Self Tensioning Tarp Ridge Line?

**hppyfngy** · 09-19-2011, 16:50

On a recent hang I was forced to use one slightly undersized tree. It wasn't a problem for the tree but for me.

When I loaded the hammock, the tree bent to the point of dropping my tarp more than I wanted it to. I could adjust the hammock to work for me, but unless I "pre-bent" the tree, I always got more slack in the tarp than I wanted, which I didn't want to do.

Anybody include a shock-cord self tensioner in the continual ridge line like is used on tie outs?

**Avenger** · 09-19-2011, 16:55

I would think you would need something a little stronger than shock cord, but sounds doable otherwise.

**Jcavenagh** · 09-19-2011, 17:05

Seems to me a regular diam bungee cord would do the trick.

**Hawk-eye** · 09-19-2011, 17:13

I've used them before but generally for water issues they're not needed on the ridge line. What you're describing though would require you to bungee to another tree and probably the easiest thing to do ... if the other tree exists is to string the tarp to another tree instead of using a bungee.

**Law Dawg (ret)** · 09-19-2011, 17:22

Mebe check out the NiteIze 5mm adjustable bungee?

I use two for my center line and four at the corners but the motorcycle does not complain about the extra weight unlike my knees (and it is dual use on the bike).

As mentioned perhaps one end a NiteIze bungee and the other some line to save weight.

**hppyfngy** · 09-19-2011, 18:36

Yes, a good sized bungee could work. Usually you're right even if I have one small tree I can go beyond it to stabilize that tree with another line to something farther away. This particular time I couldn't.

The issue has only come up for me this one time, where I couldn't work around it. Just wondered if anyone else had found another solution.

Thanks
HFG

**rbinhood** · 09-19-2011, 19:38

How about running a rope from the tree to the ground on the side opposite your hammock, and the staking the rope so the tree can't bend? You'd have to use a heavy stake, but it could work. Also, maybe to could tie the tree out to another stouter tree nearby?

**hppyfngy** · 09-19-2011, 20:07

Originally Posted by rbinhood

How about running a rope from the tree to the ground on the side opposite your hammock, and the staking the rope so the tree can't bend? You'd have to use a heavy stake, but it could work. Also, maybe to could tie the tree out to another stouter tree nearby?

Right, I've usually been able to tie to another tree, doesn't even have to be a stout tree, just run another strap or line to a lower part of the 2nd tree and that works. Don't usually carry heavy stakes but could...

**trailryder42** · 09-23-2011, 10:39

Ever seen how they cantilever support a warping telephone pole. A stick found around camp could be used as the lever.

**hppyfngy** · 09-23-2011, 10:56

Originally Posted by trailryder42

Ever seen how they cantilever support a warping telephone pole. A stick found around camp could be used as the lever.

Actually I'm not sure I follow you...

Are you saying lash a branch above the hammock attachment point, perpendicular to the weak tree, and suspend it away from the hammock, and from the end then tie it back to the tree below the hammock attachment?