A very tight hammock or a too loose hammock are both uncomfortable and can bring you some back pains. A hammock should be hanged at the correct angle that is recommended by experts. According to research the best angle to hang your hammock is at 30 degrees from the horizontal.
The problem is that to achieve this 30 degrees is hard. Many people make the mistake of trying to flatten the hammock by tightening the ends. Yes, it will look flat like a bed but when you climb into the hammock it will go down in the middle because of body weight.
Reasons Why a Hammock can be too Tight in the Middle
- When the hammock is tied very tightly
This is the main reason a hammock can be too tight in the middle. Many people make this common mistake while hanging a hammock. This leads to the middle part tightening up when you lie on it.
You should remember that your hammock should be slightly curved when observed from the side.
- When the hammock is too long
Your body height and the length of your hammock are important factors that should be considered while hanging the hammock.
You are advised that the hammock should be 3-4 inches longer than your body height. Laying on a hammock that is too long makes it squeeze in the middle.
- When the hammock is suspended at wrong angle
As we have discussed earlier the suspension should be 30 degrees. When the suspension is too curved or it is too flat both can cause a tension in the middle of the hammock making it too tight.
Always make sure your hammock is hanging at approximately 30 degrees.
- When you are using a wrong type of hammock
There are different hammocks for different purposes. This means that you should always use the correct type of hammock depending on where you are.
For example when you use a camping hammock in the bedroom it might tighten in the middle. This is because camping hammocks are naturally tightened.
Effects of a Too Tight Hammock
- It might make you feel claustrophobic. This is because the tight walls of the hammock will make you feel tightly cocooned in the middle. When you are lying on it, you will have high hammock walls around you.
- A tight hammock reduces the size of the room for movement on the hammock. This is because the tight walls will force you to be directly in the middle with no adequate space for movement.
- A tight hammock puts high pressure on the object it is hanging from. This may lead to a big damage on the tree or the wall or any other object a hammock is hanging from.
Tips to Consider for a Comfortable Hammock
- Make sure your hammock has a good sag.
Always hang your hammock at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizontal. This is the most preferred angle that will make you lay comfortably on your hammock. A good sag also lowers the center of gravity which in turn makes the hammock become stable and you cannot fall out of it easily.
- Always lay diagonally/across in the hammock
Originally hammocks were designed in a way that you lay diagonally across it. This will make your head stay up while your feet drop down making your body to lay ergonomically across the hammock fabric. This is the most comfortable position on the hammock.
- Use a knee pillow
Lying diagonally on your hammock can lead to a hyper-extension on your knees. This is because of the tight ridge that is under your legs. To avoid this use a knee pillow or any padding that will reduce this pressure under your legs.
- Make sure the foot end is higher than the head end
This prevents your body from naturally sliding to the middle of the hammock. Make sure you hang the hammock in a way that the foot end is 8-10inches higher than the head end.
- Have a drip line during rainy days.
On rainy days water can move down the suspension and make your hammock wet. A drip line is used to prevent this phenomenon. A drip line is tied on the suspensions hence directing water to another direction but not towards the hammock fabric.
- Try and fold the hammock into a chair
This can be done by taking the edges of the hammock and pull them towards the center. Sit on the double folded area which will look like a flat seat. This position is more comfortable than the bucket seat.
Safety Rules for Hammock Users
- Make sure you hang the hammock on strong objects that can withstand your bodyweight. A weak object can easily break and lead to bad body injuries.
- For children, hang the hammock not higher than 2 feet above the ground. The terrain should also be a flat surface. Try to avoid rocky surfaces or water bodies and slopes.
- Inspect the whole hammock before laying on it. Make sure all of the seams are in place and ensure there are no holes on the hammock or any weak area. This will prevent many accidents.
- It is good to always have a first aid kit in hand. Look for a first aid kit that is made for outdoor purposes or for camping. This is because accidents are always unexpected.
- Avoid keeping food in your hammock; this may attract pests like ants which in turn can bite you.
- Avoid stacking multiple hammocks vertically.
- Hang your hammock not more than 3 feet above the ground. This will prevent dangerous falls.
Conclusion
30 degrees from the horizontal is the best angle to hang your hammock. At this angle the hammock will not be too steep or too flat hence a comfortable relaxing time. Avoid stringing up your hammock tightly. Most of the time, this leads to a cocoon effect that squeezes your shoulders and bends your back into a very uncomfortable position.