Shug, I started watching (all) of your videos a few months ago. For months, I couldn't figure out where/how I recognized you, until I found out you were a Ringling Bros Clown. That was it! I watched you live as a kid! Great memories, then and now!! I thank you for that! My 11 yr old daughter and I love to watch your videos , then get into the woods and apply the knowledge. She was so excited when you replied to one of her comments. Thank you for that! (And thank you for keeping it clean.) I never worry about both my children viewing your vids! All secure in Long Island New York! Paul. Wooooo Buddy!
This is potentially your most important hammock video. I'm used to bridge hammocks. I just got my first gathered-end (Superior Gear) and instantly noticed the calf ridge phenomenon. Both my feet straddled it like I was riding a horse or motorcycle. I had no idea what to make of that. Thanks to your video, I get it, and know what to do about it. THANKS!
I've been sleeping in a hammock for 30 years and had never experienced "calf ridge', until I saw this video. Kind of like when you become aware of your tongue. Now you can feel it in your mouth and pressing against the back of your teeth. Now when I sleep in my hammock, I look for it. Thanks a lot Shug! :)
The options tweaking and customizability of hammocks are what attracted me to them in the first place. And You... The Shug of the Merriment and Lord of the lollygag have always made them look so dang comfortable and fun!
Hey Shugmeister, you've inspired me to lighten my gear as just NOW (after 40+ years of out-doorsiness and camping) I'm getting a little bit interested in backpack/bike/kayak camping. It started with a hammock. I'd considered all those things before but always wound up driving to my sites. Now I see how it is done. I just knocked 16.6 oz out of the hammock suspension. First try with no fancy parts or super-fly ropes. Next up, make a tarp to replace the ugly, loud, and heavy, but cheap and fairly functional _blue_ one. Then a bug net. and a stove... Thanks for all the vids. I lak the way you tarp. HB! also-I inquired earlier (on another vid I'm sure) about making our own stuff. I'll check out Jeff's site and leave you be on that one. thanks.
This actually helped a lot!! I never really noticed a calf ridge at first in my Sawtooth big box hammock until after I had taken it up and down several times, and watching you, I realized, I was hanging just a little bit differently each time. Thanks Shug - can't wait to get my Chameleon!
Melissa Oltman if you randomly select trees with distances of even a foot variation in distance apart each hang will be unique. Check out Shugs video covering structural ridgelines. It is not only the distance between trees that makes a difference but variations in the dwell angle of your hammock suspension system that will make the biggest differences in the amount of hammock tension or 'sag'. A structural ridgeline helped me no end once i got the sweet spot dialled in and gives predictable results everytime. You can roughly judge the 30° angle of your suspension system by making a pistol with your hand pointing your thumb vertical and your index finger horizontal. Following a line between the tips of both your thumb and index finger will be roughly 30° which you can hold alongside your hammock suspension to gauge the angle. Most beginners will find it easier to start out with pocket loop hammock suspension webs as you can count the pocket loops from the tree on each side to get the hammock perfectly centered. I have a Golden spot in my local park where i can hang the hammock perfectly everytime with this system but i always use a ridgeline unconditionally on new and unpredictable hangs with my whoopie slings and tree hugger straps.
I as a side sleeper have found that Calf Ridge serves me well. I find that the ridge supports one of my legs higher up and makes it "Oh so comfortable!" Thanks for the vids. Keep em coming! Whooo buddy!
Think it may have been mentioned in a post, but I've experienced a calf ridge a couple times, when my RL was way too tight. I try to set up my hammock, where I can bend the RL, almost vertical, while laying in the hammock.A couple times, I didn't check it and had the calf issue, because the RL was too tight. When I readjusted, it went away. Not sure if this is a big issue, but another thought to throw into the pile. You went over proper set up, in the video and rightly so. It's so important to get your set up dialed in, for a great nights sleep! Set up, can be hard to grasp, for a lot of new hammockers. Thanks for your expertise, Shug!
Shug Thank you. I started Hammock camping when I found a DIY video on making your own hammock. I found Hammock forums and then you when I was trying to find an answer to this problem that I did not know what it was called. It's been almost 3 years since I made my Hammock and 1 year since I found hammock forums and you and my question has finally been answered. You have no idea how grateful I am for this one video!
This was a superb, comprehensive instructional video, with myriad techniques delivered with inimitable and easygoing Shug style; it is destined for induction into the Hammock How-To Hall of Fame. Thanks for putting your time and energy into this helpful primer. Respect and regards, Chris AKA kitsapcowboy
Thank you Shug. I have been watching for years. My daughter wanted a hammock so we built hammocks together following Jeff's direction and then we proceeded to watch all your videos for the rest of the information. (Our first hammocks) The insight was solid and the vlogs are exceptional and very enjoyable. Thanks to you we are now happily hanging.
This is exactly the video I needed! I got a 10'6" hammock, gave it a fixed ridgeline, tried laying in it different ways... Always had trouble, always hung it level. Definitely going to try hanging the foot higher, I was always scooting myself up and waking up lower down again, thanks for the tips!
what I've found really works well for me, I sleep straight in my homemade hammock. I use a big Agnes insulated air mattress. I fill it to about 90% full. Then when I lay down I let it deflate to perfection. When it's at the right air pressure it gives me a little pillow and slight feet rise. It is also nice because I can sleep on the ground if needed. love your videos and advice!
shugemery so far only I've only spent one night on the ground too. when I was doing the John Muir trail there was one night I was on the ground. another time I ended up on the ground, but that was because of the tequila and me falling out. ha ha. love the videos but even more just watching your videos to see good people are still out there
Just did a 7 day solo in the BWCA, your hammock videos helped me get the right hand and under quilt right, It took some remembering though. I have the Hennessy in standard and larger size, just never felt long enough. So now I'm thinking the Chameleon hammock. Love the info you put out there.
I'm new to hammock camping and I find all your 'how to' videos invaluable - thank you. I also watched Sling Blade last week (don't know I missed it at the time).....so thanks for that too.
i learned everything about hammocks from you shug ..you are my hero i now live really close to lineville gorge ..thank you for all the great videos you are the greatest my friend
I sware I saw Shug in a couple tend says videos out in Colorado or out there somewhere. I love the classic videos. Gotta' love the tent days...yep...crawling around the ground like a bear, waking up half-way down the hill, or head against the tent wall. Gotta love the view from the hammock!
Last time I was out in my ducthware netless i had some major calf ridge. My feet also kept falling out of the hammock. Couldn't explain it, the thing had been so comfy up until then. The problem ended up being that I was set up on a pretty steep hill and couldn't tell that my head end was too high. I lowered the head end, raised the foot end, and also loosened my whoopie sling ridgeline just a couple inches, boom problem solved. And i couldn't help thinking "if only Shug could see me now" 😂 thanks for all your wisdom, hammock related and non hammock related.
Thanks Shug!! I've suggested you doing this topic in the past, and really Appreciate your outlook and tips and tricks on the subject! I own a couple different hammocks and will surely try your suggestions the next time I'm out hiking! Also, just ordered my purdy boil shirt and its printing and cannot wait to get it and stay rocking it! You're the MAN buddy!
Thank you so much for being upbeat and funny in all your videos Shug. I think it helps me try to have more fun and relax more throughout the day. And especially what you said about trying to get everything perfect and how that's just not possible all the time.
I never tried hanging the foot end higher, gotta try that, makes sense. Geez, I thought I knew everything. You are the best Shug, thanks for the great videos!
Basically you've sold me on the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC and UQ. I've been using the HH system for a few years now and have multiple ENO hammocks for the summertime naps but I need a good winter hammock setup for use here in Washington State.
You did a very good job, I must say! I remember those nights, long ago, waking up with the "calf ridge" ache. I had forgotten how much it hurt. pain-ja vu . thank you brother.
Love your videos man! Can’t wait for warmer weather to get out and put some of what I’ve learned from you to work. Don’t have the cold weather gear to go now but possibly will by next winter. Thanks again sir!
Love these educational videos of yours! I may just have the wrong hammock, indeed 😂 I always assumed that since I'm short (5´2) I would be okay with a shorter hammock, so I've been camping with the DD SuperLight, which is a shocking 8.8' short! Then I decided to replace my bed with a wall-mounted hammock, got one that's 11' and I have been sleeping like a snug burrito ever since. Last night I wanted to tinker with my DD hammock, and the only way of doing that was to hang it in my bedroom. Then I slept in it. The hang was good. The angles were good. I woke up during the night with the most awful pins and needles in my left arm AND leg. It was awful. The calf ridge was so bad that it cut off the circulation to my leg! Now I have used the Perfect Hang calculator to get the perfect angles and all of that in this hammock, then I tried to chill out in it. It's no good. I might be just 5'2 long, but gosh, I need a longer hammock! Who would've thought?!
Awesome video! It addressed something I have been experiencing and noticed as of late. My HG incubator 20 full length was pushing back against my foot box to cause a different lay then when in hammock without the UQ. Before I realized this I went from a standard width to a wide hammock hoping to correct this. It did until UQ was on and then the same feeling. I loosened suspension on foot box side of UQ and had one of the best nights sleep ever with a UQ!! Thanks for all you do Shug!!
Shug you hit the nail on the head. It seems a lot of people are buying 9' hammocks and well my wife is 5'2" and she likes it but no way could I I'm 6'4" and like you my 11' hammock is great. I made my own and my wife's and both are gathered ends the way you showed with a t-shirt and laying on an angle I have almost zero calf ridge. Also I find with my ridge line it's perfect but if I remove it I can never get it setting right. Thank god I watched a ton of your vids first :D whoooo buddy you saved me a lot of hassle and will never go back to the ground. I also tried something this winter trip where I used an emergency blanket on my hammock with a 10 degree bag on top of that and my -20 with 10 degree inside on top of it all. It worked great so now I can loan my underquilt to the wife so she might come along and try the cold. Got down to -25 at night and slept like a baby thanks to your Nalgene bottle trick.
Tent camping is all about avoiding the philosopher's stone... which is that hidden stone that always finds you right in the back... and makes you think "Why am I here?".
Had to watch twice ... good stuff ... but then I've already said that. Pretty much takes the mystery out of the calf ridge and I've been doing this since 2001! Sometimes even with my idea set up something gets a bit off. When that happens, just like you said ... time to fiddle with it! Love the fiddling part myself!
my hammock i made from rip stop nylon and it is sooo comfy i would never sleep on the cold hard ground again ...i made my best friend one and he mounted it in his room and he used it every day for 2 years
Any tips? Where did you get your information? I'm just thinking about making my own and would really appreciate a little extra help from someone who has done it besides my own research.
go to the website called ( to the woods ) shug talks about it there i found cheap places to get my fabric ..i ended up buying some rip stop nylon from jo anns fabric and i used parfa cord for my suspension and i got my tree straps at wall mart in the towing section near the tools it was cheap
Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! I have an 11' hexon wide hammock from Dutch, and never have a calf ridge problem...I do however get it with my warbonnet traveler on occasion. I never have problems using a GL4 on either. Probably because of the 3/4 length.
Allot of great info there shug thanks very much. I used to get a bit of calf ridge in my gathered end but it was the shoulder squeeze that got me, now I have an Amok and neither are a problem any more. I will make sure to try some of your tips when I'm out in the the gathered this summer. All the best to you from England way
Thanks for another great vid Shug! I know it's a small triviality, but pretty rare, and cool to see this video has ZERO dislikes! A credit to you and the wider hammocking/ backpacking community that watch your channel. Keep on chooglin buddy!
I got inta hammockin because I wanted ta camp where 90% can't 95% won't and 99% said whut the heck are you doin there? Love it... thanks fer the tips on Killin my calf ridge
Great video, as usual. Saw your review on the Wooki about 3 weeks ago. Ordered 15 minutes later.(Didn't want to appear impulsive, you know.) It arrived about 3 days ago. I told them Shug made me do it! WHOOOO BUDDY))))
Shug, What you call "calf ridge" I've called "heel pressure" (hammock lack of support betwixt the butt and heels). Made my heels (too much pressure) and back of knees hurt (no support). Some of your mentioned solutions helped: Elevated foot end, sleep pad and pillow under knees. The latter worked best. A fat inflatable REI pillow is perfect for me. My Dutch 11' hexon single nest also helped.
I slept in a tigris 1 for a month. thought I would invest a dd double skinned hammock and hated it. after weeks of searching no one slags dd hammocks. Finally I have a name for the problem. many thanks ps I gave the hammock away after three days
my riding buddy's think I'm nuts but I started putting together a hammocking kit to leave in my Harley for those long trips. ENO double nest, home made whoopie slings for ends and ridge line, and 1000 tensile flat nylon webbing (for pulling conduit) as my tree anchor straps.
Shug - Long time listener, first time caller :-) I am hoping you could expand this to those are trying to find a decent side sleeping position as calf ridge plays heavily into this, or moreso if ones tends to bend at the knees.
Thanks for this video.Your tips on adjusting the under-quilt suspension (your other video) and a combination centering up in the hammock before laying on the diagonal helped me find my sweet spot.wooo buddy ;-)
I'm a long time hammock camper, since 1991 or so, I haven't really experienced the "calf ridge" however, the last 3 years or so I have experienced a 20lb Jack Russel terrier sharing my hammock, helps to keep me a little warmer on the cooler nights but, man does it get hard to change positions in the middle of the night. Got any advice on that Shug? Love the vids, thanks.
Awesome video as always. Just started camping with cameleon and dut h winter tarp, no where near perfection but it's fun getting there. Just started making video for that aspect of my life also NO WHERE NEAR perfected. Lol.
This lollygagging of which you speak, I am liking the sound of it! avoiding chores and social situations you say , Yes sounds like me. I think I might be a hammock guy and didn't even know it. Love you videos Man!!!!
thank you Shug's. I've got some things to try now. redoing my gathered ends and making a wookie like underquilt for my home made blackbird.. I have the exact same Incubator as you (literally ;-) and I'm hoping it works for me with my Chameleon. I still want to get my homemade blackbird dialed in with an underquilt since it was the first "more complicated" hammock I made (I'm rather attached to it). I'm going to combine a couple Costco down throws and will see that to a section of fabric (like the wookie). worst case, I will try putting things under my knees. happy hanging brother!
btw, HammockGear was awesome to work with. they were able to make me what we ended up calling the "Shug design" on the Burrow 20 and Incubator 20. I'm loving the new Burrow design (already knew the incubator was pretty much perfected).
Thanks for the vid Shug. I've been running into issues with calf ridge but think part of my issue could be that I don't have my feet higher up as well as trying to get my SRL dialed in. I'll keep at it.
2 things......... 1) I had trouble looking at you in the eye. 2) next giveaway you need to use the walls behind you like a Ispy or wheres waldo finders game. you have so much cool stuff to look at. I love that rc plane....do a vid on that!
Gowheelin Yeah but I was looking you in the eye… As to giveaways, I don't believe I'm going to be doing another one as they are a lot of work and they gave away everything I have to give. That airplane behind me as a new control I'm building. But I don't really do videos on the building process as I'm not that good at it and I'm teaching myself to be better. But when I'm done with it I will definitely do a video flying it
shugemery Lol. Bottom entry wouldn't be my first choice either. I guess they have their advantages in some situations....but breakfast isn't one of them. Neither is using it to just sit in sideways. Get your hands on a zip model someday. I'm a Hennessy guy as you can tell. IMHO....It's the brand all others are measuered against.
One thing I've found in a symmetrical hammock like a DoubleNest if I'm struggling with my butt not being where it needs to be is to rotate to lay the other direction (if I was head to the right and feet left, swap to head left and feet right) and I've found that to suddenly get me exactly where I need to be for a good lay
Hey Shug - Thanks for your entertaining and informative videos. I've just subbed because: 1. You're a crazy person; 2. Best Hammock info on UA-cam; 3. Amazing Alcohol Stove information; 4. I wanted to show my support. Again - thanks! Looking forward to enjoying many more - keep up the good work!
Thanks shug, I moved my hammock a couple inches up on the foot end... I would tend to submarine down the hammock as I slept, but never bothered to try to fix it(it also lessened the calf ridge but that doesn't really bother me).
Good information Shug. Thanks If you climb in your hammock and you have some ridges, sometimes you can just sweep them out with your hand. Put your hand by your butt and push the material out to the side. I have a Blackbird XLC and sleep better in it then my bed.
Shug, I started in the hennessy. I didn't ever have a calfridge however I found adjusting underquilts difficult with the bug nets. I got a gathered in one form Dutch (with knotty mods) for christmas...I get me the best gifts. I'm a side sleeper and found I kicked out the side of it so I sewed some 1oz hexon over the foot end. Last time I went out I found I got a very long trench with my feet on the edge and my shoulders on the other but laying close to the same direction as the ridge line. That probably doesn't compute but think of it as opposite sides high.
Nice video Shug. I find it imformative/explanatory. What would we do without you? BTW,,, you have a purdy setup me friend! Thanks for sharing, best regards -Yves 🇨🇦
Great information, as usual, and thanks so much. Funny thing is, I am nursing a severe case of bronchitis and at first I was wondering, "Calf Ridge, I wonder where that is?" Ha and kinda sad, too.
Hey Shug... long time listener, first time caller. First off, thank you for introducing me to Packit Gourmet and Medaglia D'oro. I won't make a trip without them now! Just wanted to know if you were planning to do a review on your new Dream Hammock Raven? I'm curious what you think. Thanks again, and keep the videos coming.
Lots of good info and tips. I agree about everything needing a bit of adjustment to make it comfortable. The “have we proved anything… well we just killed about 2 minutes of your life” got me! Haha! Thanks for the video!
Thanks Shug for All this Valuable information on Getting the Right Setup on my Hammock, I Really Appreciate All Your Help on this. You Do Real Good Video's. =0
More great info. Thank you! I will admit though...I kept getting distracted by all the cool stuff you have hanging around your space. I was trying really hard to pay attention, but it was so much fun snooping. sorry.
elusive topic, in a first part I thought this is getting bit scientific for me, than You pulled out old Tshirt ..ok, we are back on track ;) and than I been just waiting for bit of tricks to begin :)
As someone setting out on the hammock journey, this was actually quite fascinating. Or should I say, setting out again, as years ago I picked up a Hennessy but was distracted by other things and have never used it other than to set it up once to see how it worked. With tent camping becoming problematical (I hate crawling on my old hands and knees to get in and out), I'm going to try the alternative, so this video and others of yours are a big help -- and certainly not ho-hum viewing (there may be some hoes and some hums, but never do they merge, lol).
Shug, I started watching (all) of your videos a few months ago. For months, I couldn't figure out where/how I recognized you, until I found out you were a Ringling Bros Clown. That was it! I watched you live as a kid! Great memories, then and now!! I thank you for that! My 11 yr old daughter and I love to watch your videos , then get into the woods and apply the knowledge. She was so excited when you replied to one of her comments. Thank you for that! (And thank you for keeping it clean.) I never worry about both my children viewing your vids! All secure in Long Island New York! Paul. Wooooo Buddy!
Clown on Ringling 1980 -82.
Whoooooo Buddy))))
This is potentially your most important hammock video. I'm used to bridge hammocks. I just got my first gathered-end (Superior Gear) and instantly noticed the calf ridge phenomenon. Both my feet straddled it like I was riding a horse or motorcycle. I had no idea what to make of that. Thanks to your video, I get it, and know what to do about it. THANKS!
You need to lay on the diagonal for a gathered end to really get the best out of it....ua-cam.com/video/-Cvj0ISjzl8/v-deo.html
I've been sleeping in a hammock for 30 years and had never experienced "calf ridge', until I saw this video. Kind of like when you become aware of your tongue. Now you can feel it in your mouth and pressing against the back of your teeth. Now when I sleep in my hammock, I look for it. Thanks a lot Shug! :)
Now I feel my tongue!
The options tweaking and customizability of hammocks are what attracted me to them in the first place. And You... The Shug of the Merriment and Lord of the lollygag have always made them look so dang comfortable and fun!
I like it too.
Hey Shugmeister, you've inspired me to lighten my gear as just NOW (after 40+ years of out-doorsiness and camping) I'm getting a little bit interested in backpack/bike/kayak camping. It started with a hammock. I'd considered all those things before but always wound up driving to my sites. Now I see how it is done.
I just knocked 16.6 oz out of the hammock suspension. First try with no fancy parts or super-fly ropes. Next up, make a tarp to replace the ugly, loud, and heavy, but cheap and fairly functional _blue_ one. Then a bug net. and a stove...
Thanks for all the vids. I lak the way you tarp. HB!
also-I inquired earlier (on another vid I'm sure) about making our own stuff. I'll check out Jeff's site and leave you be on that one. thanks.
Tons of useful options. You have created many restful nights for millions with this video.
Well, at least a couple of folks.
I had so much fun watching your video. Thank you for a good laughter AND the hammock tips. Definitely going to try them out.
Hope the tips help for some good hammock sleep.
Thank you for this video! I'm a sturdy fellow (~240lbs) and have been having problem with calf ridge. Can't wait to try these tricks out!
Hope you find a solution or the right hammock.
This actually helped a lot!! I never really noticed a calf ridge at first in my Sawtooth big box hammock until after I had taken it up and down several times, and watching you, I realized, I was hanging just a little bit differently each time. Thanks Shug - can't wait to get my Chameleon!
I love my Chameleon!
Melissa Oltman if you randomly select trees with distances of even a foot variation in distance apart each hang will be unique. Check out Shugs video covering structural ridgelines. It is not only the distance between trees that makes a difference but variations in the dwell angle of your hammock suspension system that will make the biggest differences in the amount of hammock tension or 'sag'. A structural ridgeline helped me no end once i got the sweet spot dialled in and gives predictable results everytime. You can roughly judge the 30° angle of your suspension system by making a pistol with your hand pointing your thumb vertical and your index finger horizontal.
Following a line between the tips of both your thumb and index finger will be roughly 30° which you can hold alongside your hammock suspension to gauge the angle. Most beginners will find it easier to start out with pocket loop hammock suspension webs as you can count the pocket loops from the tree on each side to get the hammock perfectly centered. I have a Golden spot in my local park where i can hang the hammock perfectly everytime with this system but i always use a ridgeline unconditionally on new and unpredictable hangs with my whoopie slings and tree hugger straps.
I as a side sleeper have found that Calf Ridge serves me well. I find that the ridge supports one of my legs higher up and makes it "Oh so comfortable!" Thanks for the vids. Keep em coming! Whooo buddy!
Good to know....
I'm really glad you cleared that cow-thing up.
Calf on the ridge. Bull in the valley. Moose on the plains.
Think it may have been mentioned in a post, but I've experienced a calf ridge a couple times, when my RL was way too tight. I try to set up my hammock, where I can bend the RL, almost vertical, while laying in the hammock.A couple times, I didn't check it and had the calf issue, because the RL was too tight. When I readjusted, it went away. Not sure if this is a big issue, but another thought to throw into the pile. You went over proper set up, in the video and rightly so. It's so important to get your set up dialed in, for a great nights sleep! Set up, can be hard to grasp, for a lot of new hammockers. Thanks for your expertise, Shug!
Kinda weeds folks out. Perfect trip is some in tents, some in hammocks.
Thanks for taking the time to put these informative videos together Shug. Much appreciated.
Y'elcome.
Shug Thank you. I started Hammock camping when I found a DIY video on making your own hammock. I found Hammock forums and then you when I was trying to find an answer to this problem that I did not know what it was called. It's been almost 3 years since I made my Hammock and 1 year since I found hammock forums and you and my question has finally been answered. You have no idea how grateful I am for this one video!
Good to hear all that.
This was a superb, comprehensive instructional video, with myriad techniques delivered with inimitable and easygoing Shug style; it is destined for induction into the Hammock How-To Hall of Fame. Thanks for putting your time and energy into this helpful primer. Respect and regards, Chris AKA kitsapcowboy
Lots to think about......
Thank you Shug.
I have been watching for years. My daughter wanted a hammock so we built hammocks together following Jeff's direction and then we proceeded to watch all your videos for the rest of the information. (Our first hammocks) The insight was solid and the vlogs are exceptional and very enjoyable. Thanks to you we are now happily hanging.
Whooooooo Buddies)))))))
This is exactly the video I needed! I got a 10'6" hammock, gave it a fixed ridgeline, tried laying in it different ways... Always had trouble, always hung it level. Definitely going to try hanging the foot higher, I was always scooting myself up and waking up lower down again, thanks for the tips!
Hope it helps.
what I've found really works well for me, I sleep straight in my homemade hammock. I use a big Agnes insulated air mattress. I fill it to about 90% full. Then when I lay down I let it deflate to perfection. When it's at the right air pressure it gives me a little pillow and slight feet rise. It is also nice because I can sleep on the ground if needed. love your videos and advice!
Since I started hammocking in 2006...not slept on the ground but once.
shugemery so far only I've only spent one night on the ground too. when I was doing the John Muir trail there was one night I was on the ground. another time I ended up on the ground, but that was because of the tequila and me falling out. ha ha. love the videos but even more just watching your videos to see good people are still out there
Just did a 7 day solo in the BWCA, your hammock videos helped me get the right hand and under quilt right, It took some remembering though. I have the Hennessy in standard and larger size, just never felt long enough. So now I'm thinking the Chameleon hammock. Love the info you put out there.
UQs are the trickiest part of the hammock quest. Great when you get it right~~
Good to see you again Bubba....I hope you are having a great week.
Great week...thanks.
I'm new to hammock camping and I find all your 'how to' videos invaluable - thank you.
I also watched Sling Blade last week (don't know I missed it at the time).....so thanks for that too.
I watch that movie twice a year.....can't quit doing Karl after. It gets on ye'
i learned everything about hammocks from you shug ..you are my hero i now live really close to lineville gorge ..thank you for all the great videos you are the greatest my friend
Love the Gorge! Grew up going to it.
I sware I saw Shug in a couple tend says videos out in Colorado or out there somewhere. I love the classic videos. Gotta' love the tent days...yep...crawling around the ground like a bear, waking up half-way down the hill, or head against the tent wall. Gotta love the view from the hammock!
I did not stray Colorado way~~~
Last time I was out in my ducthware netless i had some major calf ridge. My feet also kept falling out of the hammock. Couldn't explain it, the thing had been so comfy up until then. The problem ended up being that I was set up on a pretty steep hill and couldn't tell that my head end was too high. I lowered the head end, raised the foot end, and also loosened my whoopie sling ridgeline just a couple inches, boom problem solved. And i couldn't help thinking "if only Shug could see me now" 😂 thanks for all your wisdom, hammock related and non hammock related.
Whooooooo Buddy)))))
Thanks Shug!! I've suggested you doing this topic in the past, and really Appreciate your outlook and tips and tricks on the subject! I own a couple different hammocks and will surely try your suggestions the next time I'm out hiking! Also, just ordered my purdy boil shirt and its printing and cannot wait to get it and stay rocking it! You're the MAN buddy!
Thankee and thankee.
Thanks for all the great info! I bought a Warbonnet Traveler for my first hammock and am itching to get out and try it!
Hope you enjoy it.
"Perfection comes in just being out in the woods." Well said.
Truth!
Analysis, s correctable as much as I can precious Ad
Thank-you
Godspeed
Righto!
Thank you so much for being upbeat and funny in all your videos Shug. I think it helps me try to have more fun and relax more throughout the day. And especially what you said about trying to get everything perfect and how that's just not possible all the time.
Perfect is a long reach. I will accept highly adequate!
I never tried hanging the foot end higher, gotta try that, makes sense. Geez, I thought I knew everything. You are the best Shug, thanks for the great videos!
Yessir!
I did take notes, really I did! I'm 61 and I suffer from CRS syndrome. Now to figure out where to put them, decisions, decisions.
Hope this helps some.
LOL. CRS... can't remember s..t. Wherever I put my notes won't matter, I will never find them!
Basically you've sold me on the Warbonnet Blackbird XLC and UQ. I've been using the HH system for a few years now and have multiple ENO hammocks for the summertime naps but I need a good winter hammock setup for use here in Washington State.
Winter and hammocks is more about your insulation than it is the hammock. Whooooooo Buddy))))
Either way, I'm ordering the Blackbird XLC, Under Quilt, and Top Quilt to be my new go to hang system.
I got right choked up when you mentioned Green Bean. He was a good'n!
Good times in that hammock.
You did a very good job, I must say!
I remember those nights, long ago, waking up with the "calf ridge" ache. I had forgotten how much it hurt. pain-ja vu .
thank you brother.
It is a hammock downer.
Love your videos man! Can’t wait for warmer weather to get out and put some of what I’ve learned from you to work. Don’t have the cold weather gear to go now but possibly will by next winter. Thanks again sir!
I can't wait for warmer weather myself...lighter load!
Love these educational videos of yours! I may just have the wrong hammock, indeed 😂 I always assumed that since I'm short (5´2) I would be okay with a shorter hammock, so I've been camping with the DD SuperLight, which is a shocking 8.8' short! Then I decided to replace my bed with a wall-mounted hammock, got one that's 11' and I have been sleeping like a snug burrito ever since. Last night I wanted to tinker with my DD hammock, and the only way of doing that was to hang it in my bedroom. Then I slept in it. The hang was good. The angles were good. I woke up during the night with the most awful pins and needles in my left arm AND leg. It was awful. The calf ridge was so bad that it cut off the circulation to my leg! Now I have used the Perfect Hang calculator to get the perfect angles and all of that in this hammock, then I tried to chill out in it. It's no good. I might be just 5'2 long, but gosh, I need a longer hammock! Who would've thought?!
Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason while one is more comfortable than the other. I'm 6' and good in an 11' or 10'.
Thankee.
Awesome video! It addressed something I have been experiencing and noticed as of late. My HG incubator 20 full length was pushing back against my foot box to cause a different lay then when in hammock without the UQ. Before I realized this I went from a standard width to a wide hammock hoping to correct this. It did until UQ was on and then the same feeling. I loosened suspension on foot box side of UQ and had one of the best nights sleep ever with a UQ!! Thanks for all you do Shug!!
Way to stay at it...worth it.
Shug you hit the nail on the head. It seems a lot of people are buying 9' hammocks and well my wife is 5'2" and she likes it but no way could I I'm 6'4" and like you my 11' hammock is great. I made my own and my wife's and both are gathered ends the way you showed with a t-shirt and laying on an angle I have almost zero calf ridge. Also I find with my ridge line it's perfect but if I remove it I can never get it setting right. Thank god I watched a ton of your vids first :D whoooo buddy you saved me a lot of hassle and will never go back to the ground. I also tried something this winter trip where I used an emergency blanket on my hammock with a 10 degree bag on top of that and my -20 with 10 degree inside on top of it all. It worked great so now I can loan my underquilt to the wife so she might come along and try the cold. Got down to -25 at night and slept like a baby thanks to your Nalgene bottle trick.
Yessir. Good to hear all that!!!
Tent camping is all about avoiding the philosopher's stone... which is that hidden stone that always finds you right in the back... and makes you think "Why am I here?".
That is very funny.
Had to watch twice ... good stuff ... but then I've already said that. Pretty much takes the mystery out of the calf ridge and I've been doing this since 2001! Sometimes even with my idea set up something gets a bit off. When that happens, just like you said ... time to fiddle with it! Love the fiddling part myself!
Got the NUBE today to try out. Very intriguing!
Not familiar with that one ... can't wait to see your thoughts on it Shugrow!
"Perfection comes from being out in the woods."
No truer words were every said.
Truth! Heading tomorrow for a short one nighter.
Nice to see your channel Shug. Have you heard from Sgt Rock lately?
Not heard a peep in a couple years.
Thank you Shug! Answered a ton of questions and continued to demystify the world of hammocks for us. Here's to more more naps and Lolly-gagging!
Yessir!
my hammock i made from rip stop nylon and it is sooo comfy i would never sleep on the cold hard ground again ...i made my best friend one and he mounted it in his room and he used it every day for 2 years
Any tips? Where did you get your information? I'm just thinking about making my own and would really appreciate a little extra help from someone who has done it besides my own research.
go to the website called ( to the woods ) shug talks about it there i found cheap places to get my fabric ..i ended up buying some rip stop nylon from jo anns fabric and i used parfa cord for my suspension and i got my tree straps at wall mart in the towing section near the tools it was cheap
if you have a sewing machine its easy
@@dravenbarlow7328 Thanks, I have been looking at that site as well. I've got a friend with a sewing machine that can do my seams for me!
Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! I have an 11' hexon wide hammock from Dutch, and never have a calf ridge problem...I do however get it with my warbonnet traveler on occasion. I never have problems using a GL4 on either. Probably because of the 3/4 length.
I think 3/4 work better on the XLC...other than the Wooki.
I was very successful last time by putting my air mat in my sleeping bag! Thx so much
Right goodie that.
I don't sleep in a hammock in the woods, but I sure do like watching you talk about them. Lol
Thankee feller.
Thanks for going over this. You sometimes overlook things you've heard even tried before.
Yessir!
"hello Clarice" Thanks shug, now I got to watch Hannibal lol. great video!
"I can smell your cheap perfume and see your cheap handbag..."
Allot of great info there shug thanks very much. I used to get a bit of calf ridge in my gathered end but it was the shoulder squeeze that got me, now I have an Amok and neither are a problem any more. I will make sure to try some of your tips when I'm out in the the gathered this summer. All the best to you from England way
Enjoy the comfort quest.
shugemery thanks shug
Thanks for another great vid Shug! I know it's a small triviality, but pretty rare, and cool to see this video has ZERO dislikes! A credit to you and the wider hammocking/ backpacking community that watch your channel. Keep on chooglin buddy!
They will find me soon enough! Thankee.
OK....got one now. All is good!
Hahahaha!
Thanks Shug that was a very helpful video especially the whipping demo.
Yessir.
I am 5 foot 6 and have a 10.5 foot hammock. It is 6.5 feet wide. I never get calf ridge. Pluse the pad helps. I love my hammock. Thanks for the tips
Me too. I lay in mine to change mental gears and get ready for a good life.
I got inta hammockin because I wanted ta camp where 90% can't 95% won't and 99% said whut the heck are you doin there? Love it... thanks fer the tips on Killin my calf ridge
I just like the 10 hours of sleep I get!!!!!
Great video, as usual. Saw your review on the Wooki about 3 weeks ago. Ordered 15 minutes later.(Didn't want to appear impulsive, you know.) It arrived about 3 days ago. I told them Shug made me do it! WHOOOO BUDDY))))
Gonna get me a 20º one too.
Shug, What you call "calf ridge" I've called "heel pressure" (hammock lack of support betwixt the butt and heels). Made my heels (too much pressure) and back of knees hurt (no support). Some of your mentioned solutions helped: Elevated foot end, sleep pad and pillow under knees. The latter worked best. A fat inflatable REI pillow is perfect for me. My Dutch 11' hexon single nest also helped.
I almost always have a Thermarest sit-pad under my feet. Old heel injuries.
I slept in a tigris 1 for a month.
thought I would invest a dd double skinned hammock and hated it.
after weeks of searching no one slags dd hammocks.
Finally I have a name for the problem.
many thanks ps I gave the hammock away after three days
So back to the Tigris? Never know what hammock will be your groove.
Great video Shug - greetings from Northern Ireland.
T'anks and hope it gives insight.
Always enjoy your video's and advice. Love the Silence of the Lambs reference!
Yessir!
my riding buddy's think I'm nuts but I started putting together a hammocking kit to leave in my Harley for those long trips.
ENO double nest, home made whoopie slings for ends and ridge line, and 1000 tensile flat nylon webbing (for pulling conduit) as my tree anchor straps.
Ypou will sleep better!
Another great video! I ate Jenkins Country Liver Mush while wearing my new Shug tee shirt this morning!!
Hope you got some mustard on it.
shugemery French's Yellow all the way!
Another great one Shug! wish I could like it more than just once!
Mucho appreciato!
Shug - Long time listener, first time caller :-) I am hoping you could expand this to those are trying to find a decent side sleeping position as calf ridge plays heavily into this, or moreso if ones tends to bend at the knees.
I am not a side sleeper so not much help. Sami-ish techniques more or less. Foot end higher!
Pad under leg.
Thanks for this video.Your tips on adjusting the under-quilt suspension (your other video) and a combination centering up in the hammock before laying on the diagonal helped me find my sweet spot.wooo buddy ;-)
Love hearing that. Whoooooo Buddy))))
I love it‼️ What a video. Full of everything I need. Thanks again Shug 👍🏻👍🏻
All secure in sector Fryslân.. 😉
Gooden Middag! Sector Netherlands I think. Newest F1 Champion is Dutch!!!
Quite a collection of unicycles you have scattered about your room. I'm down to 2 but they're still a necessity.
They add up over the years.
ua-cam.com/video/hiemQ_ljT0M/v-deo.html
I'm a long time hammock camper, since 1991 or so, I haven't really experienced the "calf ridge" however, the last 3 years or so I have experienced a 20lb Jack Russel terrier sharing my hammock, helps to keep me a little warmer on the cooler nights but, man does it get hard to change positions in the middle of the night. Got any advice on that Shug? Love the vids, thanks.
I reckon get the russel it's own hammock!
J Lewis
ENO underbelly gear sling may be just what you're looking for! 50lbs weight limit.
Good things to look out for Shug & always great video!
Mucho thanko.
Awesome video as always. Just started camping with cameleon and dut h winter tarp, no where near perfection but it's fun getting there. Just started making video for that aspect of my life also NO WHERE NEAR perfected. Lol.
Enjoy the Journey~~~~~
This lollygagging of which you speak, I am liking the sound of it! avoiding chores and social situations you say , Yes sounds like me. I think I might be a hammock guy and didn't even know it. Love you videos Man!!!!
It is a lifestyle.....
Always good info brother!
I'm a pad guy for now, but soon I hope to grab a good uq.
Be well Shug
Craig
I used a pad a long time. Good stuff and does the job.
thank you Shug's. I've got some things to try now. redoing my gathered ends and making a wookie like underquilt for my home made blackbird..
I have the exact same Incubator as you (literally ;-) and I'm hoping it works for me with my Chameleon. I still want to get my homemade blackbird dialed in with an underquilt since it was the first "more complicated" hammock I made (I'm rather attached to it). I'm going to combine a couple Costco down throws and will see that to a section of fabric (like the wookie). worst case, I will try putting things under my knees.
happy hanging brother!
btw, HammockGear was awesome to work with. they were able to make me what we ended up calling the "Shug design" on the Burrow 20 and Incubator 20. I'm loving the new Burrow design (already knew the incubator was pretty much perfected).
It will work on there just fine. Mine does.
This is a great video. Lots of info. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the vid Shug. I've been running into issues with calf ridge but think part of my issue could be that I don't have my feet higher up as well as trying to get my SRL dialed in. I'll keep at it.
Yessir
2 things.........
1) I had trouble looking at you in the eye.
2) next giveaway you need to use the walls behind you like a Ispy or wheres waldo finders game. you have so much cool stuff to look at. I love that rc plane....do a vid on that!
Gowheelin Yeah but I was looking you in the eye…
As to giveaways, I don't believe I'm going to be doing another one as they are a lot of work and they gave away everything I have to give.
That airplane behind me as a new control I'm building. But I don't really do videos on the building process as I'm not that good at it and I'm teaching myself to be better. But when I'm done with it I will definitely do a video flying it
Great instructional video Shug! No Need to respond brother! Carry ON!
Thankee. I won't respond!
Great vid Shug. When you try that Hennessy...pull those two side cords outs firm. See how that eliminates calf ridge.
So I shall. Not sure about the bottom entry and no zipper on bug net...no breakfast from the hammock!!!!!!
shugemery Lol. Bottom entry wouldn't be my first choice either. I guess they have their advantages in some situations....but breakfast isn't one of them. Neither is using it to just sit in sideways. Get your hands on a zip model someday. I'm a Hennessy guy as you can tell. IMHO....It's the brand all others are measuered against.
It was a gift so That is what I got.
shugemery Hard to beat free :)
Shug great video. I really appreciate this stuff. I am always trying to learn more.
Y'elcome and carry forth.
One thing I've found in a symmetrical hammock like a DoubleNest if I'm struggling with my butt not being where it needs to be is to rotate to lay the other direction (if I was head to the right and feet left, swap to head left and feet right) and I've found that to suddenly get me exactly where I need to be for a good lay
Sound you got it down. The ol' switcharoo.....
Hey Shug -
Thanks for your entertaining and informative videos. I've just subbed because:
1. You're a crazy person;
2. Best Hammock info on UA-cam;
3. Amazing Alcohol Stove information;
4. I wanted to show my support.
Again - thanks! Looking forward to enjoying many more - keep up the good work!
I appreciate it all x 4
I have achieved perfection in my eno doublenest hammock ; )
all secure in sector 7!!!
That is what we strive for)))))
Damn Shug that was one thorough video on calf ridge
Yessir!
Yea! 200th like. Great job shug. This helps so much for all of us with less experience. J.T. from Oregon
Thankee.
great topic and explained very well. Thanks
Yessir!
Thanks shug, I moved my hammock a couple inches up on the foot end... I would tend to submarine down the hammock as I slept, but never bothered to try to fix it(it also lessened the calf ridge but that doesn't really bother me).
There you go!
Good information Shug. Thanks
If you climb in your hammock and you have some ridges, sometimes you can just sweep them out with your hand. Put your hand by your butt and push the material out to the side. I have a Blackbird XLC and sleep better in it then my bed.
Butt ridge!
Shug, I started in the hennessy. I didn't ever have a calfridge however I found adjusting underquilts difficult with the bug nets. I got a gathered in one form Dutch (with knotty mods) for christmas...I get me the best gifts. I'm a side sleeper and found I kicked out the side of it so I sewed some 1oz hexon over the foot end. Last time I went out I found I got a very long trench with my feet on the edge and my shoulders on the other but laying close to the same direction as the ridge line. That probably doesn't compute but think of it as opposite sides high.
Hope your comfortable!
Nice video Shug. I find it imformative/explanatory. What would we do without you? BTW,,, you have a purdy setup me friend! Thanks for sharing, best regards -Yves 🇨🇦
I love my Nut-Hut!
Goooooooooooood morning from the Shug. Sweet. Thanks Sir.
Aye!
Great information, as usual, and thanks so much. Funny thing is, I am nursing a severe case of bronchitis and at first I was wondering, "Calf Ridge, I wonder where that is?" Ha and kinda sad, too.
Whooooo Buddy!
Hey Shug... long time listener, first time caller. First off, thank you for introducing me to Packit Gourmet and Medaglia D'oro. I won't make a trip without them now!
Just wanted to know if you were planning to do a review on your new Dream Hammock Raven? I'm curious what you think.
Thanks again, and keep the videos coming.
I will in due time. It is comfy.
Lots of good info and tips. I agree about everything needing a bit of adjustment to make it comfortable. The “have we proved anything… well we just killed about 2 minutes of your life” got me! Haha!
Thanks for the video!
Whoooooo Buddy)))))
Awe Man that`s sleep science, ;-)i love Hammocking. Since i sleep in a Hammock i have no problems to rock 12 hours !
Great Vid,thanks for sharing !
The Sultan of Snooze.....
Another informative video, what more can i say but thank you.
Y'elcome.
I really enjoy these videos👍🏻
Thanks Shug for All this Valuable information on Getting the Right Setup on my Hammock, I Really Appreciate All Your Help on this. You Do Real Good Video's. =0
Thankee.
once again SHUG for great information
Y'elcome.
More great info. Thank you!
I will admit though...I kept getting distracted by all the cool stuff you have hanging around your space. I was trying really hard to pay attention, but it was so much fun snooping. sorry.
I love my Nut-Hut....ua-cam.com/video/76DiVyeK4H4/v-deo.html
elusive topic, in a first part I thought this is getting bit scientific for me, than You pulled out old Tshirt ..ok, we are back on track ;) and than I been just waiting for bit of tricks to begin :)
All business on this topic.
Hey Shug, do you think you will ever come out and do a portion of the PCT?
I hope to someday. It is on my list.
As someone setting out on the hammock journey, this was actually quite fascinating. Or should I say, setting out again, as years ago I picked up a Hennessy but was distracted by other things and have never used it other than to set it up once to see how it worked. With tent camping becoming problematical (I hate crawling on my old hands and knees to get in and out), I'm going to try the alternative, so this video and others of yours are a big help -- and certainly not ho-hum viewing (there may be some hoes and some hums, but never do they merge, lol).
I prefer hum over hoe.