I think the main benefits of the bridge hammock almost all come from there being no need to lay at a diagonal across the center ridge. That solves problems, but so many other problems arise from it, at least for me. Calf ridge, an so called side torque, and may difficulties with bottom insulation with quilts(gaps and fit problems) and/or pad use. all are caused or at least made more difficult as I try to lay at a diagonal across the center line trying to overcome the banana shape.
But, of course, GE hammocks have their benefits also and for that reason I keep trying to make them work consistently. But it is hard for me to beat the consistent benefits of a bridge. The biggest one(for me) being ZERO calf ridge ever. No need to search for a sweet spot, if you get in you are in the sweet spot. And probably 2nd is that as long as the quilt is not to long, I have never had a rectangular quilt fail to curve around the natural U shape of the bridge hammock and be free of gaps no matter how much I might shift around. Snug head to heel. I guess 3rd is a rectangular CCF pad in a similar way perfectly fits the shape of the hammock and stays perfectly positioned in the pad pocket, and unless a severl inch thick blow up model, I might not even know the pad is there except for warmth. But a pad on the diagonal? That can be a different story!
good blog and what more it makes sense
SOMETIMES I WAKE UP GRUMPY. OTHER TIMES I LET HER SLEEP
I have a Sld trail lair and even if I wanted it just doesn't let me lay in the middle /banana shape. It is somehow made in such a way that it automatically shifts you into a diagonal and flat lay.
For comfort I still prefer the 90degree hammocktent.
Tapatalk
I'm on my second Trail Lair (both 10 foot) and never had an issue of laying in the banana shape or a diagonal/flat lay. As long as the foot end is pitched higher, it should work fine. I know there's lots of variables regarding hang distance, angles, body shape, etc that can come into play.
For winter camping, the banana position is pretty much the norm for me.
Although I am not a fan of the bridge hammock I used for several years and sold, the same benefits BillyBob55 lists are applicable to a hammocktent 90 degree hammock. After modifying my 90* hammocks to suit my preferences there is little fiddle factor, simply climb in and sleep, turn on your side and sleep some more, and etc. I like my GEs, but there is definitely more fiddle factor involved.
Good info!
Having slept in a GE last night I can only agree, the 90degree hammock is really fiddle and hassle free. No searching for a sweet spot, or messing with the ridgeline length. The perfect lay is right there.
Tapatalk
Great article! I'm glad to know about that website. Thanks for sharing.
To hang or not to hang, that is the question!
Mammock: to tear into fragments : MANGLE
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtv63p4wAuE7uskkWHY16PA
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