Auto adjusting tarp for bridge entry

**hangnout** · 04-20-2009, 20:06

I have a DIY cuben tarp I have used with gathered end hammocks. I have always liked the bridge hammock but have not used it before for hiking due to the added weight of needing a larger tarp.

I recently made another bridge hammock and set it up like the pic below

This did not block the blowing rain due to having to open the tarp because of the way spreader bars push into the tarp. Also this required too many cords and poles for easy setup.

I needed a way to get the bridge hammock up into the tarp for rain without damaging the tarp when I got in the bridge hammock. The pics below was the solution I came up with.

This set up allows me to get in my bridge hammock without worrying about the tarp. I run the tarp line thru a stake, back towards hammock, thru a second stake, then up to end of spreader bar. I adjusted the length of the cord to tighten when hammock is occupied. As the hammock dips down when entering you automatically get the amount of slack needed in tarp to keep spreader bars from poking into tarp. I have a tarp tensioner on each end to stretch for tarp tension and futher protect tarp from damage.

This pic shows the set up and the tarp without anyone in the hammock

This pic shows the tarp with the hammock occupied and tarp tight

This pic shows the tarp from the inside adjusted the same as if going directly to stake

This pic shows how much slack this allows as the spreader bars come up into the tarp

I will still hang the tarp high & wide when the weather is good but now I have an option for bad weather. I just have to cover a small area on each end as needed.

I was about to give up on using this tarp with the bridge. This tarp is very light and I was having problems adding the extra tarp weight just to use a bridge while hiking. Now it is a done deal.

This only adds one more stake for a total of 3 stakes needed. Another option is to not attach to end of spreader bar and reach down to the second stake and secure once in the hammock but I like being able to jump out and back in without setting anything.

I know I am more excited than anyone else about this

but this will keep my entire setup DIY and allow me to use a tarp I have time and money invested in.

**BillyBob58** · 04-21-2009, 09:59

Wow, very interesting! Keep us posted as to how it works in the field!

**animalcontrol** · 04-21-2009, 11:10

Ha...very clever!
I will look into this when I set mine up this weekend...thanks for sharing

**TeeDee** · 04-21-2009, 19:34

There is more innovation by the people on these forums than I have seen anywhere else.

That is a great idea.

**hangnout** · 04-26-2009, 13:00

Wow, very interesting! Keep us posted as to how it works in the field!

My daughter and I went on an overnight this weekend and this worked great the whole time. I get in/out of the hammock more when she goes with me and it was nice not worrying about the spreader bars hitting the tarp.