Saggy Tarp in Deep/Wet Snow

**altruistguy** · 10-24-2013, 15:32

Maybe this is really stupid, but I have an ambition to sleep in my hammock outside (in MI) as much as possible this winter.

It's going fine so far, but today we got our first appreciable snow storm of the season (quite early).

As I write this, there is much WET snow falling. My trusty HH Hex tarp is not doing well under the load. It is sagging seriously (all the way to the ground on the sides

).

After clearing the snow/slush, my instinct is to seriously tighten up the ridge, possibly run a full ridgeline under the tarp, and to bring in the sides to much steeper angles -- so that they deflect as much as possible.

Does anybody have any secrets for how to deal with heavy snow loads on their tarp?

**DeRozea** · 10-24-2013, 15:36

from what I have read, a continuous ridgeline under the tarp helps as well as adding a pole modification for overall strength.
I plan to play with both this year as well up here in northwestern ontario

**fallkniven** · 10-24-2013, 16:19

pitch it steeper so the snow falls right off, side tie-outs would really help too

**Jeff Kindy** · 10-24-2013, 16:31

I Tarp camp all year round in Michigan! I always use a Continuous ridge line under my tarp for just that reason. I use 550 cord so it will stretch a little. As stated pitch steep, but wet snow will pile up. I have woke up to my tarp in my face from the snow load! A little shake it clears right off. I have been down to 4*F with 6 inches within 4 hours last year in Port Huron. No problem!