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The right way to lay in a hammock
I love hammocks. They’re portable, easy to use, and comfortable – that is, if you use them correctly. When someone says that hammocks aren’t comfortable, it’s because they aren’t using them the right way. “But it’s simple right? Just hang it up and hop in? Right?” Wrong.
Videos by Outdoors with Bear Grylls
There are two things you need to do if you want to achieve hammock nirvana.
The hammock in the background is hung far too tight. The one in front has high straps, and the correct angle.
Hang the straps high
You can’t just hang your hammock tight and hop in. Ok, you can, but you won’t be in it for long, and you’ll go around telling people that “hammocks aren’t for you.”
When you hang your hammock, you want to attach the straps HIGH. Why? Because you’re trying to achieve a roughly 30-degree angle on the straps. There are hammock calculators online if you want to get precise with this, but it’s not necessary. Just make sure the trees are about 15 ft apart, and you’ll be fine. Then reach above your head as high as you can, and attach the straps. The reason you’re doing this brings me to the rule of hammock comfort: laying at an angle.
Laying at a slight angle allows you to lay nearly flat, making it much more comfortable.
Lay at an angle
When you lay straight in a hammock, both your feet and head will be uncomfortably elevated. What you need to do is lay at a slight angle. Move your feet to the right and move your head to the left. If you’ve hung your hammock correctly, you’ll find that you can lay nearly flat. You can even lay on your side if you want. Every time I point this out to someone, they’re stunned. “What? I’m WAY more comfortable. Why haven’t I been doing this all along?”
Know you know the right way to lay in a hammock. Hammocks are one of the most brilliant, simple inventions that I know of, but you have to use them correctly. I think you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference these two rules will make. I only ask that you pass it on next time you see someone squirming around in their hammock, trying to get comfortable. Spread the hammock love!
