Just can't seem to get the set up right?

[Adaekor]

Hi everyone,

So my friend and I are just starting to get into the hammock world. We have planned out a couple overnight hikes, but before we try anything we've been practicing our set up and equipment.

I bought a Hennessy Hammock Expedition zip. I bought the Hennessy Hex Symmetric Rainfly. I have an Arrowhead UQ (I'm really impressed by it!). I then have the hammock/fly set up in the snake skins. Now onto my issues.

No matter how many times I try, changing distances between trees, height of the tree straps, how tight I have the ropes, I can't seem to ever to:

1) Get that 30 degree angle.
2) Get the ridgeline anything but super super tight (just shy of a guitar string I would say).

I am 5'9", 270 pounds. I know....the Expedition is rated for 250 pounds. I was hoping to have lost more weight than I have by now, but I haven't. So I didn't know if maybe that has something to do with my issues. I bought it at REI before I was a member, and don't have the receipt, so I don't think I can return it IF the weight is an issue. Even with the ridge line being very tight, I've always been very comfortable.

Any help is appreciated. I have read until my eyes bleed and just can't seem to get it, and am getting very frustrated.

[dkurfiss]

Link to the Hennessy "How To" page might prove to be useful https://hennessyhammock.com/pages/wh...-before-you-go I tend to follow Tom's instructions for set up except I use Dutchware straps with climbing rated carbines. (I tied a figure 8 into the Hennessy ropes).

So, no I don't get a 30 degree angle most of the time and sometimes my ridgeline is a bit tight but if I sleep good, I am happy.

[Adaekor]

So we have tried setting everything up while standing in the woods with our phones reading the websites and forums as we try to adjust. Is the ridge line being tight not an issue? Is it just for comfort levels? I'm afraid that I am overthinking a lot, but at the same time under thinking if that makes sense. I have tried using the figure 8 lashing that HH says to use, and I also have set up the descender rings while trying to master it all to make it easier. My friend has a Warbonnet something and he can get his perfect so quickly that I'm jealous, increasing my frustration ().

[Vanhalo]

Adjustable Ridgeline?
I almost never think about the angle.
i know for me 80" foot end and 68" head end on a 14.75-15' span is perfect for my XLC.

[Adaekor]

So the HH does not have an adjustable ridgeline. It is set and I believe it is structural as well.

[Shug]

So, are you comfortable in that hammock when sleeping?
If-so then your good to go.

Straps higher up the tree should loosen your ridgeline.
Don't get too caught up with all the exact angles. I am 6' and hang my straps head high but sometimes higher depending on tree distance.
Shug

[Adaekor]

So, are you comfortable in that hammock when sleeping?
If-so then your good to go.

Straps higher up the tree should loosen your ridgeline.
Don't get too caught up with all the exact angles. I am 6' and hang my straps head high but sometimes higher depending on tree distance.
Shug

We have spent a LOT of time watching your videos while playing around with my hammock trying to get it right. Thank you very much for making them all! It really sounds like I'm overthinking a lot of it.

[Johnny Gunz]

If it just doesn’t end up working for you, don’t give up. There are many options, so just sell what doesn’t work on the exchange. I tried several designs before I eventually ended up with one (or two actually) o f Justbills Townsend Luxury Bridge hammocks. He makes them for REAL big boys as well, so you’re weight is nothing. That is just to say there are many options and many helpful folks here to assist. Good luck!

[Phantom Grappler]

Papa Smurf—Dream Hammocks has made a very short YouTube video showing how to adjust hammock suspension so that 30 degree angle of hang and hammock ridgeline tautness is in most favorable limits.
The 30 degree thing is a suggestion and a starting point. As long as you are somewhat close, you are ok, in my opinion.
But if a hammock suspension is loaded with more weight, and suspension is at a flatter angle——suspension is greatly stressed and might break or worse yet—pull tree onto your head.
Possibly, there are tables showing the multiplied forces in Derek Hansen’s book The Ultimate Hang.
If your suspension approaches a horizontal flat line form—danger is increased.
Sometimes my suspension setups ain’t perfect,
I’m doing asbestos I can

[PapaSmurf]