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  1. #1
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    Talking Noob here: Ridgeline, suspension line, and whoopie slings

    Hey guys,

    Sorry I know there are thousands of posts on this subject and I honestly haven't found a clear answer, or at least one that I could recognize haha.

    I have an ENO doublnest and use the atlas straps...just getting into hammock camping.

    Can you please tell me the difference, if there is any, between a ridgeline and suspension lines?

    Thank you in advance!!!!!!

  2. #2
    New Member hotrod1016's Avatar
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    A ridgeline is non weight bearing. Suspension lines are weight bearing.

  3. #3
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    Atlas straps and whoopie slings are two different kinds of suspension lines. They connect the hammock to the tree. A ridgeline connects the two ends of the hammock together to force a set amount of sag (slack) in the hammock regardless of how the suspension lines are setup. The ridgeline will allow your hammock to have a comfortable amount of sag even when your trees are too far apart and the suspension angle is less than the recommended 30 degrees. I think the rule of thumb for ridge line length is 80% of the length of the hammock.

    The Ultimate Hang Book is often recommended for people new to hammocking: http://theultimatehang.com/

  4. #4
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    Thank you..that makes much more sense..you should have seen me go over so many threads.

    SO MANY NOTES.

  5. #5
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    Another great source of information are all the videos that Shug has made. I have watched a bunch of these videos on tarps and insulation.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0

  6. #6
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    There's also tarp ridgelines to consider. Some like the tarp over the ridgeline, some like it under.

  7. #7
    Senior Member MDSH's Avatar
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    A hammock's ridge line does bear load if the hanging angle is less than 30 degrees.

    The distance between trees and their diameter are the greatest variables in the woods. Since I do not want to worry about the 30 degree angle I made a structural ridge line out of 1/8" Amsteel and intend to use highly rated tree straps and suspension. If anyone can guarantee a 30 degree angle then very lightweight suspension can be had -- but you're gonna die!

    Arkansas has a lot of trees but, lo, when I went camping there for Father's Day weekend there were no two trees the right distance in the site I chose so tied off to a man-made structure and a tree. The tree was so big that it ate up my tarp's 5' hugger right away. I'm the only one I know that uses tree huggers with a tarp but from sailing I understand the forces a piece of cloth in the wind can generate -- have the rope burns to prove it!

    Getting suspension right is the most challenging part of this adventure, it seems to me. I have three different suspension systems and am working on a fourth!

    When I used to hang in a lounging hammock I never thought about it -- had a big yellow polypro rope and in ten years never fell. But since sleeping in one -- why worry about your rigging when you're trying to sleep?

    .
    Mike

    Learn to survive and thrive in any situation, for you never know what might happen. Love family and friends passionately. Suffer no fool. Know your purpose in life and follow it with all your heart.

  8. #8
    Member Sterwee's Avatar
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    Don't worry, we were all confused at some point

  9. #9
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    I agree with Mike, the ridge line on my ENO doublenest is made from the same amsteel as my whoopie slings. I would rather not be popped in the face by a failing ridge line for a few oz of weight savings.
    There are some non-structural ridge lines out there that do things like just hold up a bug net, or allow you to hang some gear.
    So I suppose there are two general different forms of ridge line; structural and non-structural. Earlier I was describing a structural ridge line (because that is what I use).

  10. #10
    Senior Member AngryDaddyBird's Avatar
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    I am just as confused!

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