tree distance.

[solohh]

ok, so i usually like to step off 5 steps for tree distance, but last week i had a span that was farther apart. i rigged up the chameleon and the ridge line was a bit too tight, and i noticed the hammock was not quite as comfy as it should be, so i tried to figure out that i needed to raise my straps to try to get more sag, thus loosening the ridge line and giving me a flatter lie, but that wouldn't work.
it stumped me, and i used it as is.
it was the best site for the hammock, and did not want to move it to a different set of trees.
what do you do when the tree distance is farther apart to relax the ridge line a bit, thanks.

[bluesam3]

You probably need more height than you think. Quite possibly more than you can reach. Every extra metre of separation adds about 30 cm to the required suspension height for a 30 degree hang. You can play with the numbers here.

[Otter1]

I agree with bluesam3. Additionally, I think the taut ridgeline was due to you hanging at <30deg angle.

[dkurfiss]

I am short to begin with so when trees are spaced too far apart I have to use my walking stick to push the straps up high enough

[OCDave]

...
it was the best site for the hammock, and did not want to move it to a different set of trees.

...

So, based upon this experience, next time you will ... ?

[hutzelbein]

Don't change the ridgeline length of an integrated hammock. The ridgeline is not only there to help you hang the hammock consistently (which won't be the case if you keep changing the length), but also to protect the integrated net from being stressed too much and being damaged.

If the ridgeline is too tight, simply lengthen the hammock suspension.
If lengthening the suspension is bringing the hammock too close to the ground, push the suspension higher up the tree.

And vice versa: if the ridgeline is too loose, shorten the hammock suspension.
If shortening the suspension is lifting the hammock up too high, lower the suspension on the tree.

[solohh]

So, based upon this experience, next time you will ... ?

raise the straps, i know how the chameleon feels when it is right, this was just an odd event, situation. as i lie there i realized i had to go higher, i was already outstretching my 6 ft. height. it's all good, thanks for the responses.

[solohh]

lengthening the suspension in this case would have put me on the ground, not the optimal sitting position we all like.

[cougarmeat]

So you have to put them higher in the tree. But of course there are limits., So I made a little chart using the hammock hang calculator. First I decided how high I wanted to reach. Then I decided how high about the ground I want my hammock. Then I figured the suspension length to get me there (desired sag and hang angle) given various tree distances until the distance required I reach higher than my limit. After all that - I don't use the chart; I just eyeball it and make adjustments after it is setup. But the exercise wasn't a loss because it helped me become aware that not just any trees will do.

If the trees in your ideal spot are so far apart that you'd need to attach your suspension higher in the tree than you wish - then the spot isn't exactly "ideal".

[Bubba]

lengthening the suspension in this case would have put me on the ground, not the optimal sitting position we all like.

Fair enough. Just remember that simply raising the height of the suspension on the trees does not change the sag. As mentioned only lengthening the suspension will affect the sag. I find even lengthening the suspension a few of inches on each side can have a significant effect. This would only lower the hammock a couple of inches which you should be able to compensate for even if you have to use a walking stick or some other stick to push the suspension up the tree if you cannot do it by hand.