Jul 09, 2025

Do I Need a Ridgeline? 3 Reasons You Probably Do

🪢 Do I Need a Ridgeline?

3 Reasons You Probably Do (Even If You’re Not Sure Yet)

If you’re new to hammock camping or even a few trips in, you might’ve asked yourself:
“Do I really need a ridgeline?”

Short answer? If you care about comfort, consistency, and convenience — the answer is yes.
Let’s break down what a ridgeline actually does and why it can make a huge difference in your hammock setup.

🧵 What Is a Hammock Ridgeline?

A structural ridgeline is a piece of cord (we use strong, low-stretch Amsteel®) that connects the two ends of your hammock. It controls the sag of your hang, regardless of tree distance — and that’s where the magic happens.

Rather than guessing every time you hang, a ridgeline lets you dial in the perfect curve for your hammock every time, no matter where you’re camping.

✅ 3 Reasons You Probably Need One

1. You Want a Comfortable, Flat Lay Every Time

Without a ridgeline, the curve (or “sag”) of your hammock depends on how far apart your trees are and how tightly you hang your straps.

With a ridgeline?
The sag stays consistent, and your body naturally settles into that sweet diagonal lay that reduces shoulder squeeze, lower back pressure, and cocooning.

📏 We recommend a ridgeline length of about 83% of your hammock length.
(For 11' hammocks, that’s about 110 inches.)

2. You’re Tired of Re-Hanging and Guessing

Ever spent 20 minutes adjusting your hang only to lie down and go “Nope...”?
Ridgeline = set it and forget it. Once installed, you’ll get the same hang every time, which means:

Less setup time
Less strap fiddling
Less back pain

Even if your tree spacing varies from site to site, your hammock feels the same.

💡 Use an adjustable ridgeline to find your ideal angle, then lock it in.

3. You Want to Use Accessories Like a Pro

A ridgeline also becomes a built-in gear anchor. You can hang:

Bug nets
Ridgeline organizers
Headlamps
Clothes
Lightweight tarps and pole mods

It’s like a clothesline and support system all in one.

🧰 Do You Need a Structural or Non-Structural Ridgeline?

For hammock camping, we recommend a structural ridgeline — one that holds tension and directly affects your hang angle.
Ours is made with 7/64” Amsteel® for ultralight strength, and includes:

Pre-spliced loops
Adjustable constrictor design
Easy setup and removal

👉 Check out our Adjustable Structural Ridgeline

🎯 Final Thoughts

If you’re not using a ridgeline yet, it might be the missing link between “meh” sleep and “best camp nap ever.”
They’re lightweight, easy to install, and once you dial it in, your comfort and consistency go way up.

🔗 Ready to Upgrade?

👉 Grab Your Ridgeline Here
Get it dialed in. Get hanging. Stay comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to set up the hammock if I’m new to hammock camping?

Our hammocks come with an intuitive suspension system and ridgeline, so setup is quick even for first-timers. Most customers are up and hanging in under 5 minutes.

Is this gear good for tall or big campers?

Yes! Our REM and Somnia Luxe hammocks are oversized, offering plenty of room to stretch out comfortably—even if you’re 6'3"+ or broad-shouldered.

What temperature is the underquilt rated for?

The EmberNest underquilt is designed for 3-season use and performs comfortably down to 40°F when paired with a proper sleeping bag or top quilt.

Will this keep me dry in heavy rain?

Absolutely. Our Hideaway Tarp offers full-coverage protection with doors and tie-outs to block wind and rain from all sides. Customers have weathered full storms and stayed bone dry.

Can I use this hammock setup for backpacking?

Yes! Our gear is designed to be lightweight and packable without sacrificing comfort or durability—perfect for backpackers who want to sleep well without extra bulk.

"I picked up the REM Hammock bundle and I’m absolutely blown away. Super comfortable, intuitive to set up, and the quality is top-tier. It’s clear that real thought went into designing this system."

— Chad Wansing

"Treavor is awesome! He helped me out with my hammock setup and went above and beyond. Everything from the hammock to the accessories is great quality and thoughtfully made. Highly recommend!"

— Maria Gonzalez

"I just used it for the first time on a camping trip and slept better than I ever have outdoors. Super roomy and comfortable. Setup was quick and easy. I’m officially hooked on hammock camping!"

— Eddie

"I was worried an extended thunderstorm would ruin my trip, but this tarp kept me dry and comfortable the whole time. Built tough, packs down small, and offers superior coverage."

— Jeff Sipper

"Thank you for two great nights of sleep in the woods. Lightweight, easy to hang, and super comfortable."

— Stephen