Newb Comfortable, But Cant Sleep

**Cali** · 08-05-2014, 12:50

I recommend you check out a local group hang, where you can try out different hammocks and see what suits you best. Also you will have experienced folks there to show you everything that is mentioned here. Also, to top it off, you will make new friends to enjoy this addiction with you.

**Floridahanger** · 08-05-2014, 15:59

Originally Posted by VictoriaGuy

ettescott-
You may find that a different style of hammock (bridge or Ergo) may suit you better.
I only lasted a few minutes in a gathered end hammock - people discuss differences between brands, lengths, etc. but they seem basically the same (too restrictive) to me.
YMMV, etc.

This is so true.

Gathered end hammocks are not for everyone. I love mine and my wife can't stand it and can't get comfortable enough to sleep. She likes bridge style hammocks and can fall asleep easily and comfortably. This may be the ticket for you.

**ibgary** · 08-05-2014, 17:26

For stomach sleeping I'd try a bridge, or Lawson Blue Ridge. It has spreader bars and goes to ground as a bivy, but for me it's to heavy for back packing and to big for the motorcycle. Great for kayak or car camping. Daughter likes it, very warm with the rain fly on.

Also the 3/4 Jarbridge UQ fits like it was designed for it.

**ettescott** · 08-05-2014, 18:12

Thanks everyone! I'm adjusting to a new work schedule (I get up at 5:30a), but I'll keep trying on my nights off and report back in a couple weeks. btw I'm 26 live in SE Idaho and just went on my first backpacking trip last weekend (Grand Teton Park). I'll have to better introduce myself over in the intro forum

**thecrumb** · 08-05-2014, 19:02

I also usually sleep horrible my first night when I camp in my hammock - it's just different and I'm not used to it.

The following nights however I sleep like a log and lately have had to resort to an alarm otherwise I will easily sleep until 9-10am...

Jim

**Singingcrowsings** · 08-05-2014, 20:11

It took me a bit too, although I'm a side sleeper, but laying in a hammock sure did made me realise just how much tension I was hanging onto, even when laid down. Once I slept, I was struggling to get out of the hammock, and felt it calling to me during the day, and that was on my back. After a few months, I started finding myself going back to my side – I guess I found the magic spot. Ha ha!

If you're still wanting to lay on your stomach, might I suggest a pillow under your stomach?

**TheBadgerBrigade** · 08-06-2014, 16:02

Originally Posted by ibgary

for stomach sleeping i'd try a bridge, or lawson blue ridge. It has spreader bars and goes to ground as a bivy, but for me it's to heavy for back packing and to big for the motorcycle. Great for kayak or car camping. Daughter likes it, very warm with the rain fly on.

also the 3/4 jarbridge uq fits like it was designed for it.

plus one for the lawson!!!

**Gumbo** · 08-06-2014, 16:30

What I discovered about sleeping in gathered end hammocks was that I slept much lighter than I do otherwise. I still managed to feel plenty rested even if it seemed that I had slept less overall. I'm a pretty restless sleeper most of the time and I think it may have been the waking up periods to move around that were more waking than when I sleep in the bed at home.

Our last trip I used my newest hammock to be added to our hammock collection and slept very well. I don't want to say it's due to having found "my last hammock" until I have taken it on a few outings. Either way, any hammock beats the comfort level I have ever had in a tent.

I always figured if I was comfortable and felt rested it didn't matter if I was sleeping less.

**Winchesterdon** · 08-06-2014, 16:46

I to was a stomach sleeper and when I first tried sleeping in a hammock. I had a hard time falling asleep and sleeping through the night. But with a little practice I became comfortable with the new sleeping position. I have been Sleeping full time in a hammock for over a year. In my Ridgerunner I sleep very comfortably on my back. When I do sleep in a bed, it's right back to my stomach. Give it a little time and you will soon be sleeping like a baby

**TheBadgerBrigade** · 08-06-2014, 16:47

Originally Posted by ettescott

I've hung a handful of nights at home as well as a couple outdoors and although it's seemed comfortable, I've slept little to none.

Scott, I'm a newbie compared to most here. But I think you should go with a bridge style.
I start the night on my back but by morning I need to be on my side or stomach.
I know its heavy...but that lawson blue ridge hammock IS THE CADILLAC of hammocks....lol
I tried the Eno and Hennessy first and was told they are super comfy but not for a stomach sleeper. I hear great things from Shug about the WBBB but again, not a bridge style and i cant sleep in something that is not flat or pseudo-flat. lol

The Lawson weighed 3.9 and I know that is a bit heavy for some but I shaved oz's & grams everywhere else (minus my pad and old pack) just so I could rock this bad boy...
I'm at 17.9lbs (with a 2lbs thermarest and a 5 lbs pack) but everyone is jealous because they look over at my spot in the camp area and its like the Hyatt Regency over in my spot... lol

The lawson is like a 90 inch cot... other hammocks need slack but if you stretch this one super tight and stake out the four corners to the ground (with tarp tensioners)
its like a bed! Every skeptic has marveled once i get them to lay in it.

"sleeping peacefully"