How much shock cord is enough?

**slowdown** · 08-09-2012, 08:31

Looking to improve both tarp set-up and hammock tie outs by adding shock cord. The question is how much length is best. 8 - 12 inches or more? Seems to me a little more on the tie outs so they don't inhibit swing. Saw Jeff's tubing solution for ridgelines and really like it. Especially the double ended loops but have a ton of small gauge shock cord to work with. Also thinking simple bowline loops and lark heads to attach rather than a more elaborate connection (prusic knot in shock cord???). Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Thanks!

**FLRider** · 08-09-2012, 08:49

For the tarp guylines: six inches'll do you just fine. Most tarps won't stretch more than that (note: if you use nylon cord for your guylines, that may change).

For the hammock: I'd recommend a minimum of a foot on either side. You're going to want to back that hammock up (wait, wasn't that a particularly bad rap song from the late nineties?) at some point to get up out of it or get at something underneath, and it'll be worth having the extra stretch.

**raiffnuke** · 08-09-2012, 08:50

+1 to what FLRider said.

**MAD777** · 08-09-2012, 09:03

+2 to what FLRider said.

**slowdown** · 08-09-2012, 09:27

Nothing like a consensus. Thanks guys. Any thoughts on connection? Loops and larksheads?

**raiffnuke** · 08-09-2012, 09:50

Originally Posted by slowdown

Nothing like a consensus. Thanks guys. Any thoughts on connection? Loops and larksheads?

that is probably the most simple approach. Other options are specific loop knots. I use the loop and larks head method myself, so I can remove it easily if I want to. YMMV.

**XSrcing** · 08-09-2012, 10:06

1 billion nanometers

**Ramblinrev** · 08-09-2012, 10:07

Be careful using shock cord for tarps. It has been known to have a strong wind launch a tarp stake. I've had them launch 20 feet or more. I don't use shock cord for tarps any more. If you feel the need to self-tension there are safer and better ways to do that shock cord although 6" is really nothing more than a self-tensioning length and probably would not be a problem

**raiffnuke** · 08-09-2012, 10:11

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Be careful using shock cord for tarps. It has been known to have a strong wind launch a tarp stake. I've had them launch 20 feet or more. I don't use shock cord for tarps any more. If you feel the need to self-tension there are safer and better ways to do that shock cord although 6" is really nothing more than a self-tensioning length and probably would not be a problem

Rev is right. They can sure launch a stake! I larks head my lines to my stakes so I can't loose them if they pull free. My only real concern is ending up with a harpooned tarp!