Does the extra foot make a huge difference?

**Comet_Seeker** · 06-03-2016, 19:28

I'm in the process of saving up for a new Dream Hammock and want to know, is there a big difference in getting the 10' vs the 11'? I'm only 5'3" so I'm thinking the 10 will be plenty. I'd like to hear people's reason behind getting one over the other.

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-03-2016, 19:37

When I (5'11", 165 lbs.) went from shorty hammocks like the HH Expedition to an 11' BIAS, the difference in comfort was immense, and plus, no more calf ridge. I no longer use hammocks with integrated bugnets (prefer the Fronkey).

Given your size, I doubt you'll notice a difference between 10 ft. and 11 ft.

**Otter1** · 06-03-2016, 19:46

I agree with all he said!

At your height, save the weight and go with the 10 footer.

**dkurfiss** · 06-03-2016, 20:05

I am 5'2" and much prefer the comfort and bigger sweet spot in the 11'.

**Theguywitheyebrows** · 06-03-2016, 20:07

Im like 5'8" and i stick with the 10' and i hammock every night. That extra foot IS nice if you're taller than i am, but i've layed in 11' and felt it was too much hammock for my little self. Now, maybe if you throw in a dog or a small girlfriend that extra foot would probably be appreciatd.

**sqidmark** · 06-03-2016, 20:13

My wife and I at 5'3" and 5'4" respectively, recently conducted a length test at intervals from 10' to 11'9". Our goal was to find the minimum acceptable length for us for backpacking. We concluded that 11' was it. Yes we could tell the diff between 10'6" and 11'. Of course this doesn't mean you'll find the same thing. You could be very happy at 10'. Only one way to know for sure, if at all possible spend a night or two in each size.

For home/car camping, I make 'em as long as I can get from 4yds of fabric. However, for us there is not a huge diff in comfort from 11' to 11'6"+. Wider fabric also did not provide significant benefit for us. Fabric firmness definitely plays a major role.

**sqidmark** · 06-03-2016, 20:17

Originally Posted by Theguywitheyebrows

...but i've layed in 11' and felt it was too much hammock for my little self...

But did you spend a night or two in it? It could change your opinion.

**Otter1** · 06-03-2016, 20:32

Originally Posted by dkurfiss

I am 5'2" and much prefer the comfort and bigger sweet spot in the 11'.

Changed my mind! Go with the advice from someone your height!

**jadekayak** · 06-03-2016, 20:49

Originally Posted by Comet_Seeker

I'm in the process of saving up for a new Dream Hammock and want to know, is there a big difference in getting the 10' vs the 11'? I'm only 5'3" so I'm thinking the 10 will be plenty. I'd like to hear people's reason behind getting one over the other.

Hi,

I'm 5'6" and I arrived at a basic formulae for hammock length.

With all other things being equal I discovered twice your height is a great length.

I make my own gear so its a lot more cost effective.

I started out with about 5m of fabric and put only one channel in and tied the other end and tested it,then reduced length until it became less comfortable then went back to the last length.
Once I got this length I measured it and it was spot on 11',exactly twice my height.