Some Serious Council Needed

[Darwin S and A]

Ok so I wouldn't say I'm new to hammocking but really I've never had anyone of superior hammock knowledge near me so I have been doing it my own way as I go. So I have two warbonnets, the blackbird and the traveler the BB is 1.1 dl and the travel 1.7 SL. I am 6' 6'' and around 220 to 230 depending on conditions. Wide shoulders, generally a backsleeper but will occasionally go to side but always end up on my back.

To be honest I have yet to have a superior night in a hammock. and i've done several multiweek trips with them already. Originally, I thought it was the pad, so then I got a 3/4 UQ and now there is this weird calf pressure. and i wish i had a flater lie, but I get that **** pressure

So I see a ton of thru's this year down in GA using this tiny ENO's and Grandtrunks at superlight weight compared to the warbonnets (and using them with crappy ccf pads and setting them up, horribly i might add, with the straps literally straight out from the hammock taught with no one in it???) Im frustrated .


First, can someone of my size use this lightweight hammocks like the grandtrunk and ENOs?

Second, how do I combat this **** calf pressure. I use a 3/4 UQ with a pad for foot insulation.

Thirdly, do I shorten my ridgeline to make more sag thus getting aflatter lie or is it vice versa.

[c0wb0y_hubs]

good questions....I wish I had the answers. I will be keeping my eye on this thread, because I'm having ridgeline issues as well.

[scoffman]

I'm 6'4" and considerably heavier than you. I have an ENO double nest. I tried using a ridge-line. No go for me the hammock was just to short. The calf ridge became noticeable and I couldn't get a flatter lay because there wasn't enough hammock material. I removed the ridge-line and all was well again. the calf ridge was still there just not as bad. I could lay diagonal again for a flatter lay. but I like to sleep with my knees bent up and feet pulled in towards my middle. The hammock sides provide just the right support to keep my legs from going sprawled eagle hurting my hips.

[Loki]

Ever tried a bridge hammock for a few nights?

[Bubba]

Have you tried setting up with the foot end higher than the head end? Also, try laying a little closer to the shelf. Maybe an 11' hammock would be more comfortable.

[Nighthauk]

I own a wbbb 1.1dbl as well and I also get the calf pressure. I made one from 1.1 ripstop that was an 11' hammock. that for me had significantly less calf pressure. So if you are handy with the thread injector try making your own and see if the additional length helps.

[Black Foot]

You may want to look into a Blackbird XLC, with your height this might be a better fit and the 11' length is supposed to eliminate calf ridge which is what I think you are describing. Check out this video from Brandon at Warbonnet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRoO_hx33Cg

[Gresh]

You may want to look into a Blackbird XLC, with your height this might be a better fit and the 11' length is supposed to eliminate calf ridge which is what I think you are describing. Check out this video from Brandon at Warbonnet:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRoO_hx33Cg

+1 to this.

At 6'4" and weighing in at 375lbs, I can say without a doubt that a longer hammock would do you well. If you're into ultralight, my best suggestion is to go to Papa Smurf's website (dreamhammock) and use his chart to find what the lowest weight fabric will hold you up, and go with one of his 11' hammocks. Having tried a few of his, you won't be disappointed.

There are plenty of options out there. If you have any specific questions, feel free to shoot me a PM and I'll try to help as best I can.

[old4hats]

I'm not weighing in on the BB set up, but in reference to your comment of seeing hammocks set up with suspension taut even when unloaded, don't be tempted. There are some real reasons not to, doing with tension, but on a day to day basis, the hammock performs better with a proper sag to it. In the BB you should be able to lie on a pretty good diagonal by utilizing the foot box material, and be comfortable at the same time. Too bad you can't attend a GROUP HANG, where you can not only see good set ups, but get tons of friendly conversation about your specific problems. Perhaps you can get to a group hang. If so you will be glad you went.

[SnarkyJosh]

Have you tried setting up with the foot end higher than the head end? Also, try laying a little closer to the shelf. Maybe an 11' hammock would be more comfortable.

+1

I'm fairly new to hammocks, and I've had a hard time getting an amazing night sleep like others talk about. I started with a DIY hammock last spring and spent hours making changes to the ridge line length, hammock length and material, whipping method, etc. I figured there was something wrong with my craftsmanship so I bought an ENO DoubleNest. With the width of the DN, I felt like I could get a better diagonal lay without my pad and sleeping bag slipping out, but I still felt pressure on my leg.

Last weekend, I went on my first camping trip of the year, following a suggestion, I put my ridge line length back to the suggested 83% and raised my foot end about 6". I ended up sleeping in and not wanting to get up, felt pretty darn good. I noticed my head was closer to the gathered end of the hammock than before, which adjusted where my legs ended up.

Also, because of your height, I'm guessing that if you don't go with a wider hammock, you'll still need to go with a longer one.