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  1. #1
    Senior Member
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    Fans of Small Hammocks

    I recently reduced the size of my gathered-end hammock to 7' long. I kept the original width of 60". The first couple of nights were uncomfortable, then I realized that I was trying to sleep in line with the middle of the hammock. After reverting back to lying at an angle to center line, I found that I could still stretch out and lie flat.

    Some of the benefits:

    - my 1.1oz ripstop hammock with 8' whoopie slings weighs in at 7.5oz
    - smaller to pack
    - I only need a span of 8" to hang, 9' if I'm using my hammock sock.
    - TQ and UQ can be smaller
    - tarp can be smaller

    Any thoughts, questions, experiences to share?

  2. #2
    Senior Member dragon360's Avatar
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    I've tried a few small hammocks. Not that they haven't worked but I seem to like the added comfort of a slightly longer hammock for me.
    The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering. - St. Augustine

    Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
    - Bob Marley

  3. #3
    Senior Member oldgringo's Avatar
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    I'm intrigued enough to try this, but I can't see the uq and tq being any smaller...I'm still the same big boy.
    Dave

    "Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton

  4. #4
    Senior Member Grinder's Avatar
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    I tried one that was narrower, at 48 inch material width. It was uncomfortable. I gave it away to a short person.

    Never tried shorter than 120 in. I have tried longer at 4 yards (12 feet) it was the most comfortable of all. Therefore, I'm suspicious of shorter (for me)

    If it works for you good. Just sharing my experiences.
    grinder

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    I think what makes this viable for me is that I kept the width at 60". Lying at an angle, my head and feet are roughly 6" of the cinched ends. In a offhand way, it's kind of like a rodless, bridge hammock that hangs from cross corners. Does that make sense?

  6. #6
    Senior Member XSrcing's Avatar
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    Does it squeeze your shoulders?

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by XSrcing View Post
    Does it squeeze your shoulders?
    Not at all. The width make this hammock very flexible. I find I have plenty of room to stretch out, roll, and switch sides. (I'm a "mover" when I sleep)

  8. #8
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    I have been a fan of shorter but wider hammocks for a couple years now. Able to get on a severe diagonal.

    I found that by adjusting the ridgeline appropriately you don't have a great deal of ridge in the center of the hammock (the uncomfortable calf pressure) its noticeable but not too harsh.
    "yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift---thats why its called a present" - Master Oogway
    It's always best if your an early riser!

  9. #9
    Senior Member
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    One of the reasons that I started looking at smaller, shorter hammocks came after I woke up from a very restful, trailside nap in my hammock chair. It got me to thinking about the utility of the hammock to a ultralight backpacker and just what was needed to provide a base of comfort with the least amount of gear. I could picture myself sleeping in my hammock chair with a poncho to keep the wind and rain off of me.

    Since the hammock is the base element of the hammocking kit, I decided to look at what I could get away with on that level. The first experiment was to reduce the length of my fulltime hammock to 7'. I'm still sleeping comfortably every night after two weeks.

    I started the second experiment today by making a hammock chair from a 6'x4' piece of silnylon. After trying a couple of suspension systems, I found myself napping in relative comfort. While I have yet to try an overnight test, I honestly think I could use this hammock chair as a basis for a true ultralight kit when combined with a sock of suitable size and variable-layered insulation system. Considering that my current kit (hammock, modular sock, suspension) weighs just under 2lbs, the thought of attaining the same weight with insulation included is intriguing.


    The experiment continues. I will continue to report as the results roll in.

  10. #10
    Senior Member
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    I probably should define the scope of the intended kit. I'm looking for a minimalist trail runner hamocking kit. This kit is for the trail runner or long-distance hiker spends most of thier time on the move, with the hammock kit set up only long enough to get the rest needed for the next day's journey. With what I can picture in my mind, I wouldn't want to have to spend a whole day in it, sheltered from the rain, nor go to ground in it, though both could be done.
    Last edited by mrmike65; 09-15-2012 at 22:02.

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