measurements don't match hang calculator

**Twokag** · 07-12-2015, 19:57

I am having trouble getting my measurements to match the calculator.

126" gathered end hammock (measured to the far side of the gather)
13' anchors in my wall (one is 8" higher than the other if it matters)
Adjustable ridgeline currently removed

The calculator says
suspension length 29.7 for an 83% 104.5 ridgeline

My problem is my angle coming in at more than 45* as measured on the web suspension with about 5lbs or gear in the hammock to weigh it down, and a measured distance of 110".

I am sleeping OK but looking to experiment to see if it can improve.

I notice that the however I hang, the edges are a little tight, and middle sags. I don't get too bad of walls, but the edges definitely feel tighter than the center.

If I pull the suspension to a measured 30*, then the edges are really tight and the ridgeline gets really long.

I can use the adjustable-ridgeline to get the sag I want to experiment with, but I was under the impression that the calculator got the hammock to hang correctly without a ridgeline.

I plan to go to the baked butt in a few weeks and can get some tutorials there. But I was wondering why the math did not seem to work out.

any thoughts?

Here is a pic of my gathered end. I ran a string through the sewn channel, then larkshead the web, ran the web through the center of the channell, then tightened and whipped the string around the web. The web is not removable. (the white tag just lets me know which end is the foot end.)

IMG_20150712_191025.jpg

**goobie** · 07-12-2015, 21:12

Forget the calculator!!! While it's a wonderful tool, is not the be all end all of suspending yourself between a pair of trees!

Put your RL back on, set at 83% of your hammock's length. You'll need it, calculator or not.

Find a couple trees 5 or 6 steps apart, put a tree strap about head height and the other about shoulder height. Adjust your suspension so that your RL, set at 83% of your hammock's length to start, has no sag to it. Get in, if your RL isn't tight adjust your suspension until it is.

This isn't anywhere close to an exact science, just tying a rectangular piece of fabric to a couple trees.

**Twokag** · 07-13-2015, 13:27

ultimately that is what I have been doing. Hang it so it is most comfortable. with my 45* I don't have any calf ridge, or major canoe walls.

I was just playing with the calculator to see how it comes out when measured, and wondered if anyone else had the same issue. 30* seems like a pretty hard n fast suggestion, and it did not match what I was getting

When my hammock is empty, the center hangs quite bit lower than the edges, and if I pull it tight so the edges are straight with the suspension to measure its length, the center falls quite a bit below the edges. I assume this is 'normal'?

**Shug** · 07-13-2015, 13:54

That whole 30º and 83% are just starting points but you'll find your spots. You can see me hanging my hammock in video below. More than likely higher than 30º.
I usually go neck to top of head or higher.
Shug

**goobie** · 07-13-2015, 15:31

PUT THE MEASURING DEVICE AWAY!! If you're setting it up to where you're comfortable...you're done, you've found your proper setup.

Here's another video that should help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-A265qrsuA

Everyone's a little different, as are the tree spacing's in the woods, so I would think the numbers are going to vary from the calculator. It's been around awhile, if it didn't help most people get the basic idea, I doubt we'd still have it. If you don't have it, I'd suggest purchasing "The Ultimate Hang" book. That alone should answer most of your questions, and there's plenty more help available here!

**Loki** · 07-13-2015, 16:37

Agreeing with all of the above.
Try the calculator measured from inside those yellow larksheads, which is your suspension distance, while the hammock is flat on the floor. Then refer to all of the above.

https://youtu.be/b6kgS_AwuH0

**Twokag** · 07-13-2015, 17:10

We use that quote around our house all the time!

I am sleeping fine in the hammock. And since the family is gone for a month visiting others while I stay home and pay the bills, I am sleeping full time to experiment. I set the ridgeline and get in. I just thought it was interesting that my measurements where not even close on the angles. It doesn't change what I do, I am BIG believer in doing what works and not forcing it to fit a preconceived notion. Function over form every time. No disrespect at all toward Derek or the calculator, it helped me get basics down. I have learned a bunch lurking, and then signing on to HF.

As a side note to full time indoors hanging, I have three dogs and they go nuts when I get in the hammock. Since I am so close to the ground and they can go under me, etc, they think I am at their level to play. Kinda cool when laying down to sleep. Less cool when it is 2am and they wake up and want to play. The little one even jumps in once in a while uninvited. Two of them sleep under me. I guess that is just more padding if my suspension comes out of the wall