My first night wasn't very good

[dla]

I just got a WBBB Double 1.7. I used an evazote pad, and a torso-length z-lite between the two layers.

The problem started when the head end slipped down. I woke up with my feet way above my head, while laying in the diagonal. So I get up, inspect my strap, triangle-D's, and "slippery half-hitch" (yes, I've watched everyone of Shug's videos). Nothing obvious. Head end is connected to a 30" diameter Doug Fir with carabiner. So I tighten up the head end,(in the dark), cinch down my slippery half-hitch and crawl back in.

Now I notice a pronounced ridge bisecting the footbox right at my knees. I reach up and try to flex the ridgeline and I can only get a 1/4 twist. I decide to live with it but now I have to twist for knee comfort and I notice that the tarp seems smashed into my face.

Fortunately this is a backyard setup, but I've only got 14' between hang points.

I'm having a tough time figuring out how to get the magic 25-30* angle without having the hammock dragging on the ground or using a ladder to set the straps higher. And I'm also not sure anymore whether I want the foot end or head higher.

Anyways, it wasn't a good night's rest. But I was warm and didn't have any pressure points.

[stefprez]

Keep practicing! Hammock hanging isn't the easiest to get comfortable, and I'd be surprised if anyone on this forum was at their max comfort on their first hang. I know I sure wasn't. If you get a chance, try to set up on a nice day for a midday nap. That way, you've got light and time to set up and make everything perfect, and then you can take a nap to let it all "settle in." Some problems aren't noticeable right when you first lay down. Also, wiggle around in that Blackbird. There is a definite sweet spot, but you have to find it. Best of luck, happy hanging, and keep posting any questions you have!

[NewtonGT]

I agree. but Id like to know how the end kept slipping. I thought the new BB's webbing doesnt need the half hitch or any knot. could be wrong. also the 30 degree things is mainly just a guideline. if you can find comfort at a different angle try it. also id see if I could find a little bit longer trees but also it seems like it might be a little uncomftorable with 2 pads in a hammock. I hope you find the comfort in hanging man . keep trying

[Shewie]

Moving from a tent to a hammock wasn't too smooth for me either, I'd get off to sleep okay but wake in the early hours, every hour.

You just need to tweak stuff and keep experimenting, I think you've nailed the ridge behind the knees problem with the distance you have on your trees. I have a similar rig (15.5ft) for testing gear at home and if I want a comfy hang then I have to reach up to about 9ft to get the angles and tension right. Once you get out in the woods you won't have that problem so you should sleep better.
I find having my feet about 4" above my head is just about perfect, I used to go feet low but then I'd end up in a lump in the middle of the hammock having slid down, I'd get achy feet too.

[Randy]

Sounds like you are having a tuff time.... I would bail right now..cut my losses and go back to a tent or motel.

I just happen to be a certified Hammock Re-Homing Specialist and wont charge you a thing to get rid of all that stuff....
JUST KIDDEN.....

Sounds like you have the gear just need to practice and tweek it some..


Hang in there....

[gates]

I'm finding that when I use my trekking poles or a stick to shimmy the tree straps @ 6-8" higher than I can reach, I'm liking the angle better & seem to have more options for a comfortable hang (but then I'm only 5' 10").

[G.L.P.]

it takes time to get it right... don't give up

[dla]

I agree. but Id like to know how the end kept slipping. I thought the new BB's webbing doesnt need the half hitch or any knot. could be wrong. also the 30 degree things is mainly just a guideline. if you can find comfort at a different angle try it. also id see if I could find a little bit longer trees but also it seems like it might be a little uncomftorable with 2 pads in a hammock. I hope you find the comfort in hanging man . keep trying

Regarding slipping: I've seen a number of "double-D" concepts over the years - the triangles are probably the better. But they all suffer from sliding & bunching, which reduces the "grabbing" surface area. I couldn't tell in the dark how much it moved on the black strap, and I may have done the "slippery" so the jam was on the wrong side, all I know is that the hammock was closer to the ground when I went to get out. The back-jamming "slippery" half-hitch just has to be done right - which I did the second time. Lesson learned.

Regarding distance: I'm going to have to build something to support one end for experimenting in my back yard. My trees are plenty big but they are about 40' apart. The 14' was from a 4"x4" attached to the house to the closest tree.

Regarding sleep comfort: When sleeping on the ground I get pressure points. When in the hammock, no pressure points, but I struggled to find a left-side position that keeps my head up - head up slightly above shoulders. I think next time I'm going to use a pillow to obtain the head angle while letting the hammock sag enough to keep the diagonal lay flat.

I had a good rain with plenty of wind - the length and cut of the Big MambaJamba, (where did he get that name?), seemed just right when pitched about 6" over the unloaded hammock. Temp was 45*f, so my insulation was overkill. I will say that my long & wide 3 season Black Mamba worked very nice with nice drape, neck cinch and general feel - although way overkill for the temp.

The 1/4" Evazote pad will bunch, but not bad. The Evazote stay's put between the layers as does a Z-lite. This could actually be a bad thing as the 1.7 material stretch is enough that you could tear a thinner pad. Probably fix that with a strategic couple pieces of Reflectix - the duct tape of insulation

[TheTaxman]

I am finding that I use a pillow not to support my head but try to scrunch it up to fill in the void under my neck. I am thinking one of those inflatable airplane pillows would be a great in a hammock and it would not slide down because its wrapped around your neck.

[mikewithe]

I am finding that I use a pillow not to support my head but try to scrunch it up to fill in the void under my neck. I am thinking one of those inflatable airplane pillows would be a great in a hammock and it would not slide down because its wrapped around your neck.

Great idea! I think I'm going to pick one of those up.