This is probably a dumb question but I am a noob so forgive me. Just bought a Darien left lay. How do I know which direction to lay in the hammock? Which end I put my feet? Does it even matter?
This is probably a dumb question but I am a noob so forgive me. Just bought a Darien left lay. How do I know which direction to lay in the hammock? Which end I put my feet? Does it even matter?
Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
“If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton
In a Darien there is no right or wrong way to lay. But if you're a left lay sleeper try it with your feet pointing toward the zipper side. There is less swiveling getting in and out.
left lay born, left lay bred and when I die I'll be left lay dead.
Do you have a Darien? I have 3 of them and this is not at all my experience.
In a left lay Darien (or any asym hammock), if you lie in it head left, feet right you will put serious strain on the net at the zipper and on the fixed seam side. And it will feel totally discombobulated. Sorry, no offense but this is not correct — Dariens are quite lay specific.
Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
“If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton
I love my Darien; but it is absolutely lay-specific. I would only recommend getting one if you already know which direction you prefer to lay. Until then, stick with a symmetrical hammock.
You can always tell which direction your body is supposed to go in an asymmetrical hammock by looking at where the low side is on the bug net. That is where your head & feet go. Left lay is head right/feet left.
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Thanks everyone. Hopefully we get nice enough whether for me to get out and check it out today.
Did you know your lay preference when you purchased it?
There is a general (statistical) guide that says if you're right handed you'll prefer a right lay (head left) but this is not true for me and reading the forums these past couple of years I've seen quite a few people who feel the same. When I first tried out a friend's hammock I immediately, and strongly, preferred left lay (head right) and it remains so to this day. Some people report being happy either way and use a symmetrical hammock, switching directions during the night.
Another general observation is that it's preferred to have the zipper on the side opposite your head position. Again, maybe for some people, but not for me; I strongly prefer having it on the right side, near my head.
To me it seems strange that lay preference is defined by foot position and not head position. When I were a noob in the woods (not that long ago!) I assumed the opposite and darn near ordered the wrong hammock the first time. But while I was waiting on my Darien (IIRC the queue was about 6 weeks at the time) I got a Chameleon with asym net and winter cover and somehow figured it out quickly and got the order changed in time. But this is the accepted standard and it's no use bucking convention.
Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
“If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton
Sorry, meant for the OP... I figured you knew already!
Five Basic Principles of Going Lighter (not me... the great Cam Honan of OZ)
“If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking.” ~ Gen. George S Patton
I'm right handed and prefer left lay. Did know the difference early on and went with a right lay Black Bird. I remember feeling I was getting a great night sleep back then. Later got a chance to try an asym and realized I was left lay. I do switch left to right sometimes, for comfort reasons only, but strong left for sure.
Yes, my pack weighs 70lbs, but it's all light weight gear....
Bob's brother-in-law
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