Rigging for Foul Weather

[OutandBack]

Hi Guys,
When you know there's a good chance the weather will turn bad on an outing but the call of the Piney Woods is just too strong. What rigging changes do you make, if any?

Pre-trip, Pull out the big tarp. Beef up the ridge line with something thicker?
Carry a larger assortment of stakes?

Would a tarp hold a bigger snow load if the ridgeline was under vs over?

Any suggestions and ideas welcome.

thanks

[gavinol]

Heavy rain or snow can abruptly end your ride. Always make sure you only ride if you have good visibility. Also be aware of what other drivers can or cannot see from their vehicles. I recommend using “Rain X” and make sure your headlamp is working properly. Ditch the tinted visors and go with clear, as well as keep your helmet in good clean order.

[ChrisH]

about the above post

[Shewie]

about the above post

same here

[aBRG2far]

THe title of the op is "ridding for fowl weather" where it should have been rigging.

[Rug]

I think he confused "Ridding for Foul Weather" for 'Riding' (aka to ride) as in a motorcycle.

Back to our regularly scheduled program:
Most of my gear can handle the additional loads of snow, and big enough that I can seal it up (still planning on getting a 'BWDD:Winter Dream).

Tarp: over vs under:
I used to be in the tarp under ridge-line camp until this last season. It was time to test the RL under the tarp, (first thing I noticed was how much more taut I could get the pitch) and not 20 minutes later the sky opened up, the wind was blowing from 5 directions all at once, and a few gusts took down a neighbors tree (tornado hit the region).

The tarp didn't even flutter, and the sides barely moved. I am now 100% sold on tarp over ridge-line.

Other preparations for bad weather: Stock up on fuel, clothing, food, water, and books. If you are stuck under your tarp for 3 days, you will want supplies. (*water* or melt the snow if there is enough, hence more fuel)

[Doctari]

I get a tighter pitch with tarp over ridgeline, but in rain, (the 2 times I have done it over during rain) I get WET & the whole ridgeline is soaked. So, for me: Wind with no rain = over the ridgeline. Rain = under the ridgeline. Snow = I think I'll do it over the ridgeline.

The other changes I make: Down to 30 I change nothing as my 3 season stuff will get ME down to 28 with ease*. 30 - 20 I add: New river UQ, a homemade door for one end of my tarp, a few more pieces of clothing. Below 20 adds my truckers windscreen to the above. I also carry a few hot packs (chemical had or toe warmers) for "Just in case".





*My 3 season stuff, carried except for the really hot weather: 13.5' x 10' tarp (I can close the ends if need be), BBO, No sniveler, ME, Hammock, 3/4 length home made underquilt, 1X underquilt & If needed I can add the CCF pad from my pack for about 8 - 10 degrees insulation.

[Rug]

I get a tighter pitch with tarp over ridgeline, but in rain, (the 2 times I have done it over during rain) I get WET & the whole ridgeline is soaked. .

What kind of line do you use for your RL?

I use Zing-It and my line never got wet under the tarp.

[Doctari]

What kind of line do you use for your RL?

I use Zing-It and my line never got wet under the tarp.

Yes, that may be the problem! I'm using 550 cord & it flows water better than a river. I don't get: drip, drip, drip. I get FLOW! I got up one day & watched water literally flow down the tree, hit the 550 cord & make a hard turn to go under my tarp. In hind site it was quite spectacular in a neat way, & below the cord the tree was wet, but not soaked, the 550 cord was that efficient . At the time I was a bit annoyed, thankfully I was in the back yard so could dry it all out quickly.

Soon as I can, I'm switching to Zing-It.

[Lonely Raven]

This thread makes me laugh.