how do you know your ridgeline is correct?

[new2hanging]

I want to put a non-removable ridgeline on my soon to be made DIY hammock and was wondering how I know it's the correct length/tautness for my needs? I know this is probably a stupid question, and I've watched so many videos on it I should know the answer, I know the grab/bend and 90 degrees test, hang the hammock at 30 degrees (is that right? 30?), but I just know I'm going to futz something up. Any tips/pointers for a newbie?

[brianb]

I typically know something is correct when my wife tells me so. That being said, I pull my hammock out straight and measure the length then multiply that by 0.83. That's seems to be the consensus approach and it's worked for me every time. Some folks on here fine tune their length, but I've never needed to do so. Good luck

[Boston]

I suggest making an adjustable ridge line first. This way you can play with the length to figure out what works for you. There is no hard and fast rule, it's all personal preference. People suggest starting at 83% hammock length, and adjusting from there.

[geneaut]

83% of the total length of your flat hammock is the accepted norm. I say make one from some scrap material at that length and test. If it feels right replicate it for your final product.

[Codiak]

If you lay comfortably in the hammock then you have it correctly set.

[dammfast]

If you lay comfortably in the hammock then you have it correctly set.

+1 This is exactly what I was going to say

[new2hanging]

Thanks! You guys answer quick! now, is there a 'set rule' on where to connect the ridgeline? I feel like I've seen it connected at different places in pictures. I've seen it connected at the whipped end, a few inches up the line, etc. It's there a 'best' place to connect it?

[Dux]

If you lay comfortably in the hammock then you have it correctly set.

+1... or is it +2 at this point??

When you can adjust the adjustable structural ridgeline a couple inches longer and a couple inches shorter, only to find that you are less comfortable, why then then you've found the sweet spot!! Mark it, measure it and write it down. Follow the same process with the next style hammock you make/purchase.

Not sure I understand the reference to a "permanent" ridgeline. I larkshead mine at both ends thus it's super easy to take off. Yeah, yeah, you mean you'll be leaving it on permanently. Just having a lil fun!

[MAD777]

I connect mine as close to the end oh the hammock as possible. That's usually about one thickness of line away from the hammock.

You hammock length is from inside of whipping to inside of whipping. If you run your suspension through the end channel, then the length is out to out of hammock, including the channels.

A few months ago, there was a thread showing how to make an adjustable ridgeline by simply placing a biner on the ridgeline and wrapping the line around the biner a few times. The more wraps, the shorter the ridgeline becomes. Then you have a convenient place to attach things as well. A lightweight keychain biner would work. Start with a length equal to 87% of the hammock length. Each wrap shortens the ridgeline 1/2 to 1 inch, depending on the biner size.

[Snowball]

I stopped measuring my ridgelines. As others have written what feels right is what you should use. For the most part my ridgelines are >83% (longer).
I always rig my hammocks so the ridgeline don’t come off in case of a total failure of the hammock. Such a failure is very rare but if it happens you can grip the ridgeline and wont land directly on your back. This is of cause theory because if you are sleeping …… but you got a chance.
Use other people’s opinions as a guide not a rule and experiment. It’s part of the fun.