Hammock length

[jaycooper]

I recently just finished my first hammock. I read on just Jeff's hiking page that a hammock should be 2 feet longer than your height, and since I am 6'1", I used nylon that was 120" by about 64". After I finished the hammock, I measured from whipped end to whipped end and it turned out to be about 9 feet. Even though that is over the two feet, is that a good length for someone of my height?

I realize a lot of you will probably say it's all based on preference, so instead of the first question, what lengths do you prefer your hammock to be?

[jamaulwall]

I'm also 6'1" and although my experience with different length hammocks is limited I know most taller people prefer 11' length hammocks as it is supposed to reduce calf ridges. I plan on purchasing an 11' hammock and possibly making one out of Dutch's PolyD fabric at that length at some point. I think the width of the hammock comes into play a little bit as well but perhaps some of the more experienced hangers on the forum can chime on on their experience with different lengths. Ultimately, it comes down to whatever works for you. If your 9' hammock is comfortable and works for your purposes, then it's the right length for you. If not I'd look for something longer.

[jaycooper]

Yea I have a friend who is 6'2" and I believe his hammock is 11 feet. I tried it out and really liked it but I decided to follow the hiking page's recommendations. I still haven't slept in my hammock yet, but if I think it's too short, I'll probably make a longer one.

[SilvrSurfr]

I'm 5'11" and strictly use 11 ft. hammocks. I don't find shorter hammocks to be very comfortable.

[bghiker]

6'1" here and a big +1 on the 11 footers

[Monkeyboy42]

Longer hammocks are definitely more comfy. I'm 5-10/11ish, and made my four year old an 8' hammock. I cannot lay in it at all. My guess is just Jeff recommended 2' at each end? His advice is usually good on his site.

I think Eno's are 9'? That's the shortest I could imagine, and even then I'd go for the double nest at 90".

[jaycooper]

On his site: "Ed Speer recommends making the finished hammock have a distance between the knots of the user's height plus two feet."

So I guess it wasn't his idea, but I'm pretty sure that means 1 foot at each end. Regardless, I think I'll just make another one and either keep this one to relax in or give it to someone else.

[latriper]

I'm 6'1" and eleven foot is the length for me.

[dudeman_atl]

6'2" here. 11ft is heaven.

[BigHat]

i think the idea is to have the "(hanging) distance between the knots (ridgeline length) of the user's height plus two feet."

in other words, ridgeline length would be about 8 ft, and with ridgeline being around 83-86% of optimal total length, total length would be a minimum of about 9.5 feet. for more comfort, i would say to add 2 feet to each end, as discussed in monkeyboy42's post, above, which would make a ~10 ft finished hammock, for you.

for reference, I'm 5-11 and my DIY hammocks range from 9 ft 9 inches to 10 ft 3 inches finished.