Staking in windy weather

**spidennis** · 04-13-2008, 10:10

I've got a speer winter tarp (swt) and practicing setting it up in the backyard. What methods are there for the tie down strings in attaching them to the tarp and to the ground? I saw some videos and they mentioned not attaching the strings to the tarp and I found out why while in windy conditions, what a mess! I thought about using shorter lengths attached to the tarp so I could quickly set up the tarp, hopefully without a tangled mess. I also have the idea of small caribiners staying attached to the tarp and the strings not attached, but already setup with loops at one end to snap into to mini caribiners. ideas? and better yet, pics?

note: I have this posted on another thread, but there's different posters on each so what the heck, I'm trying on both!

stakes, yeah, I need some of them too! hummmm .......

**Hooch** · 04-13-2008, 10:15

Originally Posted by spidennis

I've got a speer winter tarp (swt) and practicing setting it up in the backyard. What methods are there for the tie down strings in attaching them to the tarp and to the ground? I saw some videos and they mentioned not attaching the strings to the tarp and I found out why while in windy conditions, what a mess! I thought about using shorter lengths attached to the tarp so I could quickly set up the tarp, hopefully without a tangled mess. I also have the idea of small caribiners staying attached to the tarp and the strings not attached, but already setup with loops at one end to snap into to mini caribiners. ideas? and better yet, pics?

note: I have this posted on another thread, but there's different posters on each so what the heck, I'm trying on both!

stakes, yeah, I need some of them too! hummmm .......

I have a SWT too, and this is how I like to tie mine down thus far. I use a NiteIze Figure 9 on the loop of each MSR Groundhog stake. Then I just put up the ridgeline of the tarp first, then stake and quickly tie down each line as I come to it. It's quick, easy and easily adjustable. Give it a try some time. BTW, credit where credit is due. I got the idea from Cerberus in Hot Springs back in the fall.

**stoikurt** · 04-13-2008, 10:17

If there are some rocks or small logs around you can lay them over the tie out cord right at the stake to help hold it in the ground.

**spidennis** · 04-13-2008, 10:29

these?

http://www.niteize.com/category.php?category_id=29

**Hooch** · 04-13-2008, 10:42

Originally Posted by spidennis

these?

http://www.niteize.com/category.php?category_id=29

Yup, like this:

**warbonnetguy** · 04-13-2008, 11:48

Originally Posted by pure_mahem

In your softer soil where they continually pull out try making a T trench the size of your stake then tying your guy line around the center of your stake and laying it in the trench and then tighten your guy. This works really good in soft soil and Snow and adds versatility to your V and Y stakes.

Oh Yeah! Go Ground Hogs!

i'll have to try that, thanks

**spidennis** · 04-13-2008, 12:32

Originally Posted by Hooch

. BTW, credit where credit is due. I got the idea from Cerberus in Hot Springs back in the fall.

" Originality is the ability to conceal one's source " ........
but we're not trying to be artists here.
I like the idea of spreading knowledge around .....
that's why I post lots of pics!

**spidennis** · 04-13-2008, 12:37

Originally Posted by Hooch

Yup, like this:

yeah, I like ....
gonna start ordering more "stuff" soon!

I'm playing around in the backyard with my swt today, it's such a pretty day, and I'm wasting it in the backyard? I'll have to go for a ride later on the beach to make up for me being the researching house mouse!

**Hector** · 04-13-2008, 15:04

You know, the Figure 9 attached to the stake makes me think someone should come up with a superlight V or Y stake with a line-locking mechanism built into the top of the stake...

**slowhike** · 04-13-2008, 15:30

adding weight (as in rocks or logs) on top of the guy lines is a very effective way to secure the tarp in high wind.
when hard wind gusts hit, it will lift the weight (as long as it's not to much weight), allowing forgiveness to the tarp & guy lines.

here i used a grill that someone had left behind to distribute the weight over a larger area & provide a smooth surface between the guy line & the rock.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...5/P2180042.JPG

to much weight can result in a failure of guy line or tarp. this picture is dark but note the torn tarp corner.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...5/P2180040.JPG

large limbs laying across the center tie outs help buffer the wind blasts.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...5/P2180017.JPG