No shoulder squeeze gathered end

**WVassello** · 05-11-2010, 20:47

After reading all I could on the different types of hammock ends, I had this thought for a gathered end design with minimal shoulder squeeze.
Attached is a diagram that shows generally 3 main areas of the gathered end.

1. A straight center section, that gives a main support for the body line.
2. An angled section on the ends that dips below the center line. This should pull the sides in a bit to take out the floppiness.
3. Humped section between them that will add length and create "pockets" on either side of the center section. This should give relief to the shoulders since the material can't be pulled as tight as either of the other sections.

It works in a small scale test, but I'm a little concerned about uneven loading.

Anyone out there been down this road? (And live to tell about it?)

**PuckerFactor** · 05-11-2010, 21:03

That's roughly what a W whipping will do, without that flat bit in the middle.
The only thing is, your shoulders won't be in both those pockets unless you're laying banana-style. If you're familiar with the W whipping, what I do, that works well for me, is make the side my head is on bigger and deeper than the other side. I like to call it a lopsided W whipping.lopsided W whipping 2.jpg

What you might do if you've got the time and the inclination, is draw your idea on the end of a hammock body, and whip it as close to that line as possible and see how it lays.

Acer

WV · 05-11-2010, 22:28

I haven't tried anything like this, but could you sew a channel into a curved end like WVassello's, and run a cord through it to pull it together, then whip behind that?

**WVassello** · 05-11-2010, 23:00

WV, that was my plan. It combines the W fold with the gathered end.

Acer, how much of a difference are you able to get from one side to the other? quite a bit?

**PuckerFactor** · 05-11-2010, 23:20

I'm not sure I understand your question correctly, but if you mean the difference between head left and head right, there is definitely a difference. It's much roomier on the "correct" side.

Acer

**JohnSawyer** · 05-11-2010, 23:22

My solution to shoulder squeeze was to build an extra long hammock (11'4" before hemming) and use the WBBB style whipping. The sides definintely don't ride up that way...

**chiefams** · 05-12-2010, 06:09

I don't know if it is just because I am broad shouldered (5'10" and 235 lbs) but I have felt absolutely no shoulder squeeze in my Warbonnet Traveler, whereas in my ENO single I felt a little bit.

**PKT** · 05-12-2010, 06:50

I agree with Asimmons4 no shoulder squeeze in my Traveler or BB, I'm 6' 185lbs.
I also have found JohnSawyer's comments to be true, I've made all my DIY's 10' or
better with the WB gathered end whipping, seems the longer the flatter and room to spin most any angle

I personally don't care for the W fold as it tightens the sides and when exiting or sitting
the raised edge is uncomfortable....for me, everyone is different.
Please carry on though people here are always discovering new ways to improve these things you may be on to something!