Illustration - Rigging A Tarp w/Continuous Ridge Line NO HARDWARE

[dejoha]

Titanium Hiker asked for it, so I threw this illustration up today. Hopefully this makes it clear how I use only knots to rig up a tarp. It's pretty basic, but it achieves the elusive "V" to avoid collisions with the hammock suspension.

Enjoy!

[chickenwing]

Very nice. I like how you just "throw" stuff together.

[grannypat]

Thank you. Clear directions and illustrations.

[QiWiz]

and I already know the knots . . . bonus
I'll definitely be using this

Thanks

[nothermark]

Simple and elegant but I can give you an alternative. Pick up two finger sized sticks about 6" long. Tie the line on one tree then tie it loosely to the other. pull a bight through one tarp tie point and put a stick in the bight. Keep a little tension and repeat at the other end of the tarp. Tension the line and center the tarp by sliding the line through the bights as required.

[toddhunter]

I would prefer to run the ridgeline up, then attach the tarp. It's easy to do using prussiks and biners, but not so clear how to create the space for the hammock suspension. Any help there? I thought about temporarily just using a biner hooked over the line at the tree, then reconnecting it to the tie out, but I think I lose the tensioning of the prussik.

[titanium_hiker]

Thanks for the illustration dejoha, but I'm still thinking along the lines of toddhunter. If it wasn't raining in Melbourne today it would be a lot harder to stay inside and get my work done for uni! (rather than heading out to play with my tarp)

TH

[dejoha]

I would prefer to run the ridgeline up, then attach the tarp. It's easy to do using prussiks and biners, but not so clear how to create the space for the hammock suspension. Any help there? I thought about temporarily just using a biner hooked over the line at the tree, then reconnecting it to the tie out, but I think I lose the tensioning of the prussik.

Thanks for the illustration dejoha, but I'm still thinking along the lines of toddhunter. If it wasn't raining in Melbourne today it would be a lot harder to stay inside and get my work done for uni! (rather than heading out to play with my tarp)

I do this all the time by using mini carabiners and prusiks like toddhunter mentions. You can still create the "V" and give your hammock suspension some breathing room.

On my line, I've tied a 'biner to one end (the fixed end). Near the other end I've attached a prusik with another mini biner. This becomes the adjustable end.

The first thing I do is wrap the fixed end around a tree and then clip the carabiner back on the line (e.g., just like we do with webbing straps).

Next, I take the running end of the line to the other tree and wrap the prusik/adjustable binder around and clip it to the line.

Finally, I pull out my tarp, clip the fixed 'biner/end to one end of the tarp. The other tarp tie out is then clipped to the adjustable prusik/biner. I then tighten up the prusik and slide the tarp to center. A final snug on the prusik to get the ridge line taut.

No knots, but you still have the "V" and you can set the line first and the tarp last.

Does that make sense? This is how I most often set my tarp and what I illustrated in my book.

[juanbalboa]

Very nice explanation. Thank you!

[DemostiX]

Very nice. Great flow and confidence inspiring --that is how you want the interpreter to feel, right?

Substantive question: I have looped the ridgeline once around each of the D rings. So, when the line is tight, the rings act as prusiks, in much the way, I gather, that climbers use carabiners.

Am I missing something, abusing the plastic? Seems to hold the tarp firmly in place.