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?