I recently had a major "duh" moment with my HH Explorer UL, after all this time.I have always found this, my original hammock, to still be a front runner for over all comfort compared to all the others, though I sometimes think a bridge hammock is unmatched, at least in some ways . I realize many don't agree with me about the HH compared to many other gathered end hammocks. And while I some times feel that some some of the gathered end types are more comfortable in some
ways, still, I have had many a great nights sleep on the trail in the longer HH Explorer.And because I sometimes still like to use my SS, I still go back occasionally to my HH Expl(now a No Net). In fact, I have used it a lot for reading and napping the last couple of weeks. With no tarp set up on my back porch, and with the temps not being all that cold, the wind block provided by the HHSS UC has been MUCH appreciated. With out excellent wind block from a well placed tarp, the
wind can greatly degrade performance with even the warmest UQ.
But, despite the fixed ridge line, some times the HH just seems more comfortable than other times. And as per usual for me with gathered end(GE) hammocks, the most frequent problem is calf pressure from the foot end center ridge. Sometimes the HH would seem to have way less- or almost zero- calf pressure compared to any other GE I have tried, except maybe the huge HH Safari. In this regard, bridge hammocks reign supreme, with the possible exception of the Safari. And even that might require some shifting around to find the sweet spot that give zero calf pressure, which is a given with the BMBH.
But sometimes the HH Explorer would seem to be excellent in this regard. Other times, not so much.
There have been times when I didn't even use the side tie outs, especially once I got rid of the net. It always seemed to me the main function of the HH tie outs was to keep the net out of my face. But I recently found by accident that, when I tie the guy out lines really tight, comfort improves significantly. Particularly if the sides are staked to the ground, when you get in the hammock those lines loosen up significantly. ( Maybe not if tied up high to a hiking pole or branch)
So lately, while experimenting with the SS vs various amounts, or none, of side guy out tension, I found that a really tight foot end tie out significantly decreases the center ridge pressure. With all GE hammocks, I have usually been able to get rid of all or most pressure by pushing out with my right foot (DIAGONAL lie with feet right of center), which smooths things enough for a smooth spot for my left calf. But, it is a very temporary fix. It won't be long untill I feel that pressure again. My HH has less of this pressure than several others. And the above trick works well, but again temporary. I almost always have to resort to taking a jacket and placing it under my legs in a stuff sack. Which might not be available if I am wearing every thing, and having to do that is not a big deal, but kind of negates the benefits of and reasons for a flat position when on your back.
So, I finally figured out that a really tight right foot end guy line was correlating with the least amount of calf pressure. I sometimes still have to wiggle around a bit, or maybe push out with my right foot or pull the sides out with my right hand before final positioning of my feet. But now things stay fixed. I have found myself able to lay there for quite a while with either zero calf pressure or close enough that there is no discomfort. The tight guy line seems to be helping to hold the bottom in a flat smooth position, at least in a large enough area for my legs to fit without any pressure.
While laying there reading or dozing off, warm in the wind inside the SS, except for my glove free hands holding a book(cold hands!), I have wondered how any thing could be any more comfortable? My knees are not extended enough to notice, I am not aware of any side of leg pressure, every thing else is cushy. At least in this position, and not considering features like bottom entry or nets etc., I don't know how any other hammock could be any more comfortable. I do know how a few other hammocks might not be as comfortable.
Now, this makes me want to experiment with Grip Clips and a foot end line on some of my other hammocks!
Some of you HH users might want to experiment with this to see if it is any help, especially if you have leg pressure complaints, as many have in the past. YMMV!
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