Ridgeline?

[Narwhalin]

This is a neat way of rigging the tarp. Go to tarp setup: http://www.bushcraftnorthwest.com/articles/articles.htm

I like this way for packing up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR3DMj-zJu8

The bushcraft article about tarp setup had me thinking...

They use a "ridgeline" running from tree to tree and secure the tarp to that line, then guy out the sides. I thought that you just tied out the tarp to the trees without any line running underneath. Can someone clear this up for me?

[Dutch]

From what I have seen most people use the seam as the ridgeline. Maybe if the seam went perpendicular to the ridge line then you would want a seperate RL to reduce stress on the seam but that is still doubtful. I think people use to use a seperate ridgeline before tarp got so strong and light.

[Narwhalin]

I have no tarping experience, (yet!) but I have been using the seam for the ridgeline in my test hangs. Is there a structural advantage to using the rope with regards to the shape you acheive?

[Ramblinrev]

Maybe I am hanging it wrong, but my tarp always ends up resting on the ridge of my HH. I think it can be personal choice as to whther to have a separate ridgeline or not.

[Hector]

A full cord ridgeline is not necessary. That said, if you just want one, use one. HYOT (hang your own tarp).

[TiredFeet]

Personal preference.

Seems that most people now do as Dutch said.

Myself, I always run a ridge line cord, tree to tree. The cord already has Prussik loops on the line. Once the ridge line is set, I just use the Prussik loop and a stick I pick up off the ground to use as a toggle to hook the tarp ridge tie outs to the Prussiks. I use the Prussiks to center the tarp and pull the ridge line tight. All of my tarps also have a tie out in the center of the tarp on the ridge line. I use a small carabiner to hook that tie out to the ridge line cord, that keeps the center of the tarp high and tight.

Again, it seems to me that it is nothing but personal preference, but some people get pretty worked up about the "right way" to do something.

[mataharihiker]

ridgeline could be useful when your tarp is covered with tent worms and their caca:

[Ramblinrev]

mataharihiker... you need a power washer for that....

[headchange4u]

You don't need a ridge line cord all the way across from tree to tree.

I have been thinking about adding and "accessory ridge line cord" underneath the tarp to hang some gear off of but not to hold up the tarp. It wouldn't be tight, just kinda hanging down a little bit.

[slowhike]

You don't need a ridge line cord all the way across from tree to tree.

I have been thinking about adding and "accessory ridge line cord" underneath the tarp to hang some gear off of but not to hold up the tarp. It wouldn't be tight, just kinda hanging down a little bit.

that's what i did.
to avoid the likelihood of water making it's way down the line & dripping onto my hammock, i added a grosgrain loop on the inside/bottom of the ridgeline seam to tie the cord on.
that way, it starts & ends under the tarp.