Bottom of the Learning Curve

**Deadwood** · 05-10-2013, 15:11

Ok, I have watched Shug's and Brandon's videos and I thought I had this hammock setup thing all figured out. Instead I am stuck at the bottom of the learning curve. I have been practicing setting up my XLC in several places (haven't had the time to get out and sleep in it yet). It seems like I am missing something. I have the hangle as best as I can tell but it always seems my ridgeline is way too tight and I have to put the straps as far up the trees as I can reach (I'm 6'3') just to keep my hammock from dragging the ground when I get in it. I can get pretty comfortable in the hammock but I just can't seem to get the proper combination of height for the straps and tightness of the ridgeline. Any thoughts on what rookie mistakes I am making?

**Cannibal** · 05-10-2013, 15:20

How far apart are your anchor points?

**HamMike** · 05-10-2013, 15:31

Thats what I was thinking. Maybe your trees are too far apart.

**SilvrSurfr** · 05-10-2013, 16:08

Looks like you need the hammock hang calculator:

http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/

**Deadwood** · 05-10-2013, 16:16

Closest - 15' and longest - 20'. The two longest distances seemed like a long way but I actually pulled a tape on the places I have used.

I like the calculator. I'll have to try that.

**gunner76** · 05-10-2013, 16:20

Either distance is good. Reach up as high as you can to place your tree straps. I don't worry about my hammock ridgeline being too tight or lose

If you can post some pictures of your setup, we might be able to tell what's going on.

**craige** · 05-10-2013, 16:57

Originally Posted by gunner76

If you can post some pictures of your setup, we might be able to tell what's going on.

+1, pics always help, plus we'd love to see your shiny new gear

**MAD777** · 05-10-2013, 18:52

It still sounds like the trees are too far apart. Try moving one of the trees closer to the other one. Don't forget to video it.

**grannypat** · 05-10-2013, 19:09

Originally Posted by MAD777

It still sounds like the trees are too far apart. Try moving one of the trees closer to the other one. Don't forget to video it.

Good thing I wasn't drinking coffee when I read this.

**Resqsarge03** · 05-10-2013, 20:58

Yup! That is spit your beverage or snort it out your nose material right there!
Try to find someone close to you that is on hammock forums or go to a group hang. The best sources of information are here and or there!
Stick with it and you wont be disappointed.
-Sarge