Still trying to get comfortable...

**jmdavis** · 09-13-2010, 11:53

In bed, I normally sleep on my side to lessen the pressure on my lower back. In the hammock, I can sleep comfortably on my back, so I do. I would agree with Rev that you may need to raise the foot end a little.

I have spent 21 nights this spring and summer in the hammock. It really is the best sleep I get. Keep trying, the magic is there somewhere!

**rip waverly** · 09-13-2010, 11:56

finding the perfect trees on a trail in the piney woods & "jeff beck"-ing your rig for 2 hrs might generate some comfort.

i used to wigg out sleeping on my back. believe in it. you may find what you're looking for.

**Lonely Raven** · 09-13-2010, 12:01

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

To get your foot end higher than your head just adjust your ring buckles from the ground level. That's the wonderful thing about that system. You don't have to adjust the tree levels as much. Just make sure that you keep enough sag in the suspension system so you maintain that 30* (or so) angle from horizontal.

Thanks Rev, I got that. I was responding to the ladder and putting the straps up higher comment. I can't imagine going higher would help, but yes, I'm going to try and get the foot end even higher via strap adjustment and see if that helps get my torso towards the head end more.

The slide to the bottom of the hammock was even more pronounced with a 50lb Pitbull sleeping across me. I woke up at one point with my feet *past* the gathered end!

**Jsaults** · 09-13-2010, 12:32

Possibly try fabricating a couple of bipods from 2x4s. Size them so that when splayed the tops are around 6-7 feet above the ground. Locate the bipods within a foot of the hammock ends, affix your strap system via wrapping or any method you choose, and run the remaining straps horizontally to the trees.

You will be able to adjust the overall tension and sag more easily. You can lower the head end by splaying the bipod more, or locating it farther from the hammock.

Obviously you will not want to backpack with this rig, but it is good for testing.

Jim

Oh, yeah - you could do this with only one bipod - it would make raising the foor end easier too.

**Lonely Raven** · 09-13-2010, 12:41

Originally Posted by Jsaults

Possibly try fabricating a couple of bipods from 2x4s. Size them so that when splayed the tops are around 6-7 feet above the ground. Locate the bipods within a foot of the hammock ends, affix your strap system via wrapping or any method you choose, and run the remaining straps horizontally to the trees.

You will be able to adjust the overall tension and sag more easily. You can lower the head end by splaying the bipod more, or locating it farther from the hammock.

Obviously you will not want to backpack with this rig, but it is good for testing.

Jim

Oh, yeah - you could do this with only one bipod - it would make raising the foor end easier too.

I've seen others do that...it's a pretty slick idea, but I'm working on talking my finace into letting me plant a 6"X6" post in the yard at that magic 15' distance. The only problem with the back yard is we have a (BIG) dog that drops yard bombs the size of an elephants. No matter how much I pick up, there's always more hidden out there.

**Hooch** · 09-13-2010, 12:49

I'm gonna swim against the current here and suggest that your straps are too high up. I've hung from trees 20'+ apart on backpacking trips many a time and never have my straps higher than I can reach standing flat footed on the ground. Try this and see how it works for you. Also, how you lay in the hammock is just as important as how you hang your hammock. Are you laying on the asym with your feet in the footbox? Kinda hard to tell from the pics. Whatever you go with, I hope you find your sweet spot soon!

**Lonely Raven** · 09-13-2010, 13:00

Originally Posted by Hooch

I'm gonna swim against the current here and suggest that your straps are too high up. I've hung from trees 20'+ apart on backpacking trips many a time and never have my straps higher than I can reach standing flat footed on the ground. Try this and see how it works for you. Also, how you lay in the hammock is just as important as how you hang your hammock. Are you laying on the asym with your feet in the footbox? Kinda hard to tell from the pics. Whatever you go with, I hope you find your sweet spot soon!

I started with the straps at head height and worked up from there.

I hope I find the sweet spot soon too!

**sir_n0thing** · 09-13-2010, 17:06

I wonder if a bridge style hammock would work better? If you're a side sleeper and the WBBB doesn't work out, then going with a straight gathered end hammock is likely going to be worse (Clark, Claytor, etc).
Might see if you can attend a hang and try out someone's JRB (or other) bridge hammock.

**pizza** · 09-13-2010, 17:35

Don't give up. It took me at least 4 or 5 nights out if I recall to get comfortable and used to sleeping on my back in my hammock. Now I sleep great every time out. At home I only sleep on my side but I have adapted to back sleeping in the Blackbird and have no issues anymore going between side sleeping at home and back sleeping in the hammock.

**Knotty** · 09-13-2010, 17:46

I frequently sleep on my side and have found that a pillow between the knees is a big help. On my back the pillow is under both knees.

Also try extending one leg to almost straight and have the the other leg with the knee forward and the foot near the knee of the straight leg. Some call this the #4 position because you legs take the shape of that number.

Finally in a hammock side sleeping doesn't require that your body be vertical. The hammock can support you in a positions that are in between side and back sleep.

Good luck.