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  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    homewood, al
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    SLD Trail Lair
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    HG 20 Econ Phoenix
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    Fiddling...
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    714

    Vertically Challenged-Suspension issue

    I just traded up to an 11 foot Trail Lair from my little tiny ENO. I like the space and comfort, but am having issues hanging it.

    I'm only 5'4", and it seems like with trees 13-14' feet apart, I have to get the straps higher than I can reach in order to be off the ground. Am I doing something wrong, or do I just need a shorter hammock?

    Maybe I need an UL foot stool?

    Thanks-
    Charlotte

  2. #2
    cougarmeat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
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    Bend, OR
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    WBBB, WBRR, WL LiteOwl
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    Charlotte - according to the hammock hang calculator (http://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/) a 14 ft span for an 11 ft hammock (ridgeline about 86% of length) at 16 inches above the ground, would attach at about 5’4” on the tree. As the top of your head is that height, I’m guessing you would have no problem reaching it.

    If the trees were 13 ft apart, the connection could be a bit lower. I like my hammock about chair height, 18 inches, so I can just swing my legs over and stand up. You are a little shorter so I put in 16 inches above ground for you.

    Note that there have been many posts suggesting ways to push your suspension beyond your reach. I’d be more worried about getting it down then pushing it up.

    But again, according to usual practices (chair height above ground, about 30 degree hang angle, ridge line around 83% - 86% of hammock length) the suggested connection height seems within your reach. What am I missing?
    In order to see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone. And DO what few have done.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jul 2015
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    homewood, al
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    Maybe my trees were farther apart and my pacing is off. I’ll just look for closer trees?

    Thanks for doing the math.

  4. #4
    Senior Member cmoulder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
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    Ossining, NY
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    Also remember that the 'ideal' 30° suspension angle is with the hammock loaded, so if you're doing the initial hang at 30° then it will likely be significantly steeper after you sit in it and the hammock material, SRL and suspension bits settle under the weight. So experiment by pitching it initially at 20° or even 15° and see where it ends up after loading.
    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

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Long Island, NY
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    HG Wanderlust
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    A tip regarding finding the right tree spacing: take your trekking poles by the handles, and extend them out laterally from your sides, like wings. Measure tip to tip. I’m right at 13 feet tip to tip with arms extended. When I roll into my camp site I just extend my arms/ poles and can get a quick estimate of distance between trees.

    I’m relatively new and can assure you it comes together after about 5 set ups. I like mine a little higher than what many consider chair height. As a tall guy I don’t like getting out of the hammock with my hips too low to the ground. The quickest way to get accustomed to rigging is to take your kit to a park and just spend time setting it up and taking it down. You’ll also figure out ways to move the suspension higher or lower by standing on rocks or nudging it with your pole tips.

  6. #6
    I have been re-learning my setup lately it seems. With my suspension setup, I’ve found that the only way to achieve the right height is to hang my straps much higher than the 6ft recommended. I’d say I’m pushing 7ft (and probably a little more on the foot end). I’m pretty tall so it isn’t an issue, but if you can’t reach, you can definitely sneak the straps up the tree with your trekking poles if you carry them!

  7. #7
    New Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    South Hampton Roads, VA
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    ENO currently
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    UGQ Underquilt
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    2
    I sneak the straps up the tree bit by bit with a stick when I don't have my Tall Person with me. I'm 5'7" and I may have stood there staring at the straps the first time I was out without a tall person and knowing I needed to get them up higher. Stick to the rescue.

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