Blackbird XLC Ridgeline Length

[abeldanger]

I'm thinking about picking up an XLC but I would love to keep using my Hammock Gear Cuben Hex Tarp. The ridge line on the Hex is 10' 10" or 130". Anyone have a measurement on the ridge line length of the XLC? At 83% of an 132" body would be around 109" or 110"...is that ringing true? That would leave me about 10" of coverage on each end which should be enough for me in mostly sunny AZ with careful hanging. Thoughts?

[Banana Hammock]

I am a noob, so I went with a 12 foot ridgeline for my tarp (144"), but now I'm wondering if that is too long for an 11-foot hammock (110" SRL) - since the longer ridgeline of the tarp will make it more difficult for the hammock to "hug" the top of the tarp.

I thought 17" of coverage on the ends sounded good, until I rigged it up and found I had to lower the hammock so the hammock's supsension didn't rub all over the tarp's extra-long ridgeline. Low enough that I'm below the bottom of the tarp when lying down in the hammock - resulting in no protection from the wind.

I'm thinking I should have went with the "less coverage" of a 132" tarp, so my hammock could "hug" the roof of the tarp better.

I'm thinking of modifying the tarp, unless I'm doing something wrong, which is very likely, since I'm such a noob.

Your 132" ridgeline might be preferable over your 11-foot XLC hammock, but what do I know.

[breyman]

Correct. Ridgeline on 11' hammocks, including the XLC is 110". 10" on each side, especially with thoughtful tree selection (which direction wind is coming from) and a tight pitch is all that's need to keep you dry, especially in your climate. You should be okay.