Adjusting the primary suspension...

**MikekiM** · 01-22-2017, 12:20

Incubator 40*, Standard length...

With the s-biners over the hammock CL, the quilt hangs a bit lower than I would like it to. It tends to drop down behind my left shoulder (standard lay) when I turn, and I think it needs a little more tension on the primary suspension. I was surprised that there isn't a cord lock or other means of adjusting the primary suspension. I will likely add a cord lock to tighten the shock cord, and finish with a half hitch to be sure it doesn't slip, but I am curious whether mine is missing the adjustment or what...

**Shug** · 01-22-2017, 12:24

Nope...a half hitch will do it.
Shug

**MikekiM** · 01-22-2017, 13:10

That's what I thought Shug.. Watched this vid a while ago..
Thanks!

**Squirrel** · 01-22-2017, 14:30

Another option is to tie prusicks on Each end of the hammock and attach the s-binders to them so you can adjust to your liking.

**El Gordo** · 01-23-2017, 09:41

Originally Posted by MikekiM

Incubator 40*, Standard length...
It tends to drop down behind my left shoulder (standard lay) when I turn, ...

If it's only your left shoulder, why doesn't tightening the secondary suspension fix it?

**Muraaby** · 02-02-2017, 22:32

Does it not compress the down when you have the quilt lift the hammock? I always have to keep my quilt on loose to stop my butt from compressing the down. But I could be doing it wrong because UGQ (my quilt maker) recommends the same.

**goobie** · 02-02-2017, 22:53

Originally Posted by Muraaby

Does it not compress the down when you have the quilt lift the hammock? I always have to keep my quilt on loose to stop my butt from compressing the down. But I could be doing it wrong because UGQ (my quilt maker) recommends the same.

I'm not sure where you saw they recommend having the quilt loose?? UQ's are differentially cut to avoid compression. Find their video, or Shug's, on setting up an UQ for help.

**Firesong** · 02-03-2017, 08:26

Originally Posted by goobie

I'm not sure where you saw they recommend having the quilt loose?? UQ's are differentially cut to avoid compression. Find their video, or Shug's, on setting up an UQ for help.

While this is essentially true the super light weight fabrics make thus hard in reality. I remember watching a leigh lo quilt video talking about this exact thing. In theory yes, but in reality no. It helps but it's easy to compress a differential cut UQ. Having the periphery shock cord too tight can actually pull the outer layer up while along side the hammock while the inner frictions on the inside.

**Muraaby** · 02-03-2017, 18:50

I'm not sure where you saw they recommend having the quilt loose?? UQ's are differentially cut to avoid compression. Find their video, or Shug's, on setting up an UQ for help.

UGQ recommends the suspension tight, I am the one who can't figure out how to have the suspension tight and the quilt not compressed.

While this is essentially true the super light weight fabrics make thus hard in reality. I remember watching a leigh lo quilt video talking about this exact thing. In theory yes, but in reality no. It helps but it's easy to compress a differential cut UQ. Having the periphery shock cord too tight can actually pull the outer layer up while along side the hammock while the inner frictions on the inside.

This has been my experience. My 20 degree quilt should have a 2.5 inch loft. When it is pressed up tightly against my hammock I can reach down under my butt and compress the rest, usually there is only an inch maybe an inch and a half at best left. It is also true of any high pressure point where their is a lot of force up against the quilt. (Shoulders for example). The only solution I have found is to use the triangle things to pull the quilt upwards and not outwards. But even then its hard to get a nice seal without compressing the quilt too much.

However maybe compressing the down isnt as big of a deal as i think it is?

**goobie** · 02-03-2017, 22:21

Well, my quilts are definitely not loose and I've had them at or slightly below their ratings wearing no more than a fleece base layer. If there is some compression it's not enough to affect performance.

While setting up my quilts, and helping others do the same, I have yet to see the primary suspension too tight. Even with the hammock lifted up parallel with the RL a tug on the shock cord results in an "ooh that's warm" or similar comment. Followed by an "I slept really warm last night" in the morning. But I'm probably compressing down, for the differential cut on the quilt....

I used to use triangle thingies with my incubators, but found them unnecessary....even with the old style suspension.