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  1. #1
    New Member
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    Hangups about flatness of lay before purchasing Blackbird XLC

    First post! Hi Hammockers, Campers and Tramps - I have a question for ya:

    I've been sleeping in a Grand Trunk Parachute Double https://grandtrunk.com/shop/parachute-nylon-hammocks/ and am waking up with some back pain from (what I think is) the curvature of my spine as I sleep. When I first lie down I am VERY comfortable and fall asleep easily, but then wake up with a sore back.

    The GT is a 10'6" gathered-end hammock. I try to lie as diagonal as possible but I'm still not FLAT.

    Thinking of making the switch to full-time hammocking and upgrading to the BlackBird XLC. Will I achieve a flatter lay in this hammock? It's only 6" longer than the GT.

    Also, will my back get used to the curvature, and is this initial soreness normal for a switch to hammocking? If so, is that healthy (over the long term) for my back?)

    Thoughts? Thanks guys and girls!

    Noah

  2. #2
    New Member
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    I would think that you want to play with the hang angle a bit to see if you can achieve a flatter lay with the gt double. Unless you are very tall I would think a 10'6" hammock should get you fairly flat. Maybe you have it drawn too tight. A picture if it strung up could help identify problems

  3. #3
    Member
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    do you have a ridgeline on your hammock? Shug has a new video all about it if you do not.
    Ridgeline video
    If you do have one, you may to change the length to help get a flatter lay.

  4. #4
    Senior Member Floridahanger's Avatar
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    A hammock will not lay flat as a mattress does. The material is not as stiff, but that is what makes it more comfortable to me. The hammock conforms to me and supports every square inch of my back.

    You shouldn't be sore or have to "get used" to any soreness or pain. Pics could help, but go to a group hang where you can get other eyes on the problem to help you out.

    Good luck.
    Enjoy and have fun with your family, before they have fun without you

  5. #5
    Herder of Cats OutandBack's Avatar
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    Hi Noah, It sounds like the material is a bit too stretchy and over time not providing the proper back support.

  6. #6
    New Member
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    Thanks for the responses.

    Here's a pic of the hang-angle I've been using. Too tight.. eh?

    image1.JPG

    I am NOT using a ridgeline. Watched Shug's video and I understand the concept now. I'm going to Cottonwood pass this weekend and I'll try it and report back.

  7. #7
    Senior Member pgibson's Avatar
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    Any tight. For a hammock like that you will want set up with a good deal more sag.
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  8. #8
    Member bananachunks's Avatar
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    Feb 2015
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    Something else to think about: The Grand Trunk hammocks look like they're made from the same template ENO, Yukon, and the like, use. I'm willing to bet that the given length of 10'6" is from 'biner to 'biner, and that the hammock itself is actually 9'4" (112"). It seems a lot of people don't realize this. Take this into consideration when adding the ridgeline.

  9. #9
    Senior Member Foxpoop's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bananachunks View Post
    Something else to think about: The Grand Trunk hammocks look like they're made from the same template ENO, Yukon, and the like, use. I'm willing to bet that the given length of 10'6" is from 'biner to 'biner, and that the hammock itself is actually 9'4" (112"). It seems a lot of people don't realize this. Take this into consideration when adding the ridgeline.
    This is so true. GT hammocks are always shorter than advertised. Stretch yours out and measure the total length of fabric. Make your RL around 83% of that length to start.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Bla1z3's Avatar
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    I have just switched to a bridge hammock by v_Allen and its the flattest lay I have been in.

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