Tarp tensioners

**warbonnetguy** · 12-01-2007, 13:55

that sc looks small, like 1/8" or so, does it provide enough pulling power? i guess it does if you are using it, but i am surprised.

**Just Jeff** · 12-01-2007, 13:59

I think we're saying the same thing. The loop of cord in headchange's pictures is what I was calling the safety catch. If the shockcord breaks, it falls back to the cord so the tarp isn't completely let loose. There are a few other ways to do it, too.

Ewker - this keeps the tarp tight all night, keeps it from flapping in the breeze, and absorbs the force from wind gusts so the tarp/stakes don't have to. Not necessary, but useful.

**headchange4u** · 12-01-2007, 14:02

It does have enough power when it's doubled over. They work really well. That shock cord is stronger than it looks. I get it from Ebay but it's the same stuff they sell at climbing shops.

Ewker,

These are used on the tie outs of a tarp. When you guy out your tarp, pull the tensioners tight and as the tarp stretches overnight they will keep their tension. No more waking up with a saggy tarp.

I also used them on the ridge line of the hammock but I use about 2' of shock cord doubled over.

**cgul1** · 12-01-2007, 14:39

Thanks for the pix HC4U, worth a 1000 etc etc.
I was getting ready to do something inline with out the safety, this makes more sense.

**skar578** · 12-02-2007, 20:58

what about something similar to the HH water collector? gets ya water too.

is that the tangle free rope from speer?

**Just Jeff** · 12-03-2007, 07:15

Birds poo on the tarp, dust and pollen settle there, etc. You gonna put that in your water bottle?

**Cannibal** · 12-03-2007, 08:30

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

Birds poo on the tarp, dust and pollen settle there, etc. You gonna put that in your water bottle?

LOL! That's the same thing I thought of when I saw those on TH's site.

Thanks for all the ideas and comments. I might just try the shockcord and loop thingy tonight. I few weeks back I ran out of shockcord and decided to not let that happen again; I got plenty.

**NCPatrick** · 12-03-2007, 08:36

You're going to treat your water, right? Get all the "floaties" out maybe?

Birds poop over streams, and dust and pollen settle in there, along with lots of other stuff, and you wouldn't think twice about getting your water from there... I'm not understanding the distinction exactly... what am I missing here?

Sorry to hijack, btw.

**Cannibal** · 12-03-2007, 08:39

The concentration of bird poop would be much higher coming off a tarp into a small bottle. Lots of good bacteria doing their jobs in the rivers and streams.

Mostly, I don't think about it in the rivers....until now. Thanks NCPatrick.