I like this thread.
I resisted the idea of using a knee pillow because it seemed like a hack that undermined the simplicity and elegance of a hammock. But I now realise how foolish it was to be hung up on an aesthetic ideal when a simple, cheap hack totally fixes calf-ridge problems. Hooray for hacks.
A BIG knee pillow also fixes numb heel problems for me. A smaller knee pillow doesn't, but still works for calf-ridge.
Thank you leiavoia.
I'm with you on that. All I can think of after all these years of searching for a consistent solution or the perfect hammock is: why bother? In fact, since this hack cures quite a number of issues besides calf ridge, and actually improves over all comfort in any hammock, it is going to be a normal go to from now on. If everything is fine I might not bother, but if there is a hint of "not quite right" I will be putting some air in a bag and placing it under my knees.Originally Posted by Baka Dasai
Often people talk about the ability of this or that hammock to allow them to get a good diagonal. I'm thinking I might not need any diagonal at all with a good sized knee pillow, and certainly a bit more will be of no advantage to me. The main purpose of diagonal is to escape the banana curve and get flatter to avoid knee extension. (which is also what ends up causing calf ridge, trying to lay across that center ridge on the diagonal) But with a good sized knee pillow, there is not going to be any knee extension no matter how you lay.
It positions my foot away from the hammock, which is sometimes a pressure point.
Sometimes UQs or HHSS fall away from my left leg(when head is left and feet are right) leaving a cool or cold gap. With this hack, there is no compression of my TQs loft on either leg, just at the feet. Plus, especially if I put a jacket in there, I pick up extra insulation between butt and knees.
Side sleeping seems more comfy with this pillow between my thighs. It can give more back support when using the hammock as a chair.
Probably a few other advantages.
It’s the dog-knee pillow.
Keeps you warm while elevating the knees.
Only downside is the 1 lb of food to feed it and you may get bitten for trying this.
I’m happy with my gathered end 12x6
It ain’t for everybody
Bigger tarp
Bigger pack
Calf ridge pressure CRP, knee hyper extension, curved inward outside ankle-foot scrunch
All Virtually Nonexistent
Knee pillow is a good idea
Great minds find a way
I'm one stubborn SOB. I don't like to tweak, trick, mod, ignore, add-on, etc. If it doesn't work out of the box, there's a good chance I'll write it off. Not always, but usually. I just can't accept "knee pillows", "triangle thingies", "quilt clips", on and on. Not only do I feel them to be unnecessary, but I don't want any extra cost, hassle, weight, bulk, clutter, stuff to mess with. I'll admit I've had my fair share of struggles, but fortunately they're long gone.
Everyone is different, using different hammocks, different setups. But after I spent some time dialing things in and making a simple, lightweight, 10.5' and 11' GE hammock work, life was good.
On another note, I've found myself "creating" issues while testing at home. For some reason, when I just gave up and went hiking, none of those issues appeared out in the woods. I don't know if it was the actual setup, or just me overthinking things at home.
We all tend to overthink things at times...or maybe we don't...but we probably do...or not I guess...ugh! I don't really know anymore.
Bigger tarp, bigger pack, but you're a bigger dude. I feel the same way. I'm 6'6" 260. If I was really concerned about saving 8 oz I'd skip taco tuesday. haha.I’m happy with my gathered end 12x6
It ain’t for everybody
Bigger tarp
Bigger pack
Calf ridge pressure CRP, knee hyper extension, curved inward outside ankle-foot scrunch
All Virtually Nonexistent
Knee pillow is a good idea
Great minds find a way
ha!! Never thought about it that way! If I lose weight on my BODY.. that's less weight I have to worry about carrying in my pack. Seems obvious I guess, but still.. the way you put it just made me say OHHHH!
~~~NJHEART2HEART Dawn~~~
"Seek God, Embrace the Journey, Leave a Legacy of Love"
Same here. Sometimes I find myself jumping thru hoops trying to save an oz or two, then I think about that extra 20 lbs I carry around all day!ha!! Never thought about it that way! If I lose weight on my BODY.. that's less weight I have to worry about carrying in my pack. Seems obvious I guess, but still.. the way you put it just made me say OHHHH!
Thanks for the advice!
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