Requesting assistance from folks who have conquered calf ridge

[drsolarmolar]

I’ve tried several what I’d call “high-end” GE hammocks from Warbonnet and Dutch, including double-layer and wide versions and in every one had calf ridge issues. Like many have mentioned the only way I found to alleviate calf ridge in a GE is with a pillow under my knees. (The other way was to buy a Ridgerunner!).

I’ve wondered if anyone has tried making a “half-bridge” hammock, which would be a gathered end style hammock but with a spreader bar at approximately where the knees would be. In my mental picture of this the spreader bar could pull the calf ridge out. There could be a series of three or four grommets on each side for being able to place the bar correctly for an individual fit. Maybe the bar could have small inserts that could be added or removed also to help find that perfect fit. I’ve not seen anything like this (maybe there’s a reason?). Would like to know if this would work!

[joe_guilbeau]

I’m curious if anyone has overcome calf ridge with any specific fabric or hammock feature such as double layer, or did heavier fabric help; are is stretchy fabric better or worse?

My hammock is an 11-foot polyester tablecloth with a spreader bar. The spreader bar alleviates the bunching, which causes ridges in more compliant fabric. The polyester tablecloth has a minimal stretch, which I like. Full support in all 360-degree directions.

Some pics will illustrate:

Spreader Bar with Amsteel.jpg

Spreader Bar instead of gathered end.jpg

No Calf Ridge due to Spreader Bar and Polyester no sag material - it is taut.jpg

1/4-inch diameter Titanium Rod inserted into Easton Aluminum Stakes
Spreader Bar Hot-To.jpg

Solves any calf ridge issues. I just lucked out with the design. Your mileage may differ.

[P-Dub]

Is the spreader bar only on the head end of the hammock? Foot end? Both ends??

I recall some threads from a couple years back with people using "shorty" spreader bars -- like a foot long or something. (Sadly, that's all I remember!)

[dkurfiss]

Joe,
How long are those spreader bars?

[joe_guilbeau]

Is the spreader bar only on the head end of the hammock? Foot end? Both ends??

I recall some threads from a couple of years back with people using "shorty" spreader bars -- like a foot long or something. (Sadly, that's all I remember!)

Both ends of the hammock. Thus there is no head-end and no foot-end.

The stakes are Easton 10-inch Nano's (Red).
Easton Aluminum 10-inch Nano Stakes.jpg