So, like many, I started out the cheap route for hammock camping - picked up a couple of Yukon Outfitters parachute hammocks ($20 on Woot), some 10' nylon straps, and a couple of carabiners to attach to the small end loops. It was incredibly hard to get things dialed in, as I relied on the proper looping of the tree as my adjustment.

The next year I bought some Hennessy Hammocks, and shelved the old hammocks. I've been in them for 2 years now, slowly upgrading capabilities for severe weather and sub-freezing temperatures.

So, 2 weeks ago, I picked up an underquilt for my son from Arrowhead Equipment during their 6th anniversary sale, and saw they had Marlin Spike Whoopie Kits for $15. I figured that's a good enough price point to pull these into my ever-growing pike of hammock stuff, and to muck around with a new technique.

Last night I replaced the short loops on one of the old hammocks with the Whoopie Slings, and hung it on my garage hooks. After fiddling with the new ridgeline for a bit, I ended up with an amazingly comfortable hang - flat lay, and very little calf ridge.



Getting out of the hammock was a chore - I think it must've been sewed with a shorter bias on the side panels to increase the tub-like feel.

So, I can honestly say - keep those old items around - you may never know when you can repurpose it with newer knowledge and technology!

And it goes to show that a comfortable hang depends on several factors, proper suspension being one. Good post.

I agree. Added some Dutch bling and suspension onto my Yukon hammock as well as knowledge from hammock forums and it's working just fine now.

I have the same setup. My underquilt is from arrowhead equipment, I have Amsteel whoppie slings attached to marlin spikes from Oppie, also a adjustable structure ridgeline. It's really amazing what a few upgrades will do.