Trouble with my setup

**mountaindreamer** · 11-01-2014, 10:09

Last night I slept in my blackbird for the first time(backyard). I could never get it to lay flat. I was constantly shifting to relieve the pressure on the back of my legs from the "gathered" part of the hammock. Any suggestions

**SLCpod** · 11-01-2014, 10:12

What was your hang angle? Did you watch Brandon's videos before hanging? What things did you try to alleviate the pressure?

**12trysomething** · 11-01-2014, 10:12

First time blues...not to worry. First thing I would check is your suspension angle, see if you are at 30 degrees on each side (you can check out the ultimate hang website to see the easy thumb and finger method). I would start there, it may be that simple. Good luck!

**silentorpheus** · 11-01-2014, 10:18

Originally Posted by 12trysomething

First time blues...not to worry. First thing I would check is your suspension angle, see if you are at 30 degrees on each side (you can check out the ultimate hang website to see the easy thumb and finger method). I would start there, it may be that simple. Good luck!

Also a good idea to make sure the foot end is hung a touch higher than the head end.

**Black Foot** · 11-01-2014, 10:28

Originally Posted by silentorpheus

Also a good idea to make sure the foot end is hung a touch higher than the head end.

+ 1 on this. also make sure you have the correct amount of sag in your ridgeline. I also found an 11' gathered end hammock makes a big difference if you are taller than 6'.

**mountaindreamer** · 11-01-2014, 10:30

Thanks guys. I will go an check the angle. Also is it necessary for the hammock to be centered between the trees? I guess it must be in order to have matching hang angles.

**silentorpheus** · 11-01-2014, 10:34

Originally Posted by mountaindreamer

Thanks guys. I will go an check the angle. Also is it necessary for the hammock to be centered between the trees? I guess it must be in order to have matching hang angles.

Not necessarily - though if it isn't, then it would follow that your straps will need to be attached to the respective trees at different heights.

**mountaindreamer** · 11-01-2014, 10:40

Does anyone know off the top of your head what the ridgeline length if of the blackbird?

**JSH** · 11-01-2014, 10:40

As you're applying the advice about angle and placing head end slightly lower than foot end, don't forget the suggestion about the ridgeline. Too tight and too loose will alter your lay. Brandon's video shows what's about right for tension.