Shug** · 05-09-2011, 08:36

Originally Posted by JaxHiker

I really don't understand the need for spreadsheets, smartphone apps, etc. That thought never even crossed my mind what I started hanging. I just put my straps shoulder to head high and I'm done with it. It's not rocket surgery.

I am with you there. Also i find the longer I am out on the trail the less I care!

I do understand personal preferences and such though.
Carry on.
Shug

**Pipsissewa** · 05-09-2011, 08:51

Mike: I understand your desire to hang exactly as the experts say you should. Until you get a lot of experience, you tend to want to follow a perfect formula. If you want, make a 60 degree wedge from a plastic margarine tub top or oatmeal canister top (or similar). Punch a hole through it with a hole punch, and hang it around your hammock suspension. If weight's not an issue, just use a 30-60-90 triangle available in the school supply department.

Remember, the suspension line, tree and ground make a 30-60-90 triangle. The suspension line - tree angle wants to be 60 degrees. The suspension line - ground angle (at the bottom of your hammock - not really touching (I hope!)) wants to be 30 degrees. The ground - tree angle is 90 degrees. So you can use your little plastic wedge up against the tree trunk to judge your suspension's angle.

Pretty soon, though, you'll know just by looking at it and you won't need your wedge anymore. (at least, that's what happened with me) Good luck and remember: Don't sweat the small stuff! Just have fun!!!!

**gmcttr** · 05-09-2011, 09:08

Picked up somewhere on HF...

The only quick deploy all weather 30* angle finder needed. It's a little on the heavy side for weight weenies, but I always take it anyway.

**Pipsissewa** · 05-09-2011, 09:10

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Picked up somewhere on HF...

The only quick deploy all weather 30* angle finder needed. It's a little on the heavy side for weight weenies, but I always take it anyway.

I take two!

**gmcttr** · 05-09-2011, 09:18

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

I take two!

I assume you carry a matched left and right set so you can check both ends of the hammock without needing to walk around to the other side.

**Big Papi** · 05-09-2011, 10:32

I prefer an abicus, but thats me. if you can find a carbon fiber or titanium one, it would reduce pack weight.

I usually place the straps a foot higher than my head - I am 6'5.

My goal is to have the hammockresting at about chest height when i start, so that when i get in, and the fabric stretches, than i am good to go.usually I can reach items on the ground next to hammock if I start this way.

I am still new to this, but so far, this works for me.

**RootCause** · 05-09-2011, 10:42

Originally Posted by mikewithe

Seriously though, thanks for all the help guys. I know I'm weird but I don't have it in me to just "try it and adjust." I NEED precision. It is compulsive for me.

Not weird, you're just more towards one end of the spectrum of "normal".

The more time you spend in the woods with your hammock, the less precision you may need. It can be a healthy thing!

**Beast 71** · 05-09-2011, 10:56

I hang my straps at eye level and adjust the strap lenght to approximate 30 degrees, then I raise or lower my straps, on the tree, to get the sit height i want.