Making the move from a 10' to an 11' hammock

**denniswinders** · 06-15-2021, 08:51

I just got a new Dream Sparrow after a decade in my HH Ultralight Backpacker (which I adore, and will continue to use). I didn't realize until I laid in the Dream that I would notice that much of a difference between the two lengths, and I think that most of my concern is just a resistance to change, but I'm interested to hear other people's experiences going between different length hammocks.

My first impression was that my underquilt was a lot more difficult to adjust comfortably on the 11', and that there was SO MUCH more material riding up on both sides when I was laying down. User error, inexperience, or just the new reality?

Is there a benefit with a longer hammock for someone who is 5'10? I got impatient when I ordered and didn't want to wait for the 10' Dream so I ordered a ready to ship 11', but before I take it out on a trip I'm wondering if it's something worth getting used to, or if I should just bite the bullet, sell the 11', and order a 10' Sparrow and just wait.

How has your experience been going from a 10' to an 11' hammock?

**tegwar** · 06-15-2021, 09:41

I'm 5' 8.5" and the biggest difference I noticed was less shoulder squeeze because the 10 footer (Mantis UL) is pretty narrow. I suspect I'd be fine at 10' but wider. At your height, you're right on the cusp of 10/11 in terms of length comfort.

**OneClick** · 06-15-2021, 09:44

I didn't notice much difference. Not enough to matter. I didn't like how high the ridgeline was on the 11'. I also didn't like getting the hammock ends closer to the tarp ends (little more nervous while raining). So I just split the difference and made a 10.5' hammock. At 5'9" I am fine in a 10' though.

**denniswinders** · 06-15-2021, 10:15

Originally Posted by OneClick

I didn't notice much difference. Not enough to matter. I didn't like how high the ridgeline was on the 11'. I also didn't like getting the hammock ends closer to the tarp ends (little more nervous while raining). So I just split the difference and made a 10.5' hammock. At 5'9" I am fine in a 10' though.

My tarp is 12', and my old silnylon tarp was 11' which I never had an issue with so that hadn't really crossed my mind, but I realize now that maybe part of the thing I thought was so strange was the ridgeline height. Before you built the 10.5' had you ever used anything smaller than 11'?

**OneClick** · 06-15-2021, 10:26

Originally Posted by denniswinders

My tarp is 12', and my old silnylon tarp was 11' which I never had an issue with so that hadn't really crossed my mind, but I realize now that maybe part of the thing I thought was so strange was the ridgeline height. Before you built the 10.5' had you ever used anything smaller than 11'?

My 10' Blackbird was my goto hammock for a while. I still use it these days. And while I don't get wet in any hammock with an 11' tarp, it's just nice to see that noticeable buffer when hanging up the shorter hammocks. I forget and feels like my tarp grew every time I use it! I sleep in a 11' every night, only because it's my "spare" hammock that I never take on trips so I just leave it up in the basement permanently.

**denniswinders** · 06-15-2021, 10:47

Originally Posted by tegwar

I'm 5' 8.5" and the biggest difference I noticed was less shoulder squeeze because the 10 footer (Mantis UL) is pretty narrow. I suspect I'd be fine at 10' but wider. At your height, you're right on the cusp of 10/11 in terms of length comfort.

Interesting, I wonder if maybe I've just never noticed the shoulder squeeze because it's all I'm used to? I just got back from a section on the AT and thought about bringing the 11' out to have plenty of time to get used to it, but last minute I decided to go with the Ol' Reliable and now I can't decide what to do with the Dream. I'm sure I'd learn to love it once I get through the adjustment curve but I'm not sure if there's actually an advantage.

**tegwar** · 06-15-2021, 10:52

Originally Posted by denniswinders

Interesting, I wonder if maybe I've just never noticed the shoulder squeeze because it's all I'm used to? I just got back from a section on the AT and thought about bringing the 11' out to have plenty of time to get used to it, but last minute I decided to go with the Ol' Reliable and now I can't decide what to do with the Dream. I'm sure I'd learn to love it once I get through the adjustment curve but I'm not sure if there's actually an advantage.

The Mantis is unusually narrow (56") and I have fairly broad shoulders.

For backpacking, I'd think that a 10' could save a little weight. Have you tested the new one at home yet?

**denniswinders** · 06-15-2021, 11:06

Originally Posted by tegwar

The Mantis is unusually narrow (56") and I have fairly broad shoulders.

For backpacking, I'd think that a 10' could save a little weight. Have you tested the new one at home yet?

I haven't tested it overnight, but I did take a little siesta in it. It was definitely roomy but I felt like I was swimming in fabric, like it was WAY too wide. However, I just checked and the Sparrow is 58" wide, but the HH Backpacker is actually 59" wide, which I am surprised about. The sides came up really high and it almost felt unmanageable.

Re: weight, I've always been a bit of a gram weenie about everything BUT my sleep system. My whole shelter (including insulation) still comes in super light, but probably the only reason I'll never be true UL is that I want max comfort at night.

**FLTurtle** · 06-15-2021, 11:32

If it's an asym bugnet, you usually end up with that 'wall of fabric' effect.

**cmoulder** · 06-15-2021, 12:13

Width is key. For my 10' Dariens (Robic 1.2 and 1.7) I went with the Smurfs' recommended 64" width for my 5'9" height and it has worked out perfectly. More than 3 years now and still no complaints.

I recently got a SLD Tree Runner made to same spec and it is very comfy for me.