tarp ridge line - over vs under

**trigger hurt** · 11-07-2009, 22:05

This is how I do mine. I've been meaning to swap the nite-ize biners out for plain vanilla s-biners, but I never get around to it and those are always in the bag with my cordage.

**Barefoot Child** · 11-08-2009, 03:04

I never thought about using s-biners to attach tarp ridgeline tie outs to the prussik knot, coool. I was trying to get the outside ridgeline set-up without using any hardware, just cordage. Where is that thread started by Tee-dee that shows how to do the outside tarp ridgeline with prussiks? I've been looking for it but can't seem to find it again. It was excellent on how to do it. Can anybody tell me where to look for it?

**GrizzlyAdams** · 11-08-2009, 08:20

Originally Posted by Barefoot Child

I never thought about using s-biners to attach tarp ridgeline tie outs to the prussik knot, coool. I was trying to get the outside ridgeline set-up without using any hardware, just cordage. Where is that thread started by Tee-dee that shows how to do the outside tarp ridgeline with prussiks? I've been looking for it but can't seem to find it again. It was excellent on how to do it. Can anybody tell me where to look for it?

Can't help with the thread search, but I think the idea was to take the loop from the prussik, put it through the tarp tab or D-ring, and attach a wee trail stick to the end of the passed-thru loop via a lark's head. When you tighten up the trail stick comes up against the tab or D-ring and pulls the tarp along.

Look ma, no hardware. Nice idea. Love dem trail sticks.

Grizz

**BillyBob58** · 11-08-2009, 09:06

Originally Posted by Barry

BTW - I went to a ridgeline because the grommets on the tie-outs with my Speer winter tarp were beginning to pull out. Placing the ridgeline under (as you point out) was the quick solution and avoided my needing to reinforce the tie-outs. Maybe I should look into reinforcing (or another tarp).

Thanks.

OK, that is partly an answer for something I was wondering about, i.e., why should I switch to this method. Which I have considered. I use skins. So I hang and center my tarp in those, which gives me a "line" between the trees. If it is a clear night with rain free forecast, I might not even roll the tarp out. This is pretty convenient, though the separate RL approach might have an advantage or 2 I am missing?

But avoiding stress on the pull outs? Hmmm, maybe that is a good reason to switch. I have not really noticed any problem on the seam sealed tarp RL yet, but I have noticed a bit on some of the side tie outs. And I worry about some of the tie outs that are used in the Baker Hut configuration, which are not reinforced by the tarp RL and seam sealing.

And maybe it will be a faster "centering" sliding the prussick along the RL, than just hanging the skins and loosening to recenter as needed?

**gargoyle** · 11-08-2009, 10:12

BC, I think this is what you are looking for????Here.

**bonsaihiker** · 11-08-2009, 10:38

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

OK, that is partly an answer for something I was wondering about, i.e., why should I switch to this method. Which I have considered. I use skins. So I hang and center my tarp in those, which gives me a "line" between the trees. If it is a clear night with rain free forecast, I might not even roll the tarp out. This is pretty convenient, though the separate RL approach might have an advantage or 2 I am missing?

But avoiding stress on the pull outs? Hmmm, maybe that is a good reason to switch. I have not really noticed any problem on the seam sealed tarp RL yet, but I have noticed a bit on some of the side tie outs. And I worry about some of the tie outs that are used in the Baker Hut configuration, which are not reinforced by the tarp RL and seam sealing.

And maybe it will be a faster "centering" sliding the prussick along the RL, than just hanging the skins and loosening to recenter as needed?

Yep. My thoughts exactly, BillyBob. You and I share a similar hanging style.

I am looking for a suspension method for my new tarp. I just got a JRB 10x11 with the idea that I could use multiple configurations, but was worried about the lack of a reinforced ridge line in any but the A-frame 11-foot ridge line config.

I really like TeeDee's method of prussiks and toggles, but I also really like being able to have a "snake-skinned" tarp ready to deploy if needed. My current setup (on my HH hex) doesn't allow water to drip into the tarp, is really easy to setup and adjust, and everything except the stakes is connected into "one piece." Here's a photo or two:

It would be nicer to reduce stress on the tie-outs, have even easier adjustability, and reduce a bit of weight, though.

Decisions, decisions....

**angrysparrow** · 11-08-2009, 10:54

Originally Posted by Barefoot Child

Where is that thread started by Tee-dee that shows how to do the outside tarp ridgeline with prussiks? I've been looking for it but can't seem to find it again. It was excellent on how to do it. Can anybody tell me where to look for it?

Here's the thread you're looking for. Pics of the toggle/prussic method begin at post ~40.

There's good info in that thread.

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If anyone really needs to locate an older thread and can't after due diligence on search effort, PM me. I can likely help.

**ikemouser** · 11-08-2009, 18:04

Originally Posted by bonsaihiker

Yep. My thoughts exactly, BillyBob. You and I share a similar hanging style.

I am looking for a suspension method for my new tarp. I just got a JRB 10x11 with the idea that I could use multiple configurations, but was worried about the lack of a reinforced ridge line in any but the A-frame 11-foot ridge line config.

I really like TeeDee's method of prussiks and toggles, but I also really like being able to have a "snake-skinned" tarp ready to deploy if needed. My current setup (on my HH hex) doesn't allow water to drip into the tarp, is really easy to setup and adjust, and everything except the stakes is connected into "one piece." Here's a photo or two:

It would be nicer to reduce stress on the tie-outs, have even easier adjustability, and reduce a bit of weight, though.

Decisions, decisions....

You can lose the black biner on your tarp line without sacrificing anything about your setup. Just replace it with a large bowline loop instead, and wrap the line around the tree then put all the other ridgline through the loop to secure it to the tree. Same with the big orange biner on your tree hugger, just put it through the loop on the hugger. I assume you have another orange biner on the other hugger, losing all these biners should help you go lower in weight significantly.

**bonsaihiker** · 11-08-2009, 18:12

Originally Posted by ikemouser

You can lose the black biner on your tarp line without sacrificing anything about your setup. Just replace it with a large bowline loop instead, and wrap the line around the tree then put all the other ridgline through the loop to secure it to the tree. Same with the big orange biner on your tree hugger, just put it through the loop on the hugger. I assume you have another orange biner on the other hugger, losing all these biners should help you go lower in weight significantly.

Thanks, but the biners are what allowed me to keep everything together as one unit--nothing gets lost that way. I'm no longer sure that's necessary, though, and I'm switching to whoopie slings with toggles. With that system, the biner is unnecessary.

**bonsaihiker** · 11-08-2009, 18:18

Re: over vs under, I remember seeing somewhere (not even sure it was on this forum) that the tarp ridgeline can cause wear to the tarp if underneath. This was avoided with the line over the tarp. Is there anything significant to this precaution, or is it worth the protection of the tie-outs to have a bit more wear in that area?