Hang Better with These Hammock Tips!

[@GrumpyGrunt]

There is a lot more of a learning curve to hammocks than most people think. I know I'm a couple years into it and still learning all the time. I hope folks were listening to ya, Danno. It'll save them a bunch of headache and possibly heartache if they do. Happy hangin'!!!

[@Lazarus-aap]

If you happen to have more tips, I'd be happy to hear them. I'm looking to buy one. What should I take in account while looking for one? Tia

[@GrumpyGrunt]

​@@Lazarus-aap My first recommendation would be to go to Hammock Forums online. There are people there who have been at it for much longer, tried more gear and methods than have I, and who get out more often. They are an amazing free resource. There are such nuances to which hammock to get, depending on your height, weight, and how you sleep (stomach, side, back or flip-flopper; if you are a cold or hot sleeper; or what seasons you tend to camp most). So, without knowing any of that, I can't even begin. I have a $20 hammock (no bug net Costco cheapy), a $60 one, and a $300 deluxe one. The most expensive one is the most comfortable, but not very light weight. The cheapest is the lightest but not very comfortable. The $60 one is light and easy to deploy, but still nowhere near as comfortable as the $300 one. It depends on what is important for that camp/hang. The one caveat I tell everyone right off the bat is that hammock camping is not cheap if you want good gear and are not handy enough to sew your own (like me). For a full setup of top-line gear from quality cottage vendors, you should expect to spend $100-300 (hammock w/net), Top/underquilt ($200-300 each), tarp and cordage ($150-250 and can go WAY up for Dyneema/Cuben fiber). Most start out cheap and work up as we can afford the better gear and know better what we want/need through experience. Then, you also have loaner gear for friends who show interest in your new hobby. There are also local hangs (or were, before this viral BS) where you can go see and try setups from various makers. Good luck in your search. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask and I will do what I can to point you in the right direction.

[@highenergyog]

I only come out of the woods to watch your videos and then I run back into the woods to await a new one .

[@TonyTooTuff]

It’s tips like that, that will keep me a fan.

[@jaywimer4415]

Dan I appreciate your videos as they are to the point

[@corwinchristensen260]

A quick tip to getting your suspension close to the right angle is to use your index finger horizontal and your thumb vertical, the angle between the tip of your thumb to the tip of your finger will be very close to the angle you want your suspension. I pluck my ridgeline like a guitar string when I'm laying in it ... if it vibrates (low note) rather than making a muted thump I consider it too tight. You can pitch between supports that are farther apart, but you have to make your connection to the support higher so the hammock height, suspension angle, and the tension in the individual lines stays the same. Also, leave your suspension straps long, the diameter of a tree can eat up a whole lot of strap in a hurry. Another comfort tip that beginners seem to miss is to lay diagonally in the hammock as much as you can, meaning your feet close to one side of the fabric and your head next to the opposite side. It flattens the "lay" of the hammock such that you can straighten out and avoid the banana shape that many find uncomfortable to sleep in. I'm a side sleeper and by laying diagonal, I can easily sleep on my side and I've even seen some people on their stomachs and not be bent backwards (if their pitch is correct and they're laying diagonal.) The most important thing with hammocks is to experiment and find what works for YOU. I don't consider myself an expert either, however, I've noticed quite a few reputable bushcraft experts that are relatively new to hammocks make what I would call mistakes (too tight, too high, not diagonal, less than ideal knots or hardware usage, not using 1" or wider straps on trees, etc. etc.) It's not their fault, everyone learns as they gain experience and when it comes to hammocks and every individual has to work out what works for them. To me it's a mistake, to them it may be comfortable. I spent a dozen nights in various pitches before I found what works for me. Be patient and remember to Hang Your Own Hang (HYOH).

[@ryanmcclellan4741]

I have quite a few nights in a hammock, and agree with all your advice completely. The distance between the trees doesn't necessarily matter, as long as the angle of the hang stays at a consistent 20-ish degrees (fore finger and thumb is a good trick). This is accomplished by doing exactly as you stated, shifting the lines higher up the tree. Those long suspension lines might seem ridiculous, until you get in the woods looking for the right trees. You'll be glad for the extra slack!

[@donnienewman9141]

Good info!!! I've been a hammock hiker since 2017. I love my hammock!!

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

Those are tips tailored to hammocks that have a built-in ridgeline. Mine doesn't, so I tie it separately and attach my bug net and tarp to that. It's perfectly okay to tie your hammock between trees that are much farther away from each other than the length of the hammock itself as long as the angle between the hammock strap and the tree isn't much smaller or bigger than 60 degrees, as this makes it either very uncomfortable or puts excess tension on your hammock. A simple way to check this is to form an imaginary triangle with your thumb and your forefinger, with the former being parallel to the tree and the latter being parallel to the ground, and the hammock strap acting as the hypotenuse of that triangle. If the tip of your thumb touches the strap and your forefinger aligns with the strap to form the triangle without you having to adjust your hand and break the parallelism between your forefinger and the ground, then you've set it up perfectly. Once you do it several times you get an eye for it and don't need to hand-measure it anymore. Hammocking is one of the best things you can do outdoors. Just take a big rain tarp, a solid mosquito net, and an underquilt for the colder, windier regions, and you will never regret it.

[@snaponjohn100]

Yes. That is how I set up my tree straps. The angle is 30 degrees, however. I still like to have a structural ridge line on all of my Hammocks. There are times when I cannot get the 30° angle and it’s a lot less.

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

@@snaponjohn100 hmm, not sure I follow. 30 degrees between the straps and tree means your hammock will be sagging big time. 30 degrees is a very small angle. In what I'm describing this should be the angle between your forefinger and the strap, not your thumb and the strap.

[@davidr6585]

Thanks for some clarification... when he started talkin' about a ridgeline I started to back up the vid as I was thinkin' "why the hell's he talkin' about a RL, a hammock ain't got no RL. I didn't know some had one built in.

[@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon]

@@davidr6585 yeah, some do have it. Haven't use one such, but I imagine it can be limiting sometimes, and helpful in others.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

@@12stepsbeyondtheeventhorizon As an experienced hiker who now has a good hammock (gift), I'm still in the adjustment period. I have some back issues which make me prefer a good piece of ground, but Washington State doesn't offer enough such good ground where I go and then I encountered hammock hikers... So now I take on the extra weight and versatility. No built in ridgeline, but my 550 cord is always handy and I'm not gonna Hammock every night from California to Washington anyway. Now I'm wondering about this angle - doesn't it partly depend on variables like how stiff v. stretchy one's hammock is and personal sleep preference? I prefer to sleep more flat or better yet side or fetal position, so wouldn't a tighter hammock be better for me? That curve would just kill my back if it's too loose. Even basic bicycles hurt me with that bent over position - I modify mine so I can sit upright with a straight back. I also don't do well being confined. If and when I use a sleep bag, I use it quilt style. I'm thinking that in some situations I can set my hammock to just touch the "ground" meaning my thermal pad. An advantage I forsee with this is less ground to clear, which is to say a spot almost but not quite ready for cozy cowboy camping - such spots are incredibly numerous, and I've even used some, but hope for better nights to come.

[@TheBellmare]

I use a woven hammock (build for two, and even room for two small children) I don't sit/lay in it long ways, (like how people use hammocks like the one in the video) but open it by sitting in it 90 degree angle from the end tie points, stretching it open with my heels/head. THEN I shift to lay in it diagonally, and it lets me lay straight like in a normal bed, and it does not swing. I also find that tying one side outward helps in keeping it steady, and I can still lay part of the hammock over me for protection from day flies. A good tip is also to learn to tie without using brass snaps, which have a safety breaking point less than a normal adult weighs (found out the hard way, once, when I was all the way asleep LOL)

[@benterwellen]

I am going to try this, in the past i was always doing it wrong, and have never found sleeping in a hammock very comfortable.....ty for some more great info......

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good points Dan I've been using a Warbonnet XLC hammock for quite awhile and really enjoy it! I have sewn 550-cord loops around the perimeter which I use for ground camping with a tarp!

[@chewilockhart538]

Use a multilooped treestrap as a ridgeline. Crank that line like that friend said at head height. Clip into the loops that give you the best sag (feet on the ground at chair height).

[@jacquiblanchard3131]

Great tips, Dan. Thanks!

[@PapajosTraders]

Different hammocks require different set-ups. I NEVER use or need a ridge line in my Clark. But find one useful in my Enos. Also my standard tree spacing is about 9 paces which give me my 30 degree strap hang. Just about ideal.

[@KENFEDOR22]

My hammock system (Sierra Madre Ninox flat lay) is admittedly not simple to set up. With multiple tie downs (hammock has 4 to "pull out" toward fly, fly has 8 (4 corners and 4 "doors")), racing against mother nature can be challenging. That said, dialing in a hammock does pay dividends! It's taken about 4 overnighters to attain that. Spend a little more on a better hammock system, your (aging) body will thank you, PS, Dan - the ferro rod I purchased from your website is an absolute flamethrower!

[@coalcracker]

I am glad you like it!

[@wapsiriverscout543]

Timing is everything!

[@kentwood9821]

I have to say I am one of those who always thought that a _structural_ ridge line was to take the tension instead of the hammock (or share it) so that you can get a consistent bend regardless of the tree situation. If the trees are close together, it hardly has to work at all, if the trees are far apart, it bears most of the weight. I still don't fully understand the need for a consistent amount of slack in the line in all situations. Is the hammock going to rip or something if it's too tight?

[@christopherbarthlow4369]

Great video, my wife bought me a hammock not long ago and I haven't had a chance to try it out. This is good information I'm sure I'll be able to use.

[@brianc1651]

Check out Derek Hansen's the Ultimate Hang. Great beginner guide book and website.

[@EPGunman]

Great tips Dan thanks again for sharing the knowledge

[@MrNinjon]

Just got a hammock for lounging around but this does sound like a game changer. How would you attach the ridgeline to the hammock?

[@anotheryoutuber_]

if you have a gathered end hammock you can attach it to the carabiners or cord on each end, i strongly prefer the middle being adjustable vs fixed like the one in the video for versatility. if your okay with the weight you can you a cam strap like you would use for tying down a boat. they are really easy to use. have fun dangling.

[@Mr808islands]

Thank you bro thanks A update i just got into hammocks🤙🤙🤙

[@StevePage1]

@Coalcracker Bushcraft - I see that you've got the Modern Bushcraft class listed on your website, but I can't find a date. Do you have any dates set for the remainder of 2021?

[@kevinismawayoflife4660]

I got my hammock in May. I have 10-12 nights in it & I love it. For a heavy old man it is so much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. Every video I watch talks about the importance of the ridge line. I have not used one yet, & I just don’t understand the value. Is it just so you get a constant hang from one trip to the next?

[@snaponjohn100]

Yes. Exactly.

[@alabrol]

Learned something new. Thanks Bud

[@titanpreparedness]

Woobie slings make excellent ridge lines. Being able to get that sag in your hammock makes all the difference

[@Tofu_Pilot]

Whoopie

[@shawnleitch5208]

Good information..... thank you. What would you do for hanging a tarp over this configuration?

[@timgoward9407]

I use a separate ridge line at the same level as my hammock straps at the tree's, then I drape the tarp over the ridge line. I attach the tarp to the ridge line using a presic knot, position where I want it, then tighten. The back side I stake and tie down at an angle, the front I hold up with a trekking pole or stick the stake and tie down in a front porch configuration. If the weather gets heavy, remove the pole and adjust.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Dan. To the point for sure. I will be setting up my hammock this weekend for two nights. I will make sure I deploy these techniques. Take care. No Lions Head this weekend. Ha

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good information Dan

[@Brettmlyons]

Personally.. I like the bug net.

[@pmcmva]

2021 Bushcraft Class. Lord willing.

[@diannaharrison5931]

Thank you for the tips!

[@gmanpublications]

Great video I do have a couple of questions for you. Do you have an outline or something where you list what will be taught? How much is the class going to be? I looked on your site and didn't find anything. Thanks.

[@dge4560]

I usually have the foot end of the hammock a bit lower than the head end, so my feet dosnt sleep and go cold.

[@joecola6487]

This video should have been as it has already been said .. without a ridgeline ..you have to start using daisy chain tree straps and literally walking out the width of your potential trees ... modern man steps heal to toe and the sweet spot is 12-15 FEET between trees ... the whole finesse about the hammock itself is developing that correct hang in all types of different terrain /others hanging in proximity ... long story short .. practice .. it's a mini vacation... .. I have a custom made underbelly pack/ boot storage . . when you get the hang of it then you make the insulation purchases ... gotta really try it on and see if it fits ... cuz when it comes to insulation you don't want to make the wrong buys... rant over. Love the channel man . You do good 😎

[@harjupsingh1255]

This was solid, Thanks man! Looking forward to the class next year! Question, for winter, can you do a video comparing hammocks vs a ground setup? I don’t know what makes more sense and I can see the pros and cons of both. Given their weights and the amount of room it takes up in a backpack, what would be a better winter woodsman setup? Thank you!

[@anotheryoutuber_]

hammocks sleep cooler that's both a blessing and a curse, in the summer its great but in winter they tend to cost and weigh more as well as take up more volume than a ground set up to run similar temps to a ground set up. ground conditions however like rocks roots or grade, no longer hold you back. both are great weigh your expectations if you can only do one. youll definitely tinker alot more with a hammock setup but that modularity can be part of the fun. also always opt for a large rainfly if you dont cherry pick weather.

[@lostmarimo]

my leg keeps falling asleep when i try to sleep in one. never thought there would be so much skill involved in sleeping in a hammock lol, i might have gone with a tent instead

[@tyjordan4101]

What's your opinion on underquilts vs. sleeping pads in a hammock? I've been looking at the Klymit V Hammock pad. I like the idea of having a ready to go shelter system for both hanging and ground camping

[@brianc1651]

It can be done, but most people agree that an underquilt is much more comfortable. I never used that specific pad, but pads tend to shift when you move. Pads work a little better if you have a double layer hammock, where the pad goes between layers. Still, I prefer the underquilt.

[@asmith7876]

@@brianc1651 Corporal's Corner has a review of that pad, it's specially designed for use in a hammock so it doesn't move or create cold spots. I've never used one but there are reviews of it.

[@telegraph_hill]

I’m all about the great lay.

[@marjiecleveland]

Good to know!

[@BrosephRussell]

Great tips

[@andrewwatkins9901]

What did you use for the type of rope for the Ridgeline?

[@JohnAlot]

Corporal Kelly from Corporal's Corner recommended your channel.

[@tommythuntdeer]

Hmmm. Thanks!

[@jasonprairie9968]

That bug net just wasn't cooperating. Lol. Stay safe.

[@JCook-dx5pf]

That ksDan; good video! I love my hammock, but am really, really green when it comes to using it I'm the only one in my group of friends and family that uses one. It's good to get tips and tricks to help me use it better. I'll be experimenting with a ridgeline this weekend

[@brianc1651]

Check out Derek Hansen's The Ultimate Hang. Great basic beginner guide book and website.

[@JCook-dx5pf]

@@brianc1651 I'll do that; thanks!

[@OVERYONDER104]

You’re the fuckin’ man!!!

[@captndommoonshadow6863]

I know this is a little late but that structural Ridgeline is not for the hammock it's for the bug net I've been sleeping hammocks a long time I've never had a hammock with a built-in Ridgeline if I have a Ridgeline it's for a tarp or bug net

[@swamppappyjonson9780]

You mean the length and not the width don't you? Pretty confusing overall actually.

[@russell_O.S.]

I wanna sign up for the class!

[@johnboleyjr.1698]

The last time I was this early, I found an egg.

[@johnsunlight]

EARLY!

[@ladyofthemasque]

Um...actually, we could see the ridgeline better with the bug net behind it, lol! XD

[@meowmeowmeow1243]

My hammock looks nothing like the one you have in the video. Yours looks more like a hanging tent of sorts :)

[@andyirons7162]

Why does it matter whether the hammock ridgeline is too tight?....the whole idea behind the ridgeline is so your hammock shape/sag stays just right, regardless of how hard you pull on your hammock straps.....I mean, your hammock doesn't know or care how tight its tied/strapped because of the ridgeline - the ridgeline separates that stress from the actual hammock.

[@Johndozer]

i agree that a structural ridgeline sets the sag. i don't tie on any higher than 7' for any tree spacing, ever. i hang anywhere between 16 and 35 foot tree spacings and seem to get a great sleep. If your trees are 30 feet or more apart you are going to want to make sure you have strong hammock straps. The entire suspension system will be under a lot of stress, tree straps, carabiners, and the ridgeline (use non-stretch chord). As far as I can tell, the hammock itself is not be affected by all this tension and just hangs freely under my "guitar string". I hope i'm not missing something in this but i haven't "crash landed" yet! 👌👍👉🤙

[@rosarubea99]

I think you should have taken that bug net off.

[@donkemp8151]

Pro Tip #1 - Remove shoes before you get in the hammock.