How to Achieve a Flat Lay in a Lighten Up Hammock

The signature comfort of a hammock—that feeling of floating in a perfectly supportive, flat bed—is not automatic. Many first-time users experience the uncomfortable "banana" shape, causing back and shoulder strain. Achieving the coveted flat lay in your Lighten Up Hammock is a science of proper geometry, not luck. It centers on one principle: you must lie diagonally across the hammock’s centerline.

Here is your step-by-step guide to transforming your hammock into a cradle of ergonomic bliss.

1. The Foundation: Start with the Right Hang

A flat diagonal lie is impossible if your hammock is strung too tightly. Your setup begins between two sturdy trees, ideally 12-15 feet apart.

• The Critical 30-Degree Angle: Attach your adjustable tree straps so that the suspension (the strap and carabiner/continuous loop connecting to the hammock) forms roughly a 30-degree angle from the horizontal. This creates the necessary deep sag in the hammock body. A hanging calculator or app can help, but a visual rule of thumb is: if you make a "finger gun" (index finger pointing, thumb up), the angle from your thumb to index finger is close to 30 degrees.
• Height Check: With this sag, the lowest point of your empty hammock should be about 18 inches off the ground. This allows for stretch and a safe, easy sit-in height.

2. The Technique: Master the Diagonal Position

Once your hammock is correctly suspended, the magic happens inside.

• Enter and Sit: Sit in the center of the hammock as you normally would.
• Shift Your Body Diagonally: Gradually lean back and gently swing your feet toward one end of the hammock while your head and shoulders aim for the opposite end. You are not lying straight along the center seam; you are positioning yourself at a clear angle across the fabric.
• Find the Sweet Spot: As you settle, you will feel the fabric widen and flatten beneath you. Your body should be almost perfectly horizontal, with the hammock material providing even support from head to toe. The sides of the hammock will curl up gently around you, creating a cozy, stable feeling.

3. Fine-Tuning for Ultimate Comfort

• Use a Pillow: A small, flexible pillow greatly enhances neck support and comfort in the diagonal position.
• Bend Your Knees Slightly: For a more relaxed, natural spinal alignment, a slight knee bend is often more comfortable than keeping legs perfectly straight.
• Adjust the Lay: Don’t be afraid to micro-shift. Scoot an inch head-ward or feet-ward to find where the fabric lies flattest for your unique body.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• The "Tightrope" Hang: Pulling your hammock taut destroys all potential for a diagonal flat lay, forcing you into a curved, unstable position.
• Fighting the Fabric: Lying straight in line with the center seam will always create a banana shape. Embrace the diagonal.
• Insufficient Tree Distance: Trees placed too close together make it physically impossible to achieve the necessary sag, dooming your setup from the start.

Achieving a flat lay unlocks the true therapeutic potential of your Lighten Up Hammock. It distributes your weight evenly, aligns your spine, and eliminates pressure points. By mastering the hang and embracing the diagonal, you transform a simple piece of fabric into the most comfortable bed in the woods. Take the time to set it up correctly—your body will thank you with hours of deep, restful relaxation.