Tarp with loops along ridgeline???

**TrailDaze** · 10-03-2011, 11:31

Hey All,

I just bought a HH w/ a hex tarp. Being a COMPLETE NOOB who has never even camped before

, I'm having a hell of a time getting the tarp setup.

I'm wondering if there are any tarps out there that have built in loops on the outside top of the tarp that I could just slide the ridgeline through????

Thank you in advance for any help.

PeaceDog

**Two Tents** · 10-03-2011, 11:35

What part isn't going so smooth? I'm sure we could help you get the tarp you have working. We just need to know the problem.

**raiffnuke** · 10-03-2011, 11:37

Tons of experience with tarps on HF, just need to explain the issues and we will provide solutions!

**TrailDaze** · 10-03-2011, 11:45

I've tried just tying the ends of the tarp to two trees and then tying the guy lines out, but the tarp seems to have almost no structure to it even when tied VERY tightly to the trees.

I have heard that if I tie a ridgeline and then throw the tarp over the top of it that the tarp strength can be compromised over time along the center. I've also heard that water can/will run down the ridgeline thus dripping onto the hammock.

**FLRider** · 10-03-2011, 11:46

I have the same set-up, if you got the tarp from Hennessy.

On the stock HH suspension, there should be a pair of clips attached to the line via a pair of Prusik loops (one per clip). Undo these.

Go out and purchase line (preferably polyester or other non-stretch material) that is larger in diameter than the Prusik loop. Cut it to desired length for your ridgeline (I recommend ~50 ft., personally).

Attach the clips to the ridgeline via Prusik loops. If you have trouble with tying these, go here for a pictoral reference.

Finally, clip the clips to your hex's ridgeline triangles. Tie up the ridgeline and adjust the tarp as needed.

If you've got any questions, feel free to message me. This isn't the most lightweight method for doing this, but it is the simplest that still provides a CRL for adjustment purposes.

Here's an image that kinda shows what I'm talking about:

I'll have a better photo for you in a few minutes.

**nothermark** · 10-03-2011, 11:46

My Hex tarps has rings at all the corners plus for the ridge line. If you lay the tarp out flat you will see the long vs short dimensions. There should be a ring at the center of each short side. Those rigs are your ridge line tie points. Hennessy will tell you to clip them to your ridge line.
I would use a separate ridge line with a couple of prussic loops to start. Once you put that up things will make a lot more sense. From there you can modify to your hearts content.

**nothermark** · 10-03-2011, 11:49

Originally Posted by PeaceDog

I've tried just tying the ends of the tarp to two trees and then tying the guy lines out, but the tarp seems to have almost no structure to it even when tied VERY tightly to the trees.

I have heard that if I tie a ridgeline and then throw the tarp over the top of it that the tarp strength can be compromised over time along the center. I've also heard that water can/will run down the ridgeline thus dripping onto the hammock.

Maybe. Over time for wear and without drip lines for rain. It's still a good place to start. Many of us keep coming back to it.

**raiffnuke** · 10-03-2011, 11:51

This isn't a HEX, but it is a HH and this might help you visualize how to set it up.

**TrailDaze** · 10-03-2011, 11:56

Originally Posted by FLRider

I have the same set-up, if you got the tarp from Hennessy.

On the stock HH suspension, there should be a pair of clips attached to the line via a pair of Prusik loops (one per clip). Undo these.

Go out and purchase line (preferably polyester or other non-stretch material) that is larger in diameter than the Prusik loop. Cut it to desired length for your ridgeline (I recommend ~50 ft., personally).

Attach the clips to the ridgeline via Prusik loops. If you have trouble with tying these, go here for a pictoral reference.

Finally, clip the clips to your hex's ridgeline triangles. Tie up the ridgeline and adjust the tarp as needed.

If you've got any questions, feel free to message me. This isn't the most lightweight method for doing this, but it is the simplest that still provides a CRL for adjustment purposes.

Here's an image that kinda shows what I'm talking about:

I'll have a better photo for you in a few minutes.

AHA!! Thats exactly what I was looking for. Thank you every one for your fast response. Much appreciated. Going out now to practice.

**FLRider** · 10-03-2011, 12:16

Some better photos of the attachment clips (I wound up going with Klemheist knots, since I picked a ridgeline cord that was too small in diameter) and the tarp itself when it's tensioned.

Hope it helps!