How do I keep my tarp ridgeline dry?

[BRad704]

A thunder storm rolled into town this afternoon, so I took the opportunity to jump under the tarp in my taffeta hammock. First thing I noticed was that the hammock had some water spots. Now that I have been here for 15 minutes, I can feel the occasional drip or splash.

I am using a single line suspension for my tarp. The ridgeline under the tarp is soaking wet from the rain running down it. Is that normal? Or is there a common way to stop the ridgeline from soaking so much water?

Just had two more drops hit me square in the crotch.

[Shug]

A thunder storm rolled into town this afternoon, so I took the opportunity to jump under the tarp in my taffeta hammock. First thing I noticed was that the hammock had some water spots. Now that I have been here for 15 minutes, I can feel the occasional drip or splash.

I am using a single line suspension for my tarp. The ridgeline under the tarp is soaking wet from the rain running down it. Is that normal? Or is there a common way to stop the ridgeline from soaking so much water?

Just had two more drops hit me square in the crotch.

You need a drip string.....cotton shoelace or similar tied on ridgeline right up under the inside edge of tarp.
Should do it.
Enjoy the hammock time.
Shug

[Steve D]

You need a drip string.....cotton shoelace or similar tied on ridgeline right up under the inside edge of tarp.
Should do it.
Enjoy the hammock time.
Shug

Or hang your tarp beneath the ridgeline instead of having your ridgeline beneath the tarp...

[weaver2469]

A foot long, thin strip of Shamwow works well as a drip string.

[SilvrSurfr]

What type of rope is your ridgeline? Zing-it doesn't hold water well, and I haven't seen much need for a drip line using it. On the other hand, if you're using paracord or some kind of nylon rope, that'll wick some water underneath.

[BRad704]

Thanks guys. I'll try a drip string next.

My ridgeline/suspension is just paracord. It isnt very hydrophobic.

[SilvrSurfr]

Thanks guys. I'll try a drip string next.

My ridgeline/suspension is just paracord. It isnt very hydrophobic.

Even a drip string might not work with paracord - it soaks up some water. Ask Santa for some Zing-It!

[Itsamescott]

It was my understanding that the ridgeline typically went above the tarp for this very reason. That is how dejoha does it.

I have had mine under my tarp before in a long drenching rain using Tech Line from DIY Gear Supply with no issues so, like others have said, it may be an issue with the paracord wicking it down under the tarp.

[FLRider]

I'd also recommend running the CRL over the tarp rather than under. It makes things work, without adding weight or complexity to the system.

[BRad704]

The only reason I am hesitant to go over the tarp, it's that it is a tyvek tarp with tyvek taped pullouts. I'm worried that the change in load direction would pull the tape lose.

I guess I do need to break down and order some zingit. I just already had about a thousand feet of paracord and wanted to try it.