Comparing different hammock widths

[jmdeacon]

I have been thinking about how the width of the hammock affects comfort. I found this great thread about length

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...read.php/88361

but I cannot find anyone who has done a direct comparison using different widths.

Does anyone have any direct experience with different widths they can share?

Thanks,

John

[ninjahamockman]

Width matters as much if not more than length. It is important that you are able to get that diagonal lay. If it is not wide enough you get really uncomfortable calf ridge. I experienced this allot when I had my ENO single nest. This is very important with gathered end hammocks. In bridge hammocks like mine I believe it is spreader bar width and it is super important that you dont get shoulder cramps.

[sqidmark]

This kind of question has been asked and replied to a lot lately, just in the last few weeks. I hate to be 'that' guy who pressures you to do a search but... That said, the ONLY way to know with any certainty is to try for yourself.

[jmdeacon]

I did do quite a bit of searching before the post, that is how I found the video on lengths. What I was trying to see if anyone had some direct evidence about widths as was done with lengths.
But you right, you can only have certainty if you try for yourself. So, I'm going to buy enough fabric to try 3 different widths with a one constant length. Hopefully I can rig a video setup up above the hammock just like the above video so it is easy to see how it lays. After that I can post it back here for all to see.

[Pyrogen]

I saw a video where one guy made a hammock pod out of a tarp and just wrapped the excess over him like a cocoon.

[SnrMoment]

I think the width concept is more of a personal comfort thing. I found that I'm most comfortable in an 11' hammock that's 62-64" wide and made of .97 to 1.1 denier ripstop. I like stretchy fabrics, a lot of people don't.
This is a well tested rig for me since I'm a full time, outside sleeper. YMMV

[sqidmark]

...So, I'm going to buy enough fabric to try 3 different widths with a one constant length. Hopefully I can rig a video setup up above the hammock just like the above video so it is easy to see how it lays. After that I can post it back here for all to see.

Ah I see, you're looking for a more methodical viewpoint.

As long as you're going to experiment, I'd suggest making all 3 about 12'. You can then try them at any length you want by whipping one end.

I make mine with sewn channels and knotty mods on both sides of the foot end. I'll whip the head end at whatever length I'm interested in trying next. So far I've tried my 11'8" at 10', 10'6", 11', 11'6" and of course 11'8".