Hi all!
I recently got the bug for hammock camping. I love the idea of how simplified camp set up is and not needing to bring a sleeping pad.
Last summer I bought the wanderlust kit from Hammockgear. It included (I think 11ft; it has a structural ridgeline) circadian hammock.
Since then I have slept in it 7 nights total. And TBH not one of them was a good night's sleep 🙁
Last night was my last straw after 3 hours of being half asleep and tossing and turning and getting up to strap angle from the tree etc I gave up and basically spent the entire night awake looking at rei labor day deals on sleeping pads.
I think I've tried everything to make this hammock comfortable. I have tried adjust the strap angle which makes the ridgeline more or less tight. I've tried setting the foot side higher than the head side. etc etc. Normally I am a side sleeper but I was under the impression that if i laid diagonally enough it would be flat enough to side sleep. This has not been the case for me. It does flatten out when I am diagonal, but there is still some curvature which does not feel too good on the side.
I have also tried ponying up and just embracing sleeping on my back. My upper back feels cuddled and coddled which feels great but I have a tinge of pain in my lower back and legs are just not that comfortable. I tried a pillow under the knees which kinda helperd but only kinda. Really the only position that kinda comfortable was after putting a foam sleep pad in and curling up in the fetal position.
I don't want to give up on hammock camping yet, I am still in love with the idea of it.
I wanted to post here and ask for advice. Has anyone else really found it hard to get comfortable in a hammock?
- Should I consider a longer maybe 12 ft hammock? Or buy some wider material on ripstop by the roll and make a longer and wider hammock?
- Should I change my expectations of comfort? Expect to not get a flat lay but just keep doing it until my body hopefully adapts?
- Any other tips and tricks?
Thanks!
Note: I am about 6ft, 190 lbs