Ridgeline tension changes overnight?

[Bushwhacker]

I set up a hammock semi-permanently in my backyard, and when I go to sleep the ridgeline is the perfect tightness, but sometimes when I wake up, the ridgeline has mysteriously become guitar string tight.

Also, is it bad for my WBBB if the ridgeline is stretched tight? Do you measure tightness when sitting in the hammock, or when it's empty?

[MAD777]

Is the ridgeline the one that originally came with the blackbird? I ask because that is Amsteel & it does not stretch. So, something else is moving.

When you are in the hammock, you should be able to twist the ridgeline with some effort. If the ridgeline is strung too tight, the worst that can happen is the ridgeline snaps. But, that would take about 1500 pounds.

[Bushwhacker]

Is the ridgeline the one that originally came with the blackbird? I ask because that is Amsteel & it does not stretch. So, something else is moving.

When you are in the hammock, you should be able to twist the ridgeline with some effort. If the ridgeline is strung too tight, the worst that can happen is the ridgeline snaps. But, that would take about 1500 pounds.

Yep, it's the original ridgeline. I might just have weak arm muscles, but it does not twist. Is it possible that the trees move somehow overnight?

[boulderv7]

Yep, it's the original ridgeline. I might just have weak arm muscles, but it does not twist. Is it possible that the trees move somehow overnight?

I would think that even if they did, they would be pulled in towards each other from the weight of the hammock and you in it. Maybe the fabric is stretching as you sleep resulting in a tighter ridgeline? Not sure...

[MAD777]

Maybe the fabric is stretching as you sleep resulting in a tighter ridgeline? Not sure...

This would have the opposite affect.

Are you closer or farther from the ground when you wake up, or the same?

[boulderv7]

This would have the opposite affect.

Are you closer or farther from the ground when you wake up, or the same?

Yeah you're right. I can't think of anything what would be stretching to cause a tighter ridgeline.

[MAD777]

Very mysterious indeed!

1. The trees are growing in circumference overnight, taking up slack in your suspension, or
2. Your reaching to the bag of Snickers Bars stored in the pack beneath the hammock and gaining weight during the night.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[gmcttr]

...Is it possible that the trees move somehow overnight?

Yes, it is very possible. Trees will do all sorts of things to screw with us. Ask a mountain biker. Many of us have had trees jump out in front of us causing crashes. If you listen closely, while the little stars are still swirling around, you can hear the trees giggle.

[lori]

Is the webbing original? Is it slipping down the bark of the trees?

[Bushwhacker]

It's definitely not slipping, the sag is restored to normal every night. I think the most plausible theory is that Ents are roaming in my backyard.