How tight should my ridge line be when I am in my hammock? I slept in mine for the first time the other night and it was tight as all get out.
How tight should my ridge line be when I am in my hammock? I slept in mine for the first time the other night and it was tight as all get out.
Opinions very, but the standard is that you should be able to grab it and turn it 15-45 degrees vertical (the small segment in your hand). If it is 7/64, it may not matter much except you need to make sure that it isn’t putting undue stress on other parts of your rig (bug netting, top cover, etc.)
One of the reasons to not have it too tight is not really the structural aspect of it at all as much as a signal that you may not have you suspension geometry in the sweet spot for the most comfortable hang (based on classic 30 degree, centered, slightly offset anchor point elevations, etc.)
I WENT AND WATCHED Dutch and Shug videos and both of them were able to flex it but not near a 90 degree bend - so I edited to be 15-60.
Last edited by LearnedHat; 03-29-2020 at 20:04.
Like was said, when laying flat in the hammock you should be able to take you hand and bend the line a bit, like almost a 1/4 turn. (45deg). It should not be guitar string tight.
If it is too tight your suspension is too flat, loosen the suspension and increase the hang angle, If it is too loose then your suspension is too vertical. Tighten the suspension up a little.
Last edited by jeff-oh; 03-29-2020 at 22:32.
@jeff-oh Just the info I was looking for. The first time (only time so far) last weekend my ridgeline was super tight. I tried what I could to get it looser but couldn't figure it out. I still slept better than I have ever in a tent! but want to try and get the correct setup.
Thanks SO Much!
Some ridgeline info if your interested.....
Shug
Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven
zdubb, pay close attention to Shug's video (especially the first 9 minutes). In addition to being an entertaining spokesman for hammock camping, Shug's advice is entirely accurate.
I always shed a tear at 4:57 in that video. Shug, thanks again for sacrificing one for the team.
RIP greenbean!
That's a good description of an "indicator" ridge line, and it's a good system. (Warbonnet is to be commended for coming up with it.) It doesn't apply to structural ridge lines, however, so you should know what you're trying to accomplish. Strictly speaking, if it's too tight it doesn't matter unless the material you're using for your ridge line isn't strong enough. It doesn't change the lay of your hammock at all.
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