Page 1 of 9 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 87

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Senior Member dejoha's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    So. Utah
    Hammock
    Most
    Tarp
    Sea to Summit
    Insulation
    Down
    Suspension
    Becket Hitch
    Posts
    2,184
    Images
    207

    Illustration - Pitching and Choosing A Hammock Tarp





    Along with "Hike Your Own Hike," it's equally important to "Pick Your Own Pitch" and "Choose Your Own Tarp." Just as there are as many hammock options to choose from, there are equally as many tarp configurations and rigging options to match.

    TARPS

    When it comes to tarps, some like full coverage while others prefer to go topless. There's no right or wrong answer here, and your choice depends on many factors: weight, coverage, versatility, ease-of-use, etc.

    It is generally agreed that full-coverage tarps, or "winter" tarps are best for four-season camping when you need maximum protection from the elements. Winter tarps usually add extra flaps or "doors" to the ends of the tarp that can be folded inward to enclose all four sides. Some manufacturers sell "doors" as an optional add-on to common hex or cat-cut tarps.

    Large tarps also provide good privacy for modesty when changing clothes, etc. But larger tarps can be more complicated to pitch for some users and they do weigh more and can require extra hardware (e.g., stakes, guylines) to pitch.

    In moderate conditions, almost any tarp can be modified for good coverage, ventilation, and privacy. Some users have successfully used ponchos as dual-purpose a-sym tarps. Diamond tarps offer more coverage than a-sym design and are equally simple to pitch. Keep in mind, however, that smaller tarps require greater skill to keep dry in adverse conditions. It is often necessary to sleep in a specific direction under an a-sym tarp to maximize coverage.

    Square or rectangular tarps with multiple tie-outs can allow for greater pitching options than other tarps.

    RIDGELINES

    One great advantage of hammock camping with tarps is that in adverse conditions--rain, snow, wind--you can set up the tarp first and then keep your gear dry as you set up the hammock and sleep system. The first part to hanging the tarp is the ridgeline. As with tarps, there are multiple methods: end tie-outs or full ridgelines; knots, prusik loops, figure-9, knot bones, etc. The amount of versatility means each hanger can pick what works best for them, balancing weight, strength, ease-of-use, or other metrics.

    Most ridgelines fall under one of two categories: end-only or full-length. End-only lines essentially eliminate the rope between the tarp tie-outs, which can reduce some weight. Full-length ridgelines run the entire length of the tarp and can be used under the tarp or over the tarp.

    With a full-length ridgeline, you can set the line first and then adjust the tarp along the line to center it. It is often easier to center a tarp between the supports with a full-length ridgeline than with end-only lines.

    Hanging the tarp over a full-length ridgeline provides additional structure and can be preferred during extreme conditions when the ridgeline can help support extra weight, such as during a snow storm. With the ridgeline running under the hammock, it also provides handy points for clipping gear to air dry, or to attach a bug net.

    Whether you use a full or end-only ridgeline, one method for attaching the line to the support is to create a "V" around the post (see illustration). Essentially, you begin to loop the line around the support starting at the end point of the tarp. You then take the line around the support and then attach the line back at the beak of tarp. This creates a space so the hammock suspension can swing with less collisions against the tarp suspension line.


    GUYLINES

    Once the ridge of the tarp is set, you can set the guylines. Diamond or asymmetric tarps have as little as two guy points, so set-up can be quicker. Guylines of approximately 6 feet allow enough line so you can guy the tarp around other nearby supports, pitched low during adverse conditions, or in conjunction with trekking poles or found supports to open the tarp for more ventilation or views.

    Many tarps stretch during the night, so even the tightest pitch before going to bed may slacken by morning. You can retrofit guylines with elastic shock cord or purchase them ready-made from several manufacturers. With shock cord on the guyline, the tarp will remain taut as the tarp stretches.


    I hope these two illustrations provide some basic understanding for the more common types of tarps used with hammocks and some best practices for pitching and using hammock tarps.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by dejoha; 05-19-2010 at 18:57. Reason: Added more information about end only and full ridgelines.

  2. #2
    waddy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Northwestern Colorado
    Hammock
    Clark NX-250, NX 270, D H Sparrow
    Tarp
    Clark XL, Superfly
    Insulation
    JRB TQ, UQ, LL UQ
    Suspension
    WS,straps,toggles
    Posts
    525
    Images
    20
    Thanks for yet another very attractive, clear, and informative article. Your illustrations are fantastic! Keep up the good work.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Just Jeff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Charlottesville, VA
    Hammock
    Blackbird
    Tarp
    MacCat Standard
    Insulation
    Winter Yeti, MWUQ4
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    7,924
    Images
    32
    Great illustrations! One nitpick, though - I don't think asym tarps require you to sleep inline with the tarp...you just have to go on the diagonal to the side where the tarp has more coverage. But it's still diagonal, and not inline with the tarp's ridgeline. Maybe a better way to word it?
    “Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story

    - My site: http://www.tothewoods.net/
    - Designer, Jeff's Gear Hammock / Pack Cover by JRB

    IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER

  4. #4
    Senior Member dejoha's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    So. Utah
    Hammock
    Most
    Tarp
    Sea to Summit
    Insulation
    Down
    Suspension
    Becket Hitch
    Posts
    2,184
    Images
    207
    Quote Originally Posted by Just Jeff View Post
    Great illustrations! One nitpick, though - I don't think asym tarps require you to sleep inline with the tarp...you just have to go on the diagonal to the side where the tarp has more coverage. But it's still diagonal, and not inline with the tarp's ridgeline. Maybe a better way to word it?
    Good observation. Yes, I'll re-word that. You mentioned what I was getting at, but the words got in the way.

    Something like this?

    "With an a-sym tarp, you need to sleep on the diagonal, for maximum coverage."

  5. #5
    Senior Member Hawk-eye's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Oak Ridge & Linville Gorge, North Carolina
    Hammock
    HHE, 2QZQ Mod4, Jerry 5 DIY
    Tarp
    HG Cuben/SFly Camo
    Insulation
    HammockGear Prod.
    Suspension
    Use them all!
    Posts
    9,989
    Images
    3
    Very nicely done. Might be good to add a reference to tarp door add on's like the Grizz Beaks ... just a thought.
    Last edited by Hawk-eye; 04-26-2010 at 14:29.

    WARNING: Will discuss Rhurbarb Strawberry Pie and Livermush at random.


    "A democracy is two wolves and a small lamb voting on what to have for dinner.
    Freedom under a constitutional republic is a well armed lamb contesting the vote." ... B.Franklin


    Home of the Gorge Rats: Linville Gorge
    My Videos YouTube Channel
    Photo collections Flickr Photostream


    Gorge Rat Productions On FaceBook

  6. #6
    Senior Member dejoha's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    So. Utah
    Hammock
    Most
    Tarp
    Sea to Summit
    Insulation
    Down
    Suspension
    Becket Hitch
    Posts
    2,184
    Images
    207
    Quote Originally Posted by Hawk-eye View Post
    Very nicely done. Might be good to add a reference to tarp door add on's like the Grizz Beaks ... just a thought.
    Thanks Hawk-eye!

    I tried to be careful not to single out any manufacturer specifically, but I did mention in the short write-up that after-market doors are available:

    "Some manufacturers sell "doors" as an optional add-on to common hex or cat-cut tarps."

    I tried to make the illustration and write-up as basic as possible without focusing too much on one particular method or design. Just like hammocks, there are multiple ways to tie one up, and I covered a few for illustrative purposes.

  7. #7
    Senior Member gargoyle's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Muskegon MI
    Hammock
    G-Bird II/Bridge
    Tarp
    Ogee tarp
    Insulation
    DIY TQ DIY Down UQ
    Suspension
    whoopies
    Posts
    6,686
    Images
    45
    Dejoha, very nice. Your examples are complete and concise, well done
    Ambulo tua ambulo.

  8. #8
    Senior Member mbiraman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Location
    West Kootenays,BC,Canada
    Hammock
    Warbonnet BB DL 1.1 & Lite Owl
    Tarp
    Black MacCat Del.
    Insulation
    Yeti 3,4 & HRQ/HGB
    Suspension
    webbing/whoopie
    Posts
    4,244
    Images
    7
    I think this kind of visual primer is excellent and should be part of a package of visual primers, ( tarps, hammock hanging, UQ&TQ ), for newbies as well as old farts. Some folks like myself are very visual and this is just the trick. Great job.
    bill
    " The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it."

    “The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.” ~Wayne Dyer

    www.birchsidecustomwoodwork.com

  9. #9
    Senior Member sclittlefield's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Northern woods of Maine
    Hammock
    It's a Secret.
    Tarp
    BWDD Winter Dream
    Insulation
    Crowsnest
    Suspension
    Slings
    Posts
    1,431
    Images
    95
    These are fantastic! Pretty excited the Winter Dream made the "common tarps" list!

    You do really great work Dejoha.
    DIY Gear Supply - Your source for DIY outdoor gear.

  10. #10
    Senior Member animalcontrol's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Albany, NY
    Hammock
    Warbonnet BB XLC 1.7, Traveler S1.7
    Tarp
    Cuben DIY
    Insulation
    Hammockgear
    Suspension
    whoopie slings
    Posts
    2,504
    Images
    101
    outstanding!!
    thanks for all the effort
    "Every day is a new day to a better future"
    "Of all the things that matter, that really and truly matter, working more efficiently and getting more done is not among them." ~ Mike Dooley
    "What if I told you that you couldn't have anymore of anything... No more friends, no more money, no more anything, until you first got happy with what you have?"~ Mike Dooley
    "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." ~ Socrates

  • + New Posts
  • Page 1 of 9 123 ... LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Pitching your tarp - for tall folks
      By Gresh in forum Weather Protection
      Replies: 17
      Last Post: 06-01-2013, 06:07
    2. tarp designs and pitching time
      By JDA in forum Weather Protection
      Replies: 8
      Last Post: 12-23-2012, 18:42
    3. Needed:tips for pitching winter tarp
      By Michelle the Camper in forum Weather Protection
      Replies: 20
      Last Post: 12-06-2012, 12:01
    4. Blackbird tie outs and pitching tarp low to the ground.
      By obmit in forum Warbonnet Hammocks
      Replies: 3
      Last Post: 08-17-2011, 15:03
    5. Pitching the JRB 10x11 Cat Tarp?
      By bonsaihiker in forum Weather Protection
      Replies: 18
      Last Post: 11-15-2009, 20:18

    Tags for this Thread

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •