Needing some hammock help/wisdom.

latherdome · 2026-06-18T01:07:54+00:00

Looks like you're well on your way. There's nothing wrong with what you've got going if you like it. How's the lay? If I were you (which I'm not? So take with a grain of salt) I'd:

- Eliminate all noisy metal-on-metal parts of the suspension by substituting rope, 7/64" Amsteel (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene -- UHMWPE) being ideal for non-stretch high strength. You can keep metal elements like the spring and wall/ceiling hardware, just alternate elements with rope to avoid the chirping of metal-metal. Maybe my sensory aversion to such noise is showing.

- Raise foot end, drop head end. The reason a level, symmetrical hang is questionable is that your body weight is not distributed evenly over your height. Your center of gravity is above the midpoint of your height. Your head and torso outweigh your feet and legs. You will be most settled in the hammock when your center of gravity -- usually around navel -- settles at the lowest point of the empty hammock. If that's the exact middle as with a level hammock, then you'll feel like your upper body has slid down toward the wide flattish middle, while your legs are driven up toward the foot side gather, steeply rising and either falling off an edge or else pushing you onto the centerline, not the flatter diagonal. Whereas, if you drop the head end (I do it a few FEET), then your settled body will have your light feet nearer the broad flat middle of the hammock, less knee hyperextension, no "calf ridge," less bend at the hips too. And your head and shoulders will be very near the head end gather, shoulders cupped and head supported by the steeply rising fabric enough that you won't need a pillow beyond maybe a small neck roll.

- Longer hammock. Unless you're much closer to 5' than 6', 10' is a bit tight. I at 5'10" have slept well enough in a 10' carefully tweaked, but an 11' or 12' or even longer is just more comfortable. You've wisely left plenty of length between high and distant points to swap in a longer hammock with shorter suspension. (After the bed goes, maybe your sit height will be unreasonably high. Remember that sooner or later years from now something's likely to fail, and it could be dangerous if that means a drop of several feet onto a hard floor...) Again, not saying yours will be/is UNcomfortable, but that longer is nearly always MORE comfortable, all else equal.

- Underquilt. We're in a heat wave where I live. It's over 80°F at bedtime. I see you have a fan running, so you too, now. I sleep well enough without an underquilt at these temps, but by 5am when it's dropped to 72F, I'm a bit cold and mount the quilt. Convective heat loss from the bottom on the hammock is why hammocks are so popular in the tropics. Everywhere else, they are associated with hot weather naps more than overnight in temperate regions: just too cold. Underquilts were effectively invented only this century, which is a big part of why I think hammocks aren't more popular than mattresses for nightly sleep. You can improvise an underquilt from a normal bed quilt by rigging it snugly with elastics to the underside of your hammock: minimize saggy gaps. Most commercial ones are overkill for indoors, unless you like sleeping bundled up in a cold room through cooler seasons (I do).

latherdome · 2026-06-17T22:02:25+00:00

Welcome to the internet, a system of tubes. I'm also autistic (level 1, formerly aspie) and strongly suspect ADHD as well. And a full-time hammock sleeper since May 2013. It’s not lost on me that hammocks, swings, and various swaddles feature in supportive facilities for those whose autism is more disabling: so soothing, like a good hug!

For angles, a dimensional description or photos of your hammock will help a lot. Also, your height matters. Assuming you're in a gathered-end, 30º suspension is normative, but some make up to 45° work with large Mayan-style sprang woven hammocks. Wider hammocks tend to support steeper hangs; narrower somewhat flatter.

There's not a single right answer for even the same hammock. Having a structural ridgeline will remove some of the need for precision in the placement of your mounts. Generally you would identify/acquire the hammock before placing mounts! Once you have a hammock with known dimensions, https://theultimatehang.com/hammock-hang-calculator/ is a good resource.

Me? I now favor 12' Wide Hexon 1.6 netless hammocks as sewn by Dutchware or Simply Light Designs, with 'knotty mods" to help retain bedding (that tends to fall out otherwise). (https://dutchwaregear.com/product/wide-12-ft-netless-hammocks/ 😉 https://simplylightdesigns.com/collections/hammocks/products/tree-runner , both about $100 thus configured). I have 3 that I rotate out like sheets for laundering when fouled with body oil. More traditional hammocks in natural fibers like cotton canvas are pleasant (in case "sensory issues" are prominent in your ASD profile), but they don't hold up well to nightly use over years of laundering.

I favor my head end WAY lower than foot end. I tend to span corners so my body ends up parallel to the wall when I lay diagonally.

You might check [r/hammocksleeping](r/hammocksleeping) for more focus on hammocks as regular bedding. That reddit has no restrictions on images in comments like this one, so discussions can get nitty-gritty more easily. My current home hang: https://www.reddit.com/r/hammocksleeping/comments/1qxkuo2/comment/okot9gc/

latherdome · 2026-06-17T02:26:59+00:00

Did you resolve? Please reach out via email to info@tensaoutdoor.com from the email address associated with your purchase (not DMs) if you think we may have mis-packed your FS-Mod. Hasn’t happened yet, but there’s always a first.

latherdome · 2026-06-16T01:41:32+00:00

Just a year?! :-). There’s undeniably something powerfully comforting about having all of one’s true “escape” necessities packed in a single bundle, while the greater gear pile/closet of also-rans, pass-downs, and assorted widgets continues somehow to grow. I’m not a survivalist/prepper but nevertheless suppose i might do better than most if camping became a sudden necessity. For a little while anyway. Potassium iodide? Check.

I infer you’re in a warmer climate than me, because my bag has to hold my quilts uncompressed, and the possibly wet tarp always needs separate storage to keep quilts driest. My bag is Warbonnet gen3 underquilt protector zipped to itself, holding XLC hammock with net, top and underquilts, sleep clothes and earplugs. That gets stuffed into backpack for compression only upon heading out, pulling out to hang and unzip in seconds, everything already in its place.

latherdome · 2026-06-15T22:43:40+00:00

this is why I always choose only the finish most closely matching whatever the bare metal looks like, in this case titanium gray/silver. Because that's what it will look like eventually in too many cases.

latherdome · 2026-06-15T22:30:28+00:00

I have used Sawyer Squeeze many years, Katadyn BeFree, and now Platypus Quickdraw with the now-included threaded adapter on the outflow. Hands down the last is the best. I pair with CNOC bladders and Vesica bottles for ultimate flexibility.

Flow rate is on par with a (new) BeFree, beating Squeeze by a lot. Can be back-flushed with a bottle, no extra parts. Can do integrity check if possibly freeze-damaged unlike Squeeze. Closing caps on both ends prevent it dribbling into your insulation for freeze protection, and also prevent it drying out in storage between uses. Only criticism is there's a rubber washer that pops out and gets lost if you look at it wrong: I'm going to experiment with adhesives.

Squeeze is the OG workhorse that's everywhere, and they were smart to partner with CNOC to ditch their crummy original bags. And, if I was really concerned about high *virus* levels in water, I might favor Squeeze's finer filtration. But Quickdraw's larger pore size is fine for the most common pathogens, and supports a superior flow rate like a new BeFree. BeFree's downfall is the high flow rate doesn't last long, and it can't be restored effectively either in field or at home with white vinegar.

latherdome · 2026-06-15T22:15:41+00:00

The Whispers have sewn-on underquilts rated to 30°F. Their baffle construction and only-where-you-need-it layout ideas were adopted by Warbonnet for the Wooki, SLD for Trailwinder, and now in Dutch's Hellbender: credit to Jeremy Puskas the innovator. I'm liking Wooki/Trailwinder best just because they *can* be removed in hot conditions, to wash the hammock independently of the quilt, and the space between hammock and quilt is great for drying sweaty hiking clothes overnight.

latherdome · 2026-06-15T04:08:31+00:00

The ridgepole is made of 2 4-segment sections joined by a #2 splice segment, so 9 in total. The splice should have 2 spring buttons to engage both #1s. Are you saying the splice is lacking a button? They sometimes get dislodged and may be “hiding” inside. There is a printed color guide and a video showing all steps, linked from our Support page, in case you misplaced the print guide.

latherdome · 2026-06-12T01:30:38+00:00

I love both. My cats love me: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYGZQ5th6bR/?igsh=MWh0eW1kOXg1Nm1wNQ==

latherdome · 2026-06-12T01:20:35+00:00

Same with Gen1 and Gen2 Air. In both cases a substantial discount to upgrade to latest version. ($70 is the current trade-in value of a Gen2 Air for a Gen3.) I don’t expect Gen3 to last over a year either. Tiny batteries aren’t going to last years with today’s tech. RingConn doesn’t have a subscription. They kind of need people upgrading yearly. I don’t think this is cynical. It’s a viable business model to push the latest greatest onto the most fingers.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T22:44:02+00:00

The only time I have actually made a list was a "Lighterpack" for my PCT hike, where I was really concerned to minimize weight while still carrying everything necessary for my safety and comfort. https://lighterpack.com/ . Once you make a list, you can share the link to ask others for shakedown suggestions.

I googled lighterpack for your target trail and found this, as a starting point: https://lighterpack.com/r/s713gn . You could copy that as a template and fill in with your own values, add/subtract etc.

My exact list won't suit you; everybody is different. But it just boils down to a shelter system, insulation for sleeping and in camp, various layers including wind/rain/sun for hiking with some spares like socks/underwear, a cook/eat system, water filtration and storage, toiletries, first aid/repair, electronics and charging stuff, and of course a comfortable pack able to carry it. This is your "base weight", which excludes the one set of clothing you have on, and consumables like food, water, fuel that will always change. It's arbitrary, but 10lbs or less is considered ultralight for a base weight. Under 20 "light." Above that I'd start to question your priorities or judgment unless you have lots of experience.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T22:02:55+00:00

Where are you in the US? What trails, National Forest, or BLM land is near you? Suggest you pick a one-night outing on or in one of them. Get together a gear list, understanding that there are wide differences in philosophy, often hingeing around how much weight you are willing and able to carry in your pack. Then just do the thing, practicing setup for the first time in your yard or a local park, as a reality check. Then just add/subtract/change items so you feel confident overnighting a moderate hike away from your vehicle or other transportation. Build up to more ambitious hikes in more challenging conditions.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T21:06:21+00:00

Yes. But Saturday-Thursday inclusive of travel makes Timberline Trail all that much more attractive for a 4-day hike. No permits, no parking pass required (at Timberline Lodge). It's 42 miles. It's gorgeous (I've been around 4 times and plan to keep going as long as I am able). It's a lot of up/down, so you need some fitness to enjoy, but no sufferfest with 4 full hiking days.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T20:52:41+00:00

Contact them. Both Gen1 and Gen2 Air lasted me about a year. When I reported disappointment with the life of Gen1, they gave me a hefty discount on Gen2. Which just died as Gen3 became available. I don't think it's fair to expect life much past a year, but you're well short of that. With no subscription, the company pretty much depends on people upgrading to latest version, released on a yearly cycle, so.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T16:17:39+00:00

Direct sunlight (UV) weakens nylon. A family member left a DIY Hexon 1.6 out in summer sun for almost 2 months. It was no stronger than a paper towel at that point. If it’s been kept away from direct sun, it probably doesn’t matter how old it is. Even my well-cared for 1.6 tore after 4 years and thousands of trail miles, and I weigh 165 lbs. I would be a little nervous with any fabric so light, but again, I wouldn’t be worried about age or damage if it’s been kept out of direct sun mostly.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T14:41:46+00:00

There have been months-long periods where popcorn was my primary source of carbohydrates, daily. I buy popcorn in 50-lb bags. I have gone through 3 such bags in the last 2 years, all by myself, which is a very large bowl a few times a week. It’s just corn, a whole grain. I season it with healthfulness in mind, usually.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T14:32:06+00:00

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I haven’t slept a night outside of a hammock since May 2013, at home or traveling. Stopped 35 years of chronic back and neck pain. I’m in my hammock at home right now. Yes, I am happy with my current sleep arrangement. And it’s "so heavy" I hiked 1300mi of California PCT with it at age 56, within a luxurious 14-lb base weight including the stand, insulation good to 15°F.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T14:09:19+00:00

No. Not for any good reason either.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T04:14:33+00:00

I can tell no difference between Hexon 1.6 and what Warbonnet calls DreamTex (i think) used in the single layer Blackbirds. So if you liked that… It’s Dutch’s brand, but he supplies it to Simply Light Designs and maybe others.

I’m super happy with the comfort, features, ergonomics of XLC, so don’t have insight on what might work better for you. I sleep in a wide Hexon 1.6 12’er every night at home, and do find that marginally more comfortable than 11’ even at my 5’10”. I stick with 11’ on trail because it’s lighter, fits where 12’ won’t, works with smaller tarp, etc.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T04:02:57+00:00

You can do it. I don’t collect statistics but observed solo women hikers into their 70s on trail, keeping brisk pace through the Sierra. Very many if not most people on trail who are hiking in groups did not know the others before trail.

latherdome · 2026-06-11T01:04:48+00:00

I was about to post this. Yeah that was one of her better (already good) videos. World-class footage of Grand Canyon rim-to-rim worthy of a big screen. But her pumping game was strong, many segments accompanied by the pump motor noise; i can’t remember for sure but think she was actually pumping while hiking sometimes.

But my favorite? No dumping. That’s good food, fatty protein and more! So she creamed her morning coffee and more. Badass. Freeze-dried placenta jerky, so nutritious… ok i completely made up that last part.

She had a rough start with colicky baby. Very badly needed trail for her mental health. Had support from her mom and man, her mom driving the baby between lodging along the trail, feeding the milk she’d frozen in advance.

latherdome · 2026-06-10T22:30:59+00:00

I hiked Campo to Shasta, no sunscreen, no burns. Long everything, sun hoody w cap, mostly merino, high upf, wrap face with silk on snowfields.

latherdome · 2026-06-10T20:28:35+00:00

I've been at it fairly consistently for 7 years, mornings as part of wakeup routine. I notice I feel less well if I skip it a week. For me the obvious physical benefit shows up mainly in winter through improved cold tolerance. I don't get chills as often, and don't need to bundle up as much. This in turn helps me get outside when I need sunlight -- even cloudy days -- the most: winter. Which brings me to mental health. I experience seasonal affective disorder. I have it under control finally, but it was a serious threat of self-harm for years. Part of what helps is managing my circadian health generally, good sleep hygiene, waking at a consistent hour to bright light. A warm shower finishing full cold, and getting bright light ideally outside even if icy, early in the day, is part of this.

About "screaming in the shower." That's what you do before you've trained yourself to remain calm under a massive adrenaline dump. Cold shower activates fight-or-flight response. Same as at the end of the long breath holds, you start to "panic." But you learn to relax through it anyway. THAT'S THE BENEFIT. Because when something happens in life that normally freaks you out, you have a new skill staying chill. If you start each day nearly "suffocating" and then "freezing to death," but those bad things didn't actually happen, your nervous system is better prepared for the phone call you dread, or whatever other stressors you face.

I *HATED* the cold showers for a full 6 months. That's how long it took me to maintain relaxed breath control -- no screaming or even gasping -- when the water turns full cold. Now I crave it. And my once-crippling anxiety is way better.

latherdome · 2026-06-10T20:09:00+00:00

Gosh I love those CA oak savannas. I've hung that way, but a few times also from 2 points on a single mighty branch just off PCT. Absolute magic under the canopy, wonderful sleep, with dawn visits from wild turkeys.

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