Distance from tarp to hammock?

[Tryinhard]

Is there a set distance everyone tries to hang their tarp from their hammock? I noticed when I set up my el cheapo 8X10 tarp in asym fashion there wasn't a lot of coverage along the long side going to the ground. Is this typical or should I buy a bigger tarp?

Thanks,
Brian

[MAD777]

Considering that hammock suspension rise at about a 30 degree angle as they run from hammock to tree, it stands to reason that a tarp with a long ridgeline cannot be set up close to the hammock. A shorter tarp can be nailed down almost on the hammock like a lid. However, too short a tarp will let water come into the ends of the hammock, and we all know where that will end up.

Congratulations, you have discovered the tarp - hammock dilemma! And then there are hammock doors....

[Beast 71]

When the weather is fair I hang my tarp as high as I can reach. When the weather is foul I hang it low enough to touch the unoccupied hammock, that way when I get in and put weight the hammock and the hammock sags away from the tarp. That way the tarp is as low as possible without touching the tarp.

[barnes3126]

Yep, me too.

[PapaSmurf]

Here's a quick diagram that may help explain tarp ridgeline length vs distance from hammock.

[MAD777]

Thanks Papa Smurf! Thats what I was trying to say in my post above. A picture is worth a 1000 words!

[uncle_ray_ray]

For me, it's all relative to the weather. Good weather keeps my tarp in a snakeskin slightly above my hammock just in case the weather suddenly changes. For cold weather, I'll switch tarps, and bring out the one with door flaps and keep the ends as close to the ground as possible to keep in as much heat as possible.

[sleestac]

Here's a quick diagram that may help explain tarp ridgeline length vs distance from hammock.

PapaSmurf you always have the right illustration to answer any question. Thanks

[olddog]

I use a modified version of Bearchasher's SLS (single line suspension) in which tarp and hammock are hung from the same line. Never really paid much attention to the distance between tarp and hammock, maybe somewhere between 12"-24". Depends on if you are measuring to the hammock RL or to the hammock. Being from and hanging in Florida most of my hangs I'm looking for more space between the two for ventilation.