Ridge Runner squeeeeeze-suggestions please!

**albertoes** · 04-19-2015, 18:21

Hi folks,
I just replied this to another post, then decided I could benefit from as much input as I can get, so I'll throw this out there....
I recently got my WBRR (awesome hammock, very impressed with the quality and thought that went into it) but lasted only about an hour or two in it before back pain between the shoulder blades woke me up. Instead of the usual "shoulder squeeze", I would describe it more as forcing my back/shoulders to arch/curve inward. From my shoulders to my hips it felt tight-TIGHT! I experience that to a very small degree in my gathered ends, but it's never bothered me much. Now, I'm tall (6'6") and lean, and ---I think this may be the culprit---very straight postured. I'm hoping I'm missing something, but only an hour before bailing out and back into my Traveler??!
Please share your helpful thoughts/suggestions!

Thanks!
Albertoes

**pgibson** · 04-19-2015, 18:25

Where you trying with the 4 inch extension in or without?

**albertoes** · 04-19-2015, 18:30

Originally Posted by pgibson

Where you trying with the 4 inch extension in or without?

4" extension??

**albertoes** · 04-19-2015, 18:31

Oh, do you mean the center piece at the head-end for the spreader bars?

**Brien** · 04-19-2015, 18:38

You can also try an inflatable pad, which helps flatten it out.

**albertoes** · 04-19-2015, 18:41

So, just went and looked, and yes, I had the three pieces, including the piece I think you're referring to, in place. Never even considered of assembling it without all three, blind is me! Seems leaving it out would only increase that squeeze. I am curious, what's to be gained, a bit of stability, maybe?

**GoatHanger** · 04-19-2015, 18:44

Originally Posted by albertoes

Oh, do you mean the center piece at the head-end for the spreader bars?

Don't want to speak for Paul, but yes that's what he meant.

I have a RR, and have never experienced shoulder squeeze. But... when using the supplied pole, I always use the center insert. I haven't used the stock poles in quite a while though, because I use my trekking poles. In that scenario, you can put them at any length you like and really fine tune your experience.

**GoatHanger** · 04-19-2015, 19:06

You are absolutely correct, it will be a little less "tippy". But like you said, the trade off is shoulder squeeze.

I am also curious about what caused your shoulder squeeze, and wish I could have been helpful.

Do you have above average shoulder width? I'm only 5'10",so maybe that's why I've never experienced it?

Hope you get it figured out, Bud!

**ChacMool** · 04-19-2015, 19:31

The center piece (~4") is likely what Paul meant; leaving that out can make the shoulder squeeze problem worse (but buys extra stability and saves a little weight).

Aside from that, an inflatable pad to raise yourself up a bit would give more width throughout the length of the hammock; so that may help too, as Brien suggested.

Finally, I wonder if you are hanging your RR too loose, and how far apart are the two trees/posts you're hanging from? Hanging too loosely might cause your back/shoulders to curve inward (assuming you're lying on your back). The RR should hang flatter than a gathered end, with its "floor" not sagging in the middle like gathered end might (which may be why its easier to sleep on your stomach or side than in, say, a BB). Photos of the hammock with and without you in it, taken from the side and showing the hang angle of the suspension, might clarify this.

Or, you could hang it tighter, with a ~25 degree hanging angle from trees ~15'' or more apart, and see if that makes any difference. Brandon's set-up video for the RR might be worth reviewing, in case it points you to something else: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crsmtPu9fL0

**Boston** · 04-20-2015, 06:23

Originally Posted by albertoes

Hi folks,
I just replied this to another post, then decided I could benefit from as much input as I can get, so I'll throw this out there....
I recently got my WBRR (awesome hammock, very impressed with the quality and thought that went into it) but lasted only about an hour or two in it before back pain between the shoulder blades woke me up. Instead of the usual "shoulder squeeze", I would describe it more as forcing my back/shoulders to arch/curve inward. From my shoulders to my hips it felt tight-TIGHT! I experience that to a very small degree in my gathered ends, but it's never bothered me much. Now, I'm tall (6'6") and lean, and ---I think this may be the culprit---very straight postured. I'm hoping I'm missing something, but only an hour before bailing out and back into my Traveler??!
Please share your helpful thoughts/suggestions!

Thanks!
Albertoes

Try shifting slightly to one side, and sleeping slightly on your side. You'll put more pressure on your shoulder under you, but relieve the curving effect. I've done this and been comfortable in a deeper DIY bridge I made, that had more shoulder squeeze than the RR. I've used a RR and personally don't need to shift when using it, but every body is different!