I don't like the diagonal lay

**Photograhiker** · 07-16-2009, 11:24

I have a strange observation to report. I don't like laying on the diagonal for these reasons:

1. My feet pushing against the side of the hammock causes fabric tension against my shoulder.

2. There's a very slight but uneven and uncomfortable tension on my head and neck. I like the symmetrical feel when my head is in the center.

3. The knee tension can be relieved by putting a full stuff sack or pillow under my knees. This makes laying on the center very comfortable for me.

I currently have a DIY Speer-style hammock in which the ends are gathered like a Hennessey (according to the thread describing that on this forum). I briefly untied the knots and used whipping when I re-gathered the ends to try that, but I still felt too much tension which even significant sag didn't help.

**attroll** · 07-16-2009, 11:30

How tall are you. I am 5' 9" and don't have any of those problems.

**gargoyle** · 07-16-2009, 11:35

Length and width of hammock have alot to do with the lay, IMO. Also how much sag you start out with. What are your hammocks unsuspended dimensions? and dimension of hanging hammock(ridgeline) or end to end.? I played around with mine quite a few times and found a little variation in sag and ridgeline distance made a big diff in the way it felt. You possibly need a wider and/or longer hammock for your size. YMMV

**Cannibal** · 07-16-2009, 11:35

Try a Claytor or Clark style hammock and string it tight. It sounds like you might be one of the people that truly enjoy those style of hammocks. They are designed to be used down the middle, at least I assume that's the reason for the realitvely narrow hammock bed.

**Photograhiker** · 07-16-2009, 11:40

I'm 5'8", 235 lbs, fairly wide shoulders. My hammock is Supplex nylon.

I should note that I haven't tried sleeping for more than 30 min in the center. I might notice more knee discomfort if I do that. I've overnighted on the diagonal several times, but after that, I decided I was just more comfortable on the ground.

But, I'm not ready to give up on hammocking, and wanted to make sure I had explored all options. (A Blackbird or bridge hammock is a consideration, but I'm trying the no-cost options first.

)

**Photograhiker** · 07-16-2009, 11:59

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Length and width of hammock have alot to do with the lay, IMO. Also how much sag you start out with. What are your hammocks unsuspended dimensions? and dimension of hanging hammock(ridgeline) or end to end.? I played around with mine quite a few times and found a little variation in sag and ridgeline distance made a big diff in the way it felt. You possibly need a wider and/or longer hammock for your size. YMMV

My current unsuspended length is around 8'6. When I used whipping instead of knots, it was 10'. I'm using a non-structural ridgeline (just for bugnet suspension). I'm not sure about ridgeline length. I'll have to measure that when I get home. I feel like I've experimented with sag enough, but maybe not.

Originally Posted by Cannibal

Try a Claytor or Clark style hammock and string it tight. It sounds like you might be one of the people that truly enjoy those style of hammocks. They are designed to be used down the middle, at least I assume that's the reason for the realitvely narrow hammock bed.

Thanks, I'll have to do that!

**TinaLouise** · 07-16-2009, 12:39

If you can get to one of the group hangs, it would really help you a lot. You would be able to see, and most people will actually invite you to try, their hammocks!!! I think hammock hangers are just about the most friendly people I've run across, just about all of them want you to try out their bed

And that's exactly what you need to do!!!

**Photograhiker** · 07-16-2009, 12:55

You're right, otherwise I'm going to go broke trying all of the options!

I had delusions of just making one and being happy with it.

**Shug** · 07-16-2009, 13:03

It may take you a bit to find your "sweet spot" or hammock Groove. Try switching ends ... head to feet and feet to head and head left and then head right.
Hang in there ........ maybe just not diagonally.
Sweet-Spot Shug

**Smee** · 07-16-2009, 14:44

Try a bridge hammock. My personal favorite is the JRB Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock. No laying on the diagonal, no twists or torques. Pure comfort.

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/BMBH.htm

Regards,