Rigging A No-Sag Hennessy Hammock Tarp

Ever pitched a Hennessy Hammock and had the tarp sag or droop once you got inside? This video explains why this happens and how to fix it. For more information and illustrations on hammock camping visit theultimatehang.com

[@FlashGeiger]

I stopped attaching my tarp to the hammock for this and other reasons. I like to pack the (maybe wet) tarp separately from the hammock and like to pack the hammock away before I take the tarp down in the rain. So I just hook the tarp to the trees on it's own line. This does look like it would work. Well done.

[@ldave1221]

The biggest reason to not attach the tarp to the hammock suspension is that the tarp is a sail and a gusty night will feel like someone is yanking you around all night, which I can't tolerate and sleep well. I attach the tarp to the hammock when I take it down so that the two are integrated during setup, keeping the hammock dry during a rainy setup. Then, once the hammock is set, I attach two separate lines to the tarp, attach to the two trees, release the tarp from the hammock, and tighten. The tarp now stays put no matter what the hammock is doing and the tarp is free to shift about in gusty weather, on its own suspension, without perturbing the sleeper. A reasonable compromise in good weather is to use two carabiners at the hammock attachment points to the webbing around the trees and then use these same carabiners for the independent tarp suspension. There is enough isolation with this hang in most weather.

[@DerekHansen]

Exactly. But the purpose of this video isn't to weigh the pros/cons of which suspension type, but if you are choosing to attach your tarp to a hammock, there is a better way to make it work.

[@OzClawhammer]

This video deserves more thumbs-up. Thanks for posting this Derek!

[@sarahd5596]

Just used mine for the first time and used this tip. Fantastic! And despite the feelings of others to the contrary, I liked the extra incline - acted like a built-in pillow. Thank you!

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

Derek thanks for taking the time to make and post this video!

[@Cwhammocks]

Love the idea of using your thumb and fore finger to figure your hang angle. Great solution requiring no extra gear.

[@tomcatt1824]

Snap On makes a hammock angle gauge tool.

[@billk5061]

Excellent Derek, and there is nothing wrong in your presentation. Hopefully folk's are aware that the HH and most camping gathered end hammocks are designed for diagonal sleeping and the 30* hang is pretty much a standard. I have not tried this myself yet, and I am surprised to find that the old standard 30* hammock pitch can get rid of the sag in the tarp after weighting the hammock. But good to know! However, I do see the same problem I have always complained about with my HHs with standard small low weight tarp: If the tarp is not still very close to the ridge line once you are in, coverage looks a bit inadequate. The further the hammock RL is from the tarp's RL, the more exposed the sides are. Attaching the tarp to trees also keeps the tarp tight, but with the same problem: hammock sags, tarp does not, now there is poor coverage to all but straight down rain, and forget blocking wind. Although, not so much a problem for me as I often use my HH Super Shelter which protects the hammock from side ways wind, rain or splashup. Also, looks like I could use this technique with larger tarps attached to the hammock suspension, keeping the tarp tight and still have adequate coverage? Another trick I got from HH: tarp close to RL, but hang stuff sacks or water bottles from the L and R ends of the tarp. When the tarp sags closer to the ground, the weights keep some tension on the tarp. Works pretty good, with or without some elastics/bungee cords. But obviously if there is a cure without having to do such tricks, I will use it! Good research there, Derek, I need to run out and give this a try!

[@jamiepeirce526]

Thanks, I just got one and was trying to figure out how to make the tarp taught. Love the engineers scale (or maybe it’s an architects scale).

[@mikelkhor]

Great tip, and just the solution I was looking for. Thanks :-)

[@tmac3574]

My Hennessy is coming from BC any day now! Can't wait. Thanks for the tip(s).

[@texaslonestarrider]

Fantastic video Derek! I have had this problem for years with my Hennessy! Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@DerekHansen]

You're welcome! Thanks for your comment.

[@toddquery7907]

Another "home run" video, Derek. Great work!

[@johnx9318]

So it was you who taught me about the 30' finger/thumb measure method! :)

[@GravityRoller]

At 5:33 most interesting info in this video. I watched this video few years back, and reviewing again today I remember, that I forgot, how misunderstood this simple principal. It seems that at 45-degrees the center load is equal to the load on each end (50# load creates 50# load to each of the two tie-off points for a 100# total load). As the angle decreases, the load at each tie off point increases. As the angle increases, the load decreases (pulley fashion up to a 2:1 ratio). GREAT VIDEO! Thanks ;-)

[@stevelucier8346]

Good tip to finding the 30 degree hang angle. Hennessy has illustrated the 30 degree if one can do so however not everyone is tall enough every time or at all. As such we use the "prusik knot/clips" the tarp may attach to only before utilizing the snake skins for packing away. If in a hurry utilizing the pursik knot/clips will still get one out of the weather quickly.

[@onipise]

Thanks, Derek. Great vid

[@davidmodeland429]

Very smart video, thanks for the breakdown! 👍

[@w2ville]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@TheCamomeleon]

Thank you from one fellow hammocker to another!!! Got my SUB!!!

[@terryfischer7988]

Great video once again Derek. Only thing I need is for our next Scout Backpakcing trip to hurry up....

[@whoopieslings]

Great video Derek! A taut tarp makes for a dry night :) Thanks

[@TheRellFamily]

Question: it appears that this set-up would increase the separation between the hammock and the tarp ...given that the tarp/rain fly is rather smallish (particularly on the ends) does this allow for an increased chance of rain making its way in through the ends? After a full day of packing I can sleep on any angle -- just dont want my down bag to get wet if it rains in the middle of the night. Thoughts?

[@michaelmccoy2698]

Very nice approach to a potential problem, however, I have been using elastic cords, similar to light bungee cords, for years in order to maintain a closer distance to the bugnet/ridgeline and rain fly in case it rains. By the way, loved your book and continue to use it as a reference. Is there a second edition on the way?? Mike

[@MrJoyholland]

Hello nice video.. May i also recommend too try working with DD hammocks they will give you option to run seperate ridge line above the tarp thru loops hanging between its own anker point on the tree. Also there tarps are way more use full and bigger.. you can than run your hammock in a tight line to the trees underneath the tarp as high,low, tight or loose as you prefer. and get that straighten out look to get a horizontal comfy sleep. (instead of getting the tarp of Hennessy straighten out to get that 30 degree angle you most likely end up sleeping like a banana..) The DD hammock and whoopi suspension is great for hammock adjustments. You can hang up the mosquito netting way higher to avoid claustrophobia. Run small bungee cord to a inner ridge line under the tarp separate from the main ridge line above the tarp (both waterproof ) and your netting is up.. As bonus you can also run a ridgeline inside of youre musquito netting everything stays in place this way even when hammock is moving around. Also if you want to hang a waterproof dry system you could better go for square tarp because you can anker 4 corners towards inside for diamond shape around you and get full storm protection also you should look for 2 snakeskins! one for the hammock and one for the tarp so you can sleeve the hammock at its own and than the skinned hammock and tarp at once( M and L skins ) This way your wet tarp, packed when necessary will be dry against your vulnerable hammock itself, also this gives you the option to do the reverse and hang yourself a dry hammock when it is heavy raining outside because the tarp comes out first and hammock waits inside waterproof snakeskin.. i have been looking around allot for good systems and i like the way of total customizing. Hennessy did a great system out of the box but you can go allot further if you do some research.. Hope this might be useful cheers..

[@TGBahr]

You can also tie the/a tarp separately from the the hammock just above it.

[@Whisky_Four-Three]

Awesome vid thanks for doing the work on this. ATB

[@PHARRAOH]

I still, enjoy my hennessy hyperlite. great hammocks

[@alpinescience]

Excellent!

[@Crashpad80]

I have always used a separate ridge line for my tarp. Its quick, easy, and stays very tight.

[@kashalot78]

Fabulous... I never thought there's so many words needed to explain something that seems so naturally simple and its usually done without even thinking about.

[@DerekHansen]

Thanks (admitting that I _am_ long-winded at times; apologies). From my own observations, and the vast amount of anecdotal data from internet photographs, this isn't something that people have naturally figured out. In fact, saggy tarps on a Hennessy are so common that it spawned new product categories for folks looking for better ways to pitch a tarp. When you attach a tarp directly to the hammock suspension, you have to accommodate for the change (stretch, angle) once the hammock is loaded. Changing the hammock suspension angle (between 20 and 30 degrees) and sliding the tarp further up the suspension eliminates the Hennessy tarp sit sag.

[@Nathan-gj8ch]

Sometimes finding ideal trees near where my friends are camping on the ground is hard. While I have never really had a issue with my tarp I usually just make it tight as I can and that works.

[@kas130771]

great video.. thanks!

[@mikeramirez2929]

Great Video Mr. Hansen. I've been thinking about purchasing the Hennessey Expedition Asymmetrical Classic. I like the overall integration of the product, however I'm not entirely sold on the stock rainfly. I live in south Texas, and during the summer daytime heating can bring on some pretty nasty thunderstorms, that develop pretty quickly. So- Q.1) If I do decide to upgrade the rainfly- What product would you recommend for this type of scenario? Q.2) Does the rainfly shed water more efficiently, when you run it independently of the hammock, with it's own ridgeline? Thanks, Mike

[@DerekHansen]

Mike, great questions. 1. A lot of folks upgrade the stock asym tarp to something bigger. It's part personal preference, and part coverage. A hex tarp is one of the most common tarps people use to upgrade. Hennessy sells a hex tarp and has upgrade options, but they are so common that just about everyone sells hex tarps. I have a pretty good list on my site: theultimatehang.com/2012/11/hammock-camping-a-la-carte/ 2. There is no real difference in shedding water whether the tarp is connected to the hammock suspension or directly to the tree/anchor point with its own ridge line. Speaking to #1, one of my favorite tarps has been the GoLite Poncho Tarp. It's about the same size as the Hennessy asym tarps with the added bonus of the poncho conversion. I like the simplicity of asym tarps and I haven't had many issues with rain coverage, but I have had some sideways wind attacks that soaked me from underneath. Site selection is one of the keys to staying dry, regardless of what tarp you pick, but sometimes you don't have the option to pick the prime locations, so you fault on relying on a better tarp. The key is to do your research (LNT#1: Plan Ahead and Prepare) and bring the right gear for the location.

[@thelawlesshiker]

Just add 6 inches of rubber surgical tubing on both ends. Adds constant tension no matter what. I use the warbonnet superfly and added the tubing to all 4 guy lines. Works great and adds hardly any weight.

[@cdb4464]

Thanks for the great 13 min. vid with explanations. Your youtube audience is not just camping experts with swagger. It's normal folks like me who go out once in a while and need all the encouragement & help they can get! You are a good teacher because you repeat the concepts to reach your students. Don't let critics mess with your head. THINK: T=is it true? H=is it helpful? I=is it inspiring? N=is it necessary? K=is it kind? Good job!!

[@joostme1093]

The problem is that now you hammock is a foot lower than the tarp. Plenty of space for rain/wind to go in between.

[@JoeC92]

I'm about to order my hennessy so just watching reviews and what not came to this one. It was mentioned at the end though, shock cord seems like it would solve this easily? I'm just basing this off looks but it looks like with the larger angle, you could deal with having water come in easier. but like @flashgeiger mentioned, probably easier to just go separate.

[@DerekHansen]

Any tarp can be added to the Hennessy, and a lot of folks opt for larger tarps because the asym provides minimal coverage. This technique of matching the hang angle to the hammock fabric angle prevents the tarp from sagging, and that could be a hex tarp.

[@mariusramstad9541]

It works for the sag but the tarp is so narrowly following the hammock on the end points, so raising it this much above the actual hammock will cause the rain to hit the hammock tips if there is a slight wind, before long soaking the entire thing. The point of the tarp being to stay dry I'll leave it with a sag, or at least apply a few extension modifications to the tarp before applying this method.

[@DerekHansen]

It is a possibility, but one that exists to some extent to any open tarp on a hammock (although an asym tarp is the most exposing than most). Adjusting the pitch of the sides can help in some cases, or relying on weather shields below can help as well. But honestly, in some situations, there is very little you can do, even if you pitched the tarp close. Site selection is the other key factor here. If you are going to use a small tarp, like an asym, you can't just rely on a snug pitch because you are exposing more of your hammock than with a Hex or Winter style tarp. But, if you can pick a sheltered location, you can get away with all kinds of small tarps without too much worry.

[@conglacious]

Thank you for the video. Thank you for speaking loud and clear. Thank you for using science with your explanations.

[@rhysnixon210592]

Grate video. What underquilt would you recommend for the safari.

[@DerekHansen]

i really like the phoenix from hammock gear.com

[@MikeDye86]

It seems to me, to get adequate rain coverage from a diamond asym tarp you would need it to be pitched real close to the hammock. Always love your videos, keep them coming.

[@DerekHansen]

Thanks Mike. It does help to have them close. You can still do this using the technique. The 30-degree angle is optimal but you can use slightly shallower angles and still make it work, thus keeping the tarp close.

[@TexasScout]

I am assuming that you moved your tie off points up by 6" and let out the lines to achieve the 30 degree angle?

[@MartyThun]

Yes, I would think thats what he did. Keep the chair height, but raise the tie off points.

[@michaelthomson5101]

Derek, by adjusting the hang in this fashion you have opened the hammock up for more weather exposure (wind and rain) and you only added 40 lbs. what will happen when there is a 150 lbs in the hammock? My first hammock was and is the HH Expedition 2.5 BE, Sym. Hand loose, cheers.

[@DerekHansen]

You're not wrong -- the asym tarp has marginal coverage at best, and hanging it higher exposes the hammock more. However, when hung at this 30 degree (or matching angle as the hammock), the weight will matter less because the force is equalized. It may be hard to explain here, but when you attempt to pull the suspension taut / flat compared to the hammock, you'll put more force on the suspension and the angle will try to equalize. But in any case, the added weight will not expose the hammock any more.

[@Hootyhoo-jq9vq]

Hey Derek I tried this, and got an odd side effect that I don’t understand. My tarp had a “swoop” in it. It had a belly in the ridge line. I am not dure why.

[@bushcraftarcher9904]

Hi great video thank you but quick question with the hammock so low and so much showing of the bottom of the hammock looks like you will still get wet as so much hammock showing.hope you understand lol

[@DerekHansen]

Good question. With any tarp, your primary consideration is precipitation from above, not below or from the side. Occasionally you will have gusting rain that comes from an angle, but any asym tarp will have a problem regardless of a difference of a few inches. This is why a lot of folks "upgrade" to a larger tarp like a hex for more coverage. My video exaggerates a little on how high you need to pull the tarp. You can also do a 20-degree hang and achieve the same result. The point or trick here is NOT to pitch the Hennessy as flat and tight as possible otherwise the tarp will sag.

[@chericarpenter-lundstrom6897]

I tried to read through the comments to see if my concern was addressed. my concern is that not everyone is tall enough to raise the ropes up to over 7 feet. How would you handle this? I am a 5'5" heavy woman and plan to taking a hammock tent on my next trek into the woods. I figure that my hammock will be a little close to the ground just o allow me to get in and out.

[@DerekHansen]

Cheri Lundstrom Sorry about the delay. You shouldn't need to hang 7 feet high. The hang height is a factor of how far apart your anchor points are. The minimum distance is limited by how long your tarp is, plus a foot for tying off. For most tarps, that's around 12 feet. I wouldn't hang much further than 15 feet if you can help it. Even at 15 feet, your hang point should be no more than 6 feet high, which is just above your head. I've got a hang calculator on my website that you can punch in some numbers and see how it works. theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/ theultimatehang.com/2012/07/hammock-camping-101/

[@JonoKnewt]

Great concepts. About to head to northern Ontario where rain is forecasted and I'll be implementing your pointers. I hate saggy rain-flys. Any suggestion for that constant fly fold over that happens along the ridge line? I can never seem to get the sides pulled tight enough which causes it to wrinkle. I want a smooth, tight, flat rain fly.

[@JonoKnewt]

So I did this on my trip to Northern Ontario and it worked great, on sunny days. When we got 4+ hours of thunderstorms and hard rain a day, though - everything in my hammock got soaked because the hammock sat lower than designed. I had a ton of water in my hammock and dripping from underneath it. Granted, it was some incredible storms we sat through, but I dried out my gear every day and eventually returned my hammock to it's original angle recommended by hennessyhammock.com. Sadly, the theory was great, but the practical application left me soaked. When I moved the hammock back to it's original angle, everything stayed dry, even if the rain-fly sagged a bit.

[@DerekHansen]

Jon Knutson Thanks for the update. Are you using an asymmetric tarp? If so, I will admit that asym tarps do work best closer to the hammock. It's a big tradeoff. Asymmetric tarps just don't offer great protection if they are too far away from the hammock since they offer such minimal coverage. There is an alternative set-up that you might try, if you want to keep the convenience of everything attached but also have the tarp lower: use a second ridge line. It works best if you have some small steel rings, but if you attach a new ridge line above the hammock at the level where the tarp needs to be, this will allow you to use a shallower hang angle and keep the tarp taut. It may make the bug net a little slack, but with the side pull outs, you should be fine.

[@JonoKnewt]

Derek Hansen Yeah, I did that a few years ago too, but wasn't a fan in the end and ended up just removing it. If it's a clear night, your method is a great way to let the air through. I really liked the sleeping angle.

[@alfnoakes392]

Have I missed something here? I thought the point of the Hennessy system was to minimise 'banana-spine' ie the bent sleeping posture that comes from hammock use (by offsetting the line-of-lie diagonally). Yet this solution to the drooping-tarp issue depends on increasing the 'droop' of the hammock. The (higher) separate-tarp/support line and snakeskins approach (see FlashGeiger's comment) seems to have more going for it. I'm waiting for 'supply-chain-issues' to be resolved so I can get hold of a Jungle Explorer ...

[@DerekHansen]

Yes you missed the whole point :) I’m not changing the hang angle of the hammock at all. In fact, one of the benefits of the Hennessy built-in risgeline is that it prevents you from going too shallow and reminds you if it’s too loose. Hennessy has a 30° hang angle on the hammock. What I’m trying to explain at length in the video is that if you continue that hang angle thru to the hammock suspension the tarp won’t sag. One of the common complaints folks have with the Hennessy is that when you attach the tarp to the hammock suspension, it droops once you get in the hammock. You can solve this by matching the suspension angle to the hammock angle and then poof it’s magic. Tarp stays taut. No change ever to the hammock. This video has nothing to change to the hammock.

[@johnbutler2231]

I have noticed many tarps hanging with amsteel or paracord directly to trees. Wondering does this not harm the tree? Can a tarp ridge line be used as a structural ridge line under the tarp where an extra ridge line organizer can be used?

[@evanphi]

John Butler this is what many people do (myself included) with the Hennessy Hex tarp, or any tarp for that matter. Derek has some videos about how to do SRLs for tarps with and without hardware.

[@GravityRoller]

Yes. As example, I first set a static structural ridge-line (above walking height), then use prusik loops to attach everything to the main ridge-line. Tarp is tensioned with one prusik at each end (to quickly create dry work area), hammock supported with one prusik at each end providing simple slide adjustability, underquilt & fly, etc. also all supported by structural ridge-line. I use 770 cord for structural ridge-line, and smaller cords for prusik loops (prusik loops can be combined with simple toggles made from small sticks, etc.). Excess ridge-line cordage can go to other anchor points for additional sets, clothes drying lines, etc. Link to video example of my descriptions above: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXi1qaZog8eroc0

[@87Runner]

does hanging the hammock at 30 degrees change the way you lay in the hammock? If I remember right the instructions on my hennesy said to tighten the hammock about eye height and tight. I feel like if I hang at 30 degrees it will change how the hammock sleeps. id like to know you opinion!

[@DerekHansen]

The cool thing about a Hennessy hammock is that the ridgeline that connects the two ends prevents the hammock from being pulled too tight, no matter how tight you tie the end ropes. Your Hennessy is already "set" to a 30 degree angle. That's what creates the sag in the hammock. What this video is demonstrating is how to set your end ropes (the suspension) to the same angle as your hammock. When you do this, the tarp can connect to the suspension without sagging when you get in. Does that help?

[@87Runner]

@@DerekHansen thanks for the response. I think that helps and makes a little more sense. I was just curious because when I hang my Hennessy I tie it to one tree and then when tying to the other tree I tighten it up pretty much as tight as I can get it. There for I don't think I'm getting quite the 30°. So my main question was if you give the hammock some slack to get the 30° will it be to saggy inside the hammock. Going camping in a week and I'm going to test your method out because the issue that your fixing is a real on. I'll report back but it looks like it'll be all good! Thanks for the video and the response! Have a good one!

[@DerekHansen]

@@87Runner Great question. As long as your suspension's angle is less than or equal to the angle of the hammock, it won't change the hammock angle. To test / check this, put a small, heavy item in your hammock so it pulls the fabric taut into a triangle and then you can "see" the angle of your hammock and then if you continue that line / angle from the hammock fabric through the suspension, you'll be good. I have some illustrations I can share that clarify this. Just email me at derek@theultimatehang.

[@earthcrawler4152]

Duuude, why haven't I found this video before!? I know the title of the video is aimed towards Hennessey's in general, but does this information apply to an Explorer Ultralight Asym Classic?

[@DerekHansen]

EarthCrawler You can apply this to any hammock. Adding a tarp directly to the hammock suspension is possible on any hammock, provided you have suspension that will support it.

[@earthcrawler4152]

Thank you good sir

[@TheBeatenPaths]

I've discovered a fool proof and much easier method. I think, Hennessy designed the hammock itself, to hang at 30 degrees off a tight suspension. When I tie my hammock up, I tie it up "guitar string tight", and it seems I have a 30 degree hang......measured from the cinch buckle as opposed to from the tree. This gives the tarp a much more rigid ridge line, in turn, no sag. Not to mention, consistent hangs every time, no worrying about angles night after night on a hiking trip. My method eliminates all the variables.

[@ytube777]

The only reason to raise the anchor points would be to keep sit height constant correct? Because couldn't you just lessen the tension on the ends to get the proper 30 degree angle without moving the anchor points?

[@DerekHansen]

It is a combination of those elements. Yes, you can lessen the tension and then you can increase the hang angle, but it will lower the hammock and adversely affect the sit height. This is why the hang point goes up.

[@evanhammond7305]

Any suggestions to a underquilt for a hennessy expedition

[@DerekHansen]

HammockGear.com has some great options that will work beautifully.

[@TexasScout]

What brand/name/style of hat are you wearing? Love it.

[@DerekHansen]

Oh, that's a Tilly.

[@EverestExperts]

Looks like TTW2 TEC-WOOL by Tilley. I have the same one and love it.

[@getsmart3701]

Great video and great tip mate. Thank you for it.

[@blaskotron]

What about shock cord on the two ends of the tarp to maintain tightness?

[@DerekHansen]

Shock cord on the ridge line is functional, to a degree, but you have to be careful not to put undue stress on the tarp. This will happen if you pitch the hammock taut -- the shock cord will also be pulled taut and that can be tricky.

[@dirtycommtroop]

Do you mean principal O'shaughnessy?

[@krisdouglas6536]

I presume the 30 degree angle on hammock is only applicable if tarp attached to hammock ? I have the HH explorer and seperate Hex tarp. I take it it's ok to set hammock tight at eye level so when weight in its at chair height ? Or should hammock always be hung with the 30 angle ? Also I presume in my case I don't need the hammock fixing higher than tarp ? Thanks

[@DerekHansen]

+Kris Douglas The 30-degree hang angle also reduces the forces applied to your hammock, and the force applied to the tree (or other anchor point). Hennessy has designed their hammock with a ridge line, which makes hanging the hammock more fool-proof because no matter how tight you set the suspensions lines, the hammock will still be at around 30 degrees. Even if you don't attach the tarp directly to the suspension, it is good practice to set the suspension at around 20 to 30 degrees because it dramatically lowers the tensile forces. Check out my hammock hang calculator on my website to see how the numbers change. Hanging your tarp high or low in relation to the hammock is all about adapting to weather conditions, whether in storm mode or porch mode.

[@krisdouglas6536]

+Derek Hansen makes perfect sense thanks again

[@wildernessman2022]

But here's the problem you said after you made the adjustment the moving it up one foot and you put the 40 pound bag in the hammock that it dropped only 1.5 in and the tarp was still tight okay but when you increase the weight from say 40 lb to 200 lb if that drop continues as it did in 1.5 in it continues to multiply as it goes down then the hammock tarp will still end up loose you have it fixed the problem

[@DerekHansen]

I'm prorbably not as clear as I should be in the video. In real life, with a human occupant aboard, the tarp does not sag. The weight shown in this video was for illustration purposes.

[@jimsteele7108]

When I set my anchors to work at 30 degrees, I get a sagging ridge line. What's going on with that?

[@DerekHansen]

Hmm. Doesn't seem right. How are you measuring the hang angle? Are you using the finger-thumb method? Do you put a small weight in the hammock to straighten the fabric into a triangle?

[@jimsteele7108]

Derek Hansen , the only thing I can come up with is that maybe I don't have enough length between the anchor points, trees that is.

[@inHammock1]

The drawback is that you get wet with any amount of windy rain.

[@DerekHansen]

That is reality with both diamond and asym tarps like the one shown here. Best in calmer conditions. That said, the technique can be applied to hex tarps too, if you want to attach your tarp to your hammock's suspension.

[@inHammock1]

@@DerekHansen Yep, got to get a hex tarp for rainy seasons.

[@morganharper3459]

This 30degree thing seems like a good idea but if it rains and there is even a minute amount of wind then the rain will blow right under the tarp and get you soaking wet.

[@protoyz7405]

or buy a better/bigger a-frame tarp with more guy outs and stay dry in wind and rain...

[@treenopie]

Shortcut to solution: 7:21

[@peterbrennan4242]

Switched off at 'hypotenuse' (sp?)….

[@killthebuddha5034]

Haha.... Almost lost me there as well! It's just basic trig.... 15min of rambling for 1min of advice

[@DerekHansen]

[@ChristopherBurnetteCamomeleon]

Awesome stuff!! Don't have a Hennessy, but I have a few hammocks. Will keep the tips in mind!!!

[@DerekHansen]

Thanks! You don't have to have a Hennessy to attach a tarp to the hammock suspension. I do it with other hammocks and it works fine. ~derek Sent from my iPhone

[@maricellagarza765]

Effective

[@getsmarthypnosis6850]

At 30 degrees, it seems like it will cause the actual hammock to bend in way that may not be as comfortable for the back. Why not just mount the rainfly to it's own line?

[@DerekHansen]

The Hennessy, like many Mayan-style hammocks, are hung with a sag. The 30-degrees is already built into the Hennessy thanks to the ridge line. Nothing changes in the way the hammock sags: it isn't deeper or looser than if you tie the suspension tighter. All you are doing with using an angle on the suspension lines is matching the angle in the hammock. If you watched the video, you'll see that nothing changes in the way the hammock lays, only in how the tarp works. Yes, you can pitch the tarp using a separate line, many do. The Hennessy was designed to connect the tarp directly to the hammock to make set-up faster and easier, but if you pitch the hammock with really tight suspension lines, the tarp doesn't hang well. The whole point of this video is to try to show how you make this work, if that's what you want to do.

[@getsmarthypnosis6850]

Derek Hansen I see. I was under the impression that Hennessy claimed a "near flat" sleeping surface, diagonally. Thanks for the video

[@DerekHansen]

getsmarthypnosis Yes. This is true of all mayan-style hammocks. When you take any gathered-end hammock and hang it with an appropriate sag (~30 degrees), you can sleep diagonally, which provides a very ergonomically flat position. Hennessy made this simpler by adding a ridge line between the ends of the hammock preventing the user from pulling the fabric too tight. In essence, the angle is "locked in" no matter how tight you hang it. It is possible to make the sag too slack if you deepen the angle, to say, 45 degrees. But the Hennessy was designed at around 20 to 30 degrees, When you hang the Hennessy at this angle, you can attach the tarp to the suspension line and the tarp will stay taut even when you get inside. When you try to pull the suspension too tight on a Hennessy, the hammock will still lay the same as it does at 30 degrees, but if the tarp is attached to the suspension lines, the distance is actually slightly shorter, so when you get in and the lines pull down with your weight, the tarp begins to sag.

[@getsmarthypnosis6850]

Derek Hansen Wow, that is an excellent response. I appreciate you taking the time to explain it.

[@terraelise]

Sorry for raising the dead... Actually, I found the hammock uncomfortable and difficult to be diagonal in when I pitched too tight (usually also too far away - the joys of finding a pitch location in the high Sierras). After I found your article on the web, I hung less taught and magically was more comfortable. *This may be a condition of being very tall - at 6'1" it's impossible to be in the Hyperlite totally flat, but I sleep with knees bent on my side anyhow, and for that a taught hammock hang is very uncomfortable. Thanks for the detail work, I love it, nice of you!

[@michelleosborne8951]

If you hang the hammock at 30 degrees to start when you get in it will drop another 30 degrees and be at 60 degrees. Your butt will be on the ground.

[@DerekHansen]

no. the ridgeline prevents it. in this video, i am literally demonstrating this.

[@MiamiValleyGearGuys]

Be Honest, Do hammock aliens from planet Hammocka travel across the galaxy to share these secrets of hanging with you? Thanks for the entertainment and valuable tip.

[@DerekHansen]

Thanks. It would be nice if they did... :) I probably process hammock questions too much and should instead do something productive with my life ;) I discovered this tip by accident, really. I've been hanging my hammocks with a 30-degree angle for so long now it's habit. So when I got these new Hennessy models, that's how I pitched them. I also haven't attached my tarp direct to the hammock since my first Hennessy because I had such bad luck. I thought it was a flawed design. So when I pitched these new hammocks I wasn't expecting anything to change. When the tarp didn't go slack I sat in my hammock till my puzzler was sore and then I started testing. It was a remarkable coincidence, but I feel confident now that I know why and how the slack tarp syndrome occurs.

[@neilsdahlberg1323]

Windbag

[@jacksonburgess1461]

the tarp is included not integrated

[@DerekHansen]

If by "not integrated" you mean "not sewn to the hammock" then that's true. However, in all my usage, I mean that "integrated" means that it is designed to fit, patterned to match, and included with the hammock as part of the package. And one more special case for Hennessy, the tarp is connected to the hammock, so in a sense, integrated into the hammock as a single piece. Sure, you can pitch it separate, but it was designed to work seamlessly together.

[@Undeworld667]

SCIENCE BITCHES

[@kyrg]

Holy crap people, just use a small diameter loop of shock cord attached to the prussik. End of story.

[@Datsyzerberg]

lot of talking for a very simple idea. LOT of talking.

[@DerekHansen]

Yeah, I know. It's a disease. I am working on brevity. :) in a nut: hang your suspension at an angle corresponding to your hammock's sag. Bingo!

[@Datsyzerberg]

+Derek Hansen im afflicted as well, no worries ;)

[@bowins7895]

it would seem that your system works, but it fails at human comfort. with a 30* incline on each suspension line you are going to feel like you are sleeping in a u shaped bowl, not a comfortable hammock. I dislike the high angle on the suspension lines as it puts strain on my neck and back, as well as flexes my knees in the reverse direction. the real solution is to make the adjustments on the tarp or run a separate ridge line for the tarp. a second ridge is the solution to making independent adjustments to both the sleep angle and the tarp angle.

[@DerekHansen]

I see that I am going to have to do another video. In this video, the hammock is hung at 30 degrees and _nothing changes in the lay of the Hennessy_. The ridgeline remains taut and the hammock remains comfortable. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised at the naysayers -- have you actually tried this yet? I am showing it done here, but I suppose one video isn't enough. theultimatehang.com/2012/06/tips-for-pitch-perfect-hammock-camping/ theultimatehang.com/2012/07/hammock-camping-101/

[@DerekHansen]

Sam Armstrong No, I'm not above criticism at all :) Indeed, I appreciate the collaboration that comes from crowdsourcing. Honestly, it can be very humbling to publish anything, such as this, because it opens you to such criticism, but in order to play, you've got to accept the hard knocks on occasion. However, in this case, I stand by my research. I'll be the first to admit mistakes, or maybe the second, in the case where someone catches an error first ;) What I am describing here, though, doesn't change how the hammock is shaped, how it lays, or how you lay in it. What surprises me, and what I am asking Bo, is whether he has tried this himself, or if he is just speculating from the sofa. If there is an error, it is that this video doesn't clearly describe what I am trying to illustrate. As I mentioned before, I plan on publishing a followup video to hopefully do a better job.

[@DerekHansen]

Thanks Sam! I've got a 30 part video segment on the Hennessy I'm working on, so stay tuned!

[@FlashGeiger]

Sorry Bo, but that's only true if you sleep with your feet and head facing the trees. the Hennessey is designed to be slept in diagonally, so you lie flat. It's asymmetrically cut for this reason. Also, with any hammock with a structural ridge line, you get the same sag with a tight or loose pitch as long as the ridge line isn't floppy. If you don't sleep diagonally in any gathered end hammock, you can't get it tight enough to lie flat.

[@trollsteadent.72]

Bo Wins I don't think you realize that you don't sleep/lay parallel with the line of the hammock. Go about 30 degrees off center to lay. You lay almost completely flat. Everyone has their own "sweet spot". It works. I've hammock camped for years. I slept in nothing but a hammock for 2 years straight. Hope it helps.

[@yungsmile7546]

It might be a helpful video if you'd actually done this outdoors and actually got your arse into the hammock, so we could all see how well it doesn't work. A 40 lb. bag, REEEEEEEAAAALLLYYYYY.

[@JimmyHagar]

I was liking the video until you completely got ate up with yourself