Hi Hangers...in the gear forum, at least.

Similar to the other thread, I am considering giving the hammock a try. One of the concerns in the outdoor gear lab summary is that the ridgerunner can be tippy. Has anyone experienced this problem? How easy is the solution? Any specific changes to your habits to minimize the chance of spending time on the ground?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

Never even come close to tipping, I've always used a underquilt and never an air mat, so I am a little lower. Regardless the ridgerunner would take a lot of effort to fall out of. You may experience the feeling of being tippy when you try to change your shirt when you sit up, but again you're not going to fall out, just more core muscle workout if anything.

I got the RR because of the flat lay. It can feel a little unstable, but I have not found the need to modify it to increase stability. But, if I had wanted to increase stability, I had planned to stake out a line of shock cord on one side to add some tension. That said, my own experience was that the fears of instability were overstated.

Like a canoe, the initial stability might be an issue, don't enter on the edge or sit on the gunnel. Once in very stable.

I will add that it will feel more tippy with a pad (but comfy) and less tippy with an underquilt. Unlike the Blackbirds, I think a pad works well with a Ridge Runner, but it will feel more tippy.

I agree with everyone’s opinions. I use a pad that does cause a little unstablity but you get used to it and will learn the feel of the hammock.

+1 tipping not a problem at all. I use lynx underquilts exclusively now but I never had a problem with a nemo tensor pad either. And I'm a rowdy side sleeper with lots of barely-conscious rolling over

Interesting note on the RidgeRunner. I spent 40 nights in one a couple of summers ago and learned some things. First off, I absolutely love it. I did find that it's important to know how to set it! I think the online video was a slightly different model year than mine. In any case, I set it up with the poles attached to the underquilt tabs instead of through the cordage loops. It turns out that attaching to the underquilt tabs puts enough tension to snap the pole. I snapped three poles in one summer (all the upper ones by the head.) A couple of notes from the experience. The hammock is quite uncomfortable to sleep in sans-poles. Even makeshifted together with other poles, it's very uncomfortable. I share this because maybe my stupid mistake will save someone else on here! Set up properly, this hammock is the most comfortable night sleep I have had camping. I also love that it's functional space. The biggest downside to a hammock is that if the weather is poor or the nights are long (such as in the transition seasons) there's not really space to just sit and read out of the bugs. The RidgeRunner has the huge side pockets and I can prop myself up slightly and comfortably read which I never could do in a poleless classic hammock.

Thank you, everyone, for your feedback. Very helpful to hear from this group of folks. I've watched all of the Shug videos and read many of the threads on this site. I have a few more questions before I write a letter to Santa for a new piece of gear. :)

To answer your specific question, I have not found my RR to be tippy while sleeping in it. I suspect the tippiness concern may come from someone trying to sit upright in it in-line with the hammock while changing clothes etc. The most comfortable and proper way to do it is to simply swing your feet out to the side and sit sideways with your feet on the ground. Both gathered end and bridge style hammocks make great chairs this way.

I own both styles of hammocks and enjoy them both. I find myself usually sleeping on my back but can comfortably sleep on my side in either of them. I much prefer underquilts to pads. I think the RR is easier to hang properly and be comfortable in. I also like the broader view that it provides.

For me any quality hammock, hung correctly is supremely more comfortable and enjoyable than sleeping on the ground. They weren’t necessarily easier, cheaper, or even lighter but they are the best camping investments I’ve ever made.