Questions of comfort and hammock habits

**Buffalo Skipper** · 10-04-2010, 08:58

I had my first overnight hang Saturday, and I will be back in it again this weekend coming up. I slept OK--certainly no worse than on the ground. However, I did have a few small issues about which I wanted to inquire.

My legs/feet (actually ankles) just did not seem to have a natural place. I ended up having to cross my right foot over my left (I was laying with my feet to the left of center). I have heard talk of some putting a pillow or clothes between one's legs. Is this what is meant by this?

I imagine I will be changing many of my habits as I move up off the ground. Like where to hang my shoes, what to do with my flashlight and glasses, etc. I don't yet have a BB, so no shelf for me (maybe one day...). Any general suggestions you can make about this?

**Raul Perez** · 10-04-2010, 09:15

I had calf issues until I got the WB Black Bird. The footbox really made a difference for me.

You can try putting something between or under your legs.

**Dblcorona** · 10-04-2010, 09:16

My legs/feet (actually ankles) just did not seem to have a natural place. I ended up having to cross my right foot over my left (I was laying with my feet to the left of center).

How far to the left? I tend to be quite a bit diagnal. maybe try shifting even more. I also pull one leg up some and shift partially to the side too.

I imagine I will be changing many of my habits as I move up off the ground. Like where to hang my shoes, what to do with my flashlight and glasses, etc. I don't yet have a BB, so no shelf for me (maybe one day...). Any general suggestions you can make about this?

You could put a ridge line on it (either structural or non-structural) I then hang my stuff from there. Have also made an organizer that hangs there. You can buy these through http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/id62.html

**Shug** · 10-04-2010, 09:19

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

I imagine I will be changing many of my habits as I move up off the ground. Like where to hang my shoes, what to do with my flashlight and glasses, etc. I don't yet have a BB, so no shelf for me (maybe one day...). Any general suggestions you can make about this?

Make or buy a ridgeline bag .... or organizer. I put headlamp on ridgeline. Boots on ground by the hammock. Glasses on ridge bag.
As to the feet .... try a Thermarest sit pad in your footbox partially deflated. It helps separate the feet.
Good luck and be patient.....
Shug

**Adia** · 10-04-2010, 09:20

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

My legs/feet (actually ankles) just did not seem to have a natural place. I ended up having to cross my right foot over my left (I was laying with my feet to the left of center). I have heard talk of some putting a pillow or clothes between one's legs. Is this what is meant by this?

If you put a pillow or pile of clothing between your knees/legs it helps to relieve pressure points. I have a tendency to sleep on my side or stomach so it is very helpful....I can imagine it would be helpful for back sleepers too.

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

I imagine I will be changing many of my habits as I move up off the ground. Like where to hang my shoes, what to do with my flashlight and glasses, etc. I don't yet have a BB, so no shelf for me (maybe one day...). Any general suggestions you can make about this?

I don't hang my shoes....I usually just leave them under my hammock, but I do look for creepy crawlies before i stick my foot in. as far as flashlight and glasses I have a little mesh organizer bag on my ridgeline and that works really well....I think 2Q and ZQ have a ridgeline organizer they sell. It would be a great investment.
here it is $13 plus shipping is well worth it
http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/id62.html
good luck and I am sure there are others on the forum with more info that can help too.

I guess i type to slow.....lol

**Buffalo Skipper** · 10-04-2010, 09:36

Originally Posted by Raul Perez

You can try putting something between or under your legs.

My legs really were not the problem. I was uncomfortable at my ankles, and exactly where one laid on top of the other. But that might help if I had something down lower

Originally Posted by Dblcorona

How far to the left? I tend to be quite a bit diagnal. maybe try shifting even more. I also pull one leg up some and shift partially to the side too.

I was about as much to the side as I could go. It wasn't painful or difficult, just a little uncomfortable. I feel there is room for improvement in this area. The SB is pretty long (5" longer than the BB, but it is a whole foot narrower). I can certainly understand how the FootBox would work and make things a whole lot more comfortable.

I have an adjustible SRL, which I am considering shortening by 2" to see if that would make a difference. Is 2" enough or should I start with more. By the design of the Skeeter Beeter, the SRL is outside the bug net. I have already considered running it inside the net, which would give me a place to hang things. The SB has 2 small pockets sewn into the bugneting on either side, but the pockets are smaller than a deck of cards, and my glasses kept falling out. I have also considered stitching a little loop of elastic above the top of one pocket to hold in the glasses.

**Oh-No** · 10-04-2010, 09:54

Originally Posted by Buffalo Skipper

I had my first overnight hang Saturday, and I will be back in it again this weekend coming up. I slept OK--certainly no worse than on the ground.

Understood. I had a miserable 1st night, however by the 3ed night I was more comfortable and slept better than in my bed at home.
Point being- give it a few nights.

[/QUOTE] I have heard talk of some putting a pillow or clothes between one's legs. Is this what is meant by this?[/QUOTE]

I use my bagged rain-gear placed between my knees to cushion pressure points. Any type of padding, clothing, sit-pad, etc. will do.
That should work for your ankles as well, you may need a cushion for each pressure point.

[/QUOTE]Like where to hang my shoes, what to do with my flashlight and glasses, etc. [/QUOTE]

I use the tarp ridge-line to hang stuff. After having a bunch of slugs crawl into my shoes, I now hang them as well. I also use pockets hung on the hammock or tarp ridge-lines

**Dblcorona** · 10-04-2010, 10:08

I have an adjustible SRL, which I am considering shortening by 2" to see if that would make a difference. Is 2" enough or should I start with more.

I would start at alot more than 2", then work out from there. I was surprised at how much sag ended up being comfortable.

**Hawk-eye** · 10-04-2010, 10:15

Can't bring myself to leave my shoes/boots under the hammock ... not since back in the 70's when I caught opossum dragging my boots out from under my tent's vestibule ... chewing on the salty deposits I guess ...

Glad he woke me ... hiking barefoot out of woods is not my idea of fun in the cold early spring!