Pressure on my legs

**Peg-Leg** · 10-11-2009, 22:59

Need info from everyone else's experience. I'm working on my 3rd DIY hammock. This one is giving me a little trouble. I'm using the "W" whipping method. I lay with my head to the left, feet to the right. I'm getting quite a bit of pressure against the left side of my left leg. The pressure is coming from the center line of the hammock. Ridgeline length is around 110".

Should I change the whipping method, maybe change the ridgeline length? Has anyone else had the problem?

Thanks in advance for all your input.

Peg-leg.

**Mustardman** · 10-11-2009, 23:03

When I have gotten a little bit of leg pressure, it was when the ridgeline in my blackbird was yanked crazy tight. Pitching with a looser ridgeline greatly reduced it. Looser ridgeline = more sag, and is basically equivalent, for these purposes, to a shorter ridgeline.

I would suggest trying a shorter ridgeline. There are several posts on these boards about setting a hammock up with an adjustable ridgeline - that would be a good way to figure out the best length before you make it permanent. Good luck!

**KMACK** · 10-12-2009, 04:41

I use the "W" whipping just on the foot end of my ENO and find it to be just right for me. As suggested try a shorter ridge line for starters.

**Hogg Tyed** · 10-12-2009, 05:15

I was getting pressure too. More sag = looser ridge line made it go away.

WV · 10-12-2009, 05:35

Originally Posted by Peg-Leg

Need info from everyone else's experience. I'm working on my 3rd DIY hammock. This one is giving me a little trouble. I'm using the "W" whipping method. I lay with my head to the left, feet to the right. I'm getting quite a bit of pressure against the left side of my left leg. The pressure is coming from the center line of the hammock. Ridgeline length is around 110".

Should I change the whipping method, maybe change the ridgeline length? Has anyone else had the problem?

Thanks in advance for all your input.

Peg-leg.

That's similar to something I've experienced with my DIY hammocks, which have the ends cut off and adjustable strings added so I can fine-tune the sleeping angle. The more I loosen the strings at the right side of the foot end to lower my legs, the more pronounced is the ridge in the center that runs diagonally under my body, creating pressure on the left side of my left leg. It's a matter of adjustment, and there doesn't seem to be a perfect solution. Tightening up the strings a bit reduces, but doesn't eliminate the ridge. I've found a moderate position that's pretty comfortable, but my legs are just low enough to reduce pressure on my knees , not perfectly flat. Also I have some pressure on my left leg, but I've gotten used to it. For you, adjusting the W might accomplish something similar. Certainly try adjusting the ridgeline length to see if it helps, but it may not. How wide is your hammock? My latest ones are cut from 65" fabric, but the end strings let me angle it so the effective width of the bed is greater. I have surmised that the perfect hammock has string all the way around the edges. and the sleeper lies perpendicular to the ridgeline! (I'm not sure how you'd get into it - probably bottom-entry.

)
David

**MacEntyre** · 10-12-2009, 05:40

To cure the cut-across-the-leg, you must shorten the ridgeline,

**Ramblinrev** · 10-12-2009, 06:10

Shorten the ridgeline. Try about 100"

WV · 10-12-2009, 09:09

Peg-leg,
Those folks saying "shorten the ridgeline" are right on the money. A little hasty back-yard comparison testing suggests that it helps my adjustable hammock, too. I've found so much useful information on this forum that I'm switching to the "donating member" category. Thanks to all.
David

**Peg-Leg** · 10-12-2009, 12:50

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

To cure the cut-across-the-leg, you must shorten the ridgeline,

Sounds like you're correct on this. I did notice the pressure was much more pronounced when my ridgeline was tighter. I'll shorten it and report back.

Thanks everyone for all the great info!!