Back Pain in my Dutch 1.0 Hexon hammock

[DuneElliot]

I recently posted a trip report which included a four night hammock experience. It was my first true hang and I stayed plenty warm (thanks to LLG quilts).

I also slept better than I am used to while camping BUT I am running into issues with upper back pain due to an old back injury (broke my T6 or 7 in a horse accident, plus damaged muscles and nerves and compressed a disc or two). The pain is dull and is similar to when I am working at a computer in an office chair and my back is a little hunched over, which makes sense as the hammock puts a curve in my upper spine. It's enough to make me uncomfortable and keep me wanting to move and find relief but not so much I can't get SOME sleep

I am hanging in a Dutch netless Hexon 1.0 and need to remain as light as possible since I am backpacking and only a petite 110#.

I'm needing some guidance here as I don't know what to do. Would I be better off with a hammock with less stretch (I am used to a firm/supportive but soft mattress on my bed)? And if so, which fabric would you recommend to stay as light as possible?

[sqidmark]

You need 1.6. I can't sleep in 1.0 for more than two consecutive nights, else my entire back and shoulders protest.

[TrailSlug]

I would recommend a less stretch material or give a bridge hammock a shot. I too had back surgery 30 years ago and most gather end hammocks hurt my back after a couple of nights. I never experience this in my Warbonnet Ridgerunner.

[DuneElliot]

You need 1.6. I can't sleep in 1.0 for more than two consecutive nights, else my entire back and shoulders protest.

Okay, thanks.

I would recommend a less stretch material or give a bridge hammock a shot. I too had back surgery 30 years ago and most gather end hammocks hurt my back after a couple of nights. I never experience this in my Warbonnet Ridgerunner.

While I love the idea of a bridge hammock, the weight is too much for me to consider while backpacking.

I think I am going to give Dutch's Hexon 1.6 a try...there isn't too much of a weight penalty compared to the 1.0. Just wish I could get it in the pretty patterns RSBTR does with their (slightly stretchier?) HyperD 1.6 unless there are any other, better recommendations.

[TrailSlug]

While I love the idea of a bridge hammock, the weight is too much for me to consider while backpacking.

That's what I thought as well till I slept so well that my back didn't notice the added oz's. Plus I cut a few oz's to make up for it else where. You may also want to check out Simply Light Designs Trail Liar hammock. It's the most comfortable gathered end hammock I own but none of the gathered ends are as comfortable as my RR.

[DuneElliot]

That's what I thought as well till I slept so well that my back didn't notice the added oz's. Plus I cut a few oz's to make up for it else where. You may also want to check out Simply Light Designs Trail Liar hammock. It's the most comfortable gathered end hammock I own but none of the gathered ends are as comfortable as my RR.

Sadly every oz on my back counts for me as I only weigh in at 110# at 5'5" tall. I have eliminated everything I can possibly eliminate elsewhere too and only care the bare minimum to keep me warm and safe (have to carry stuff for the dogs too). I have no luxuries with me at all, except a camera and phone.

I will check out SLD

[rweb82]

I've had lower back issues since I suffered an injury in high school. My hammock is a single layer Dream Hammock Raven in Hyper D 1.6. Obviously everyone is different; but for me, the Hyper D 1.6 has been heaven on my back.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[OCDave]

DuneElliot,

When I switched from partially inflated pad to underquilt for my bottom insulation, I immediately had to content with old wrestling injuries. The pad, had been preventing the hammock from squeezing me during my sleep. My issues were ameliorated with a longer hammock and some experimenting with hang angle.

You might consider adding a small section of closed cell foam pad, just enough to support the thoracic section of your spine and add small buffer to reduce squeeze on your shoulder.

Don't know that it will work but cheap and easy to try.

Good Luck

[Kroma]

You might like 1.2 polyD. Polyester hammocks have less stretch than nylon.

[hanging tough]

What about you're right lay/ left lay angles ? At 5'5" you are probably have a lot of room to adjust.