Video - Two Trips and Just Can’t Get Comfortable

[cougarmeat]

Amazing but true, I found that as little as a 3 inch difference in suspension length can eliminate an uncomfortable ridge. I primarily use daisy chain (Python Straps, Dutch's Spiders, and others) for their simplicity, but I made some amsteel loops sized so I can put them in the chain and move in 3 inch - instead of 5 or 6 inch - increments. I may eventually go back to webbing, but so far, just having a shorter "step" has been all I've needed.

So - sometimes it only takes a little bit of tweaking to get that, "Ahhhhhh", experience.

[BillyBob58]

It sounds like you have a bad leg/hip. You may want to consider a bridge hammock as a test as they do not require getting at an angle to get comfortable but they are also somewhat narrow and you look like you may be a taller person. It's always worth a try.

Ditto on the bridge hammocks. But if I understand, you can get comy for naps, but over more time your knee bothers you? Then have you considered a nice fat knee pillow? A large stuff sack full of clothing, or a sealed up garbage bag full of air inside another stuff or laundry sack, can work wonders and solve a variety of ills.

There is a possibility of a large knee pillow interfering with the fit of a TQ causing possible drafts. Probably not a problem if you are inside a bag, regardless of pillow size. But if you have an issue with this, just try to use a smaller pillow, especially a pillow just wide enough to support both knees.

TRY IT! You might be amazed!

[Eigerhiker]

Amazing but true, I found that as little as a 3 inch difference in suspension length can eliminate an uncomfortable ridge. I primarily use daisy chain (Python Straps, Dutch's Spiders, and others) for their simplicity, but I made some amsteel loops sized so I can put them in the chain and move in 3 inch - instead of 5 or 6 inch - increments. I may eventually go back to webbing, but so far, just having a shorter "step" has been all I've needed.

So - sometimes it only takes a little bit of tweaking to get that, "Ahhhhhh", experience.

Makes sense, I use either straps or whoopies but am noticing the placement height on the tree makes a difference in the angle. Especially if the trees are a little farther apart.

[Eigerhiker]

I can relate somewhat and hopefully can convince you that there is light at the end of the tunnel! I used an ENO Doublenest for about 8 years and always slept good in it. I used a Big Agnes bag with the pad sleeve and sleeping pad. Last year I upgraded to an 11 foot Dream Hammock Raven and set it up in my backyard. I was still using pads for the first 4 or 5 times and I just couldn't get a solid nights sleep. I was super comfy when I got into it but was restless all night long. Then I got my first Underquilt and used it for the first time on a winter camping trip. I had a hard time as well as for 4 nights I struggled to dial it in and get rid of a few small cold spots. I had bad nights sleeps each night on that trip. I also found that the underquilt made it a tad harder to get that nice diagonal lay that I get when there is no underquilt. I think subconsciously I was also concerned about the UQ slipping off my shoulders and under my feet as well as it seemed to move around a bit. I then got a 30 degree UQ and had the same issues (minus the cold spots as I used this in the warmer months).

Finally I have rigged a system where I attach the foot side and shoulder side of each of my UQ's to the tie out's on the actual hammock. This keeps the UQ locked right in on my shoulder and my feet. It is still a bit more difficult to get a deep diagonal lay but I sleep like a baby every night now (still diagonal - just not AS diagonal). It's been about 25 nights using each UQ individually and sometimes stacked together and I sleep like a baby every night now.

Another thing that made a huge difference to me was finding the perfect pillow. I use a medium sized Thermarest pillow and for me it is perfect for hammock use (not too puffy as to keep my neck angled weird but malleable enough I can always get comfy with it). Also, when I sleep in my bed I always put a pillow between my knees and it takes all the pressure of my back. When I started doing this in my hammock it made a world of difference too. It also alleviates any leg discomfort some folks have with the calf ridge...

So in total I'd say I had about 10-15 bad night's sleep before I started to have great sleeps. I have slipped discs in my back but I find that in my hammock the pain disappears almost immediately and it's the only sleep I get where I wake up without back pain. I sleep out in my backyard in it as much as I can now (even in the winter here in Ontario where temps can get down to -25C.

I'd suggest you stick with it and I'll bet you find what works for you...I was ready to give up but so glad I stuck it out and kept tweaking my set up...

I agree with the UQ issue, I don’t really like that it tapers towards the feet. I purchased the tall / wide model but its still a little too narrow at the foot end. This means the TQ has to remain perfectly tucked in so I don’t get a cold spot.

[Eigerhiker]

Thanks for the tips guys. I’m sure the injured knee plays into the comfort issue, especially over the course of a night. I’m going to try the knee pillow and keep working with the adjustment angles.

Here’s a video from last week where I was perfectly comfortable while in afternoon lounge mode. Skip to the 6 minute mark for the hammock portion of the video. The rest of the video is me driving through the woods, hanging out with my dog and eating ��

https://youtu.be/5_DqAa4ewwU

[SteveE]

My 0° is a long/wide model as well. I use a small locking carabiner to attach the head side of the UQ to the head side tie-out of the hammock, and the same for the foot end. It keeps the quilt perfectly in place and impossible to shift out from under your shoulders or feet. Made a big difference to my sleep at least...

[sidneyhornblower]

There's a lot of very good advice in this thread and I'll second several of the suggestions:

- Underquilt fit. Yes, an underquilt does have a tendency to change the diagonal lay angle a bit. It's just something I put up with in exchange for the warmth. Try adjusting the suspension length to move the quilt either more towards the head or the foot end, whichever gives you more comfort. Sometimes a little bit of shift makes a noticeable difference in the pull or push you feel from the quilt forcing you into a certain position.

- Pillows. The suggestion to place something like a small pillow (or rolled up extra clothing) under your knees is a good one. It's the hyperextension that really creates discomfort there. See Derek Hansen's "The Ultimate Hang" book as well.

- Pillow Mk II - A pillow under your head can also make a difference. I'm still playing around but I find a very small hollowfill pillow in my gathered end hammocks makes me more comfy. Anything much larger is too much, but the tiny pillow I have mostly supports my neck more than my head. In my bridge hammock, the tiny pillow is too small and too soft. I'm finding that a larger inflatable pillow works better in the bridge. Speaking of which,...

- Bridge hammock - A bridge, while usually heavier to carry and probably a bit more fiddly to work with, has no calf pressure at all and can be very comfortable. I'm just getting started with my bridge and am experimenting with various underquilt and pad configurations for max warmth, so I'm no expert. But if you're around someone with a bridge hammock, take a look or lie down in the thing and see if it's worth spending some money on one to try it out.

Even with all the fiddle factor (or maybe because of it) I still find hammocks much more inviting than sleeping on the ground. The learning curve is part of the process.

[gargoyle]

Start at home, either with a stand or wall attached hang location. Indoors, you will not need a tarp, one less fiddle factor. A lot of us have an indoor set up. I can not recommend this enough for anyone, especially new hangers!
It eliminates a lot variables and annoyances for a first timer.
By not having to deal with the travel, set up, noise and weather, you can relax more and find what works for YOU.

A light uq can be used. A blanket can be rigged to work. It may not be the “cool” hiker item, but it works.
Neighborhoods are noisy. Cars, dogs can distract from your slumber. Only after you can get comfortable indoors and sleep all night, then add the outdoor side of hammocking.
Baby steps.

[Grinder]

when I started hanging, I couldn't sleep through the night. I woke up at 3 am . It took three nights to get used to it. Then it was get in at 10 pm and wake up at dawn. No changes to the hammock rig.

Give it time.