Fiddle factor

**Namtrag** · 04-22-2016, 06:38

As a converted ground dweller, I do have to say sleeping in a hammock is 1000% more restful...however the downside is, I suck at getting things set up. My wife and I used to get our Tarptent set up, pads inflated, quilts fluffing, and backpacks unpacked in about 10 minutes. We set our new hammocks up out back the other day, with tarps too, and I realised it took us about 30-45 minutes to get it just so. I sure hope we get better at it! I am the most uncoordinated, spatial relations-challenged guy around, so it just takes me forever to learn new things.

Luckily we are going on a hang this week, and will be able to ask questions and advice.

**12trysomething** · 04-22-2016, 06:44

It does get better (quicker). Stick with it and you will find your system and rhythm. Here is a video that may help iron out a few of the kinks.

Best wishes,

Rob

**Shug** · 04-22-2016, 07:58

Like anything....takes practice. Plus, what is the rush in the woods?!* But it can take some time sometimes for sure.
Shug

**Campdavid** · 04-22-2016, 08:23

First and foremost, fiddling with hammock gear is the secret we all share here. Sure they are comfy, but it is the limitless customization and fun with fiddling that is the true motivation behind the hobby.

That said....Don't know what suspension and such you are using bet here are my tips for a quicker setup.

Use poly straps with cinch buckles or similar for suspension. They are not the lightest but IMHO have the least fiddle factor.

Use a structural ridge line to reduce readjusting and working to get the angle right.

My preference is for a double layer hammock in all but the warmest conditions. I know it's heresy around here but I just don't like under quilts. I use a Multimat in my double layer in mild conditions and various pads when cold.

For the tarp, I have gone to a two piece instead of a single ridge line. Each line is attached to the tarp with a Nite Ize Cam Jam (smallest size). The other end of the line has a tiny carabiner attached. Each line goes around its respective tree, clipped to itself with biner and then adjusted at the CamJam. For tie outs I use either CamJams or truckers hitch. This system is easy to center, easy to adjust and quick.

Obviously I am not a gram weenie. My hikes are not usually that long as I either car camp or kayak/canoe camp. I'm about comfort and ease of installation. After a bit of practice as Shug suggests, it takes me far less time to set up my hammock than my tent and frankly, it's more fun.

Okay, my rant is over...hope there is something useful here.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**GoatHanger** · 04-22-2016, 08:44

Originally Posted by Campdavid

First and foremost, fiddling with hammock gear is the secret we all share here. Sure they are comfy, but it is the limitless customization and fun with fiddling that is the true motivation behind the hobby.

This sums it up for me right here. I enjoy the fiddle. Sucks a little after when you reach camp after dark and the wind is gusting and it's below freezing, but other than that I don't mind it. I like playing around with my setup. That is one of the joys.

Additionally, I didn't rediscover backpacking until I had already converted to hammocks, so I don't have much of a point of reference. When I backpacked back in my teens (42 yrs old now), things were much different.

Namtrag, as mentioned by others though, you will get faster at it. You may want to look at something like a bonefire whisper if setup time is one of your main concerns. I know I am intrigued by it, and if I didn't already have a bazillion hammocks I'd get one. Good luck, and happy hanging.

**georgecarr** · 04-22-2016, 08:45

you coming to mahha?

**Namtrag** · 04-22-2016, 08:54

Originally Posted by 12trysomething

It does get better (quicker). Stick with it and you will find your system and rhythm. Here is a video that may help iron out a few of the kinks.

Best wishes,

Rob

Thanks, Rob. I have been watching your trip videos, and I will be sure to take a look-see at this video as well!

Originally Posted by Shug

Like anything....takes practice. Plus, what is the rush in the woods?!* But it can take some time sometimes for sure.
Shug

No rush at all, especially since we like lollygagging. Just frustrating that I can't figure stuff out! My brain just doesn't work that way. You should see me try to tie some of the knots you show on your videos! lol

**pgibson** · 04-22-2016, 08:56

Practice, practice, practice and then practice more..... The great part is in the woods your not punching a timer and your out there to be out there. Each trip counts as practice too.

**Namtrag** · 04-22-2016, 08:59

Originally Posted by Campdavid

First and foremost, fiddling with hammock gear is the secret we all share here. Sure they are comfy, but it is the limitless customization and fun with fiddling that is the true motivation behind the hobby.

That said....Don't know what suspension and such you are using bet here are my tips for a quicker setup.

Use poly straps with cinch buckles or similar for suspension. They are not the lightest but IMHO have the least fiddle factor.

Use a structural ridge line to reduce readjusting and working to get the angle right.

My preference is for a double layer hammock in all but the warmest conditions. I know it's heresy around here but I just don't like under quilts. I use a Multimat in my double layer in mild conditions and various pads when cold.

For the tarp, I have gone to a two piece instead of a single ridge line. Each line is attached to the tarp with a Nite Ize Cam Jam (smallest size). The other end of the line has a tiny carabiner attached. Each line goes around its respective tree, clipped to itself with biner and then adjusted at the CamJam. For tie outs I use either CamJams or truckers hitch. This system is easy to center, easy to adjust and quick.

Obviously I am not a gram weenie. My hikes are not usually that long as I either car camp or kayak/canoe camp. I'm about comfort and ease of installation. After a bit of practice as Shug suggests, it takes me far less time to set up my hammock than my tent and frankly, it's more fun.

Okay, my rant is over...hope there is something useful here.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

We both have Hammeck Netties with structural ridgelines, along with cinch buckle suspensions which use with not carabiners or Dutch clips. Our tarps have the old school, one line at each end, hooked on to the tarp with a Dutch Stinger, and tightened using Tarp Flyz. Here is a picture of the only time we have gone camping with our new gear. We went in early December, and then went into my CPA tax-season hiatus, so on top of being spatially challenged, I am also out of practice. I think part of the problem is, at our house, I think the trees are too far apart, so the hammocks are too flat, and I can't reach up the tree far enough to make the angle steeper!

Thanks for the advice! I love reading and seeing how others do there thing!first outing with new gear.jpg

**Floridahanger** · 04-22-2016, 09:02

If you want to really compare the time it takes to set up, get a new tent that's not a tarptent and see how long this would take.

Since hammocks are new to you, it won't be as fast as something you're already used to. After a season or two, you will be a pro. Just understand learning something new takes time, like the tent did when you first got it. Then, you'll ask yourself what to do with the extra 5 minutes you have after setting up your hammock