BWCA Pillow or no pillow Boundary Waters Group Forum: BWCA Hanging
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   Group Forum: BWCA Hanging
      Pillow or no pillow     

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07/21/2021 03:37PM  
I just starting the learning curve on hammocks.
At least a new type of hammock for me. I have spent years sleeping in a Yucatecan hammock from Mexico. Imagine a "fishnet" type hammock that was woven tightly enough to catch minnows. Always slept in the Grande (or Matrimonio) size that had major room. You could lay at any angle or position and find comfort, so a pillow wasn't needed. It was mostly in the tropics and staying warm wasn't an issue.
I did a first full night when camping last week and didn't get real comfortable.
Then adjusted the hanging straps, length and height, and was much better the second night. I had a termarest with a extra Hotspot pad for shoulders and hips. and that worked fine. We were car camping so I had a nice big rectangular fiber bag and my pillow from home. It only got to the mid 50s so I was plenty warm.
The big pillow was great if I wanted to sleep on my side for a little while. With my other hammock I never needed to use a pillow.
Do people use pillows?
What do you like to bring
Do you think they are unnecessary?
Did you initially use a pillow and found it wasn't needed?

BTW I got a Warbonnet El Dorado hammock.
On a side question, How tight do you want the hammock ridge line?
Sometimes I rig it and it's real tight, Other times there can be some slack.
Can it be too tight?
Thanks
 
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TipsyPaddler
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07/21/2021 05:08PM  
I like a small inflatable pillow. I keep it pretty soft. I used a Klimt X pillow and also use the Nemo Filo Elite. A lot of personal preferences on pillows!

Some people like them under their knees if they experience any discomfort in their calves/knees.

The ridgeline line should be taut but able to flex a little. I grab it with one hand and give it a gentle twist. If it bow string taut or droopy I would adjust your hanging angle by raising or lowering your suspension on the trees.
 
gymcoachdon
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07/21/2021 09:42PM  
I use one of these:
Hammock Gear pillow

It is a small down pillow, so, very compressible, and I place it more under my neck than my head. It comes with a tether so that if you scoot around and push it out of the hammock, it can't fall onto the dirty or wet ground.
 
Othello
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07/22/2021 08:36AM  
I have found SLD APEX Climashield pillow to be fantastic. No overstuff, and it's just right for hammocks. I also like the adjustable shock cord with the two attachment points on the corners.

I concur with TipsyPaddler's comments on the ridgeline. The El Dorado is a fantastic hammock. Along with the SLD Trail Lair (when I want a more spacious experience), it is my go-to.
 
jillpine
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07/22/2021 10:01AM  
The down jacket that is packed (even in July and august) doubles as a pillow. It’s comfortable, more flexible than a “pouchy” pillow and it provides a bit of a barrier against cold head syndrome against the hammock fabric and against the sound of mosquitoes buzzing around the bottom of the hammock.
 
Loony_canoe
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07/29/2021 01:26PM  
I need a pillow just to keep my neck supported.

I use a DIY 6x9 flannel bag I made out of an old pair of pajama pant leg (ugly, but soft). I sewed up one end and made a draw cord on the other. I stuff it loosely with clothes or my down vest. I have it attached to a 1/8 inch bungie line that goes to the peak of the hammock and ties to the ridge line. Helps keep it from sliding to my hips.

Before I got fancy, I just rolled up a shirt of jacket and used that.
 
Loony_canoe
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07/29/2021 01:39PM  
Ridge line question.

I also use the EL Dorado.
There are some great hammock videos available that help teach all there is to know on hammocks. Shug is my personal favorite.

The Hammock ridge line should be tight enough to bend with two fingers. It should not be like a banjo sting. Slack is worse, since the hammock will not lay right and may not be as comfortable.
 
Hammertime
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08/08/2021 11:28PM  
I like a small pillow for my head.

Another pillow or stuff sack can help with the knee hyperextension problem if your hang isn’t perfect
 
08/16/2021 12:23AM  
Thanks for all the advice. I’ll probably go with the bag o clothes. Maybe modified pillow case with stretch cords. Either way I get time to practice. Our 10 day trip out of Mudro to crooked, iron, sundial was canceled before the closure and looks like it wasn’t gonna happen anyway. Counting the full Moons till next year.
 
Savage Voyageur
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08/16/2021 09:37AM  
Get a small inflatable pillow. I like the Fillow brand.
 
09/06/2022 07:50PM  
After a year delay, we completed our Sundial PMA loop from Mudro to Iron and back through Crooked to Lower Basswood falls. But those details are for different thread, I had pillow success.
I made my own. I had some leftover Silipoly from the doors I added to my hex tarp and made a pillow with it. I made it in a trapezoid shape to fit the gathered end hammock. Made a slash in the center of the bottom to keep it centered and added some elastic cords at the top corners to hold it in place. It worked great! the "V" shape fit just right. With the elastic cord it kept it in the right spot for my head when I got the "perfect hang". if my head didn't land on the pillow, I would do some adjustments until it did. I just used some extra "My Pillow" filling I had around. I do like a pillow, even in a hammock.
 
09/20/2022 08:16PM  
I switched to a hammock this year. I had the small inflatable type and liked it, but much less air than when on the ground. I managed to lose it somehow... So now I'll be concocting something new. I like the shock cord to hold it in place idea.
 
mags459
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03/19/2023 05:15PM  
I leave some slack in my ridge line and it feels best to me. I know it should not be real tight before you get in. I use a hammock pillow while boat in camping but just skip it for Bwca and don’t really miss it.
 
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