Tarp set-up concern. Founded or unfounded?

**SC_Dave** · 05-25-2014, 19:30

When you watch Brandon's Super Fly set up vid he gets it super tight. Looks like it's been ironed! At one point in the video he even shows a 3 to 1 guy method for getting the tarp tight. I have always been hesitant to put that much tension on my Super Fly even though I want too. It looks great and shows you know how to set up a tarp, at least IMO. I'm sure if Brandon rips his, no big deal

. If I rip mine it's another story. Am I being overly cautious? Am I concerned when I shouldn't be? I guess I should also mention that I have shock cord on all my guy lines with the exception of the ridge line.
David

**The Tree Frog** · 05-25-2014, 19:46

I have viewed the video as well. I understand your concern. I have pulled the ridge line and side pull outs so tight that it distorted the ridge line shape...and still no tear. I wouldn't recommend that and I am not sure with continued use if it would tear. I will say, as is often said on HF, that they make good products. If not needed I would opt to leave a little slack unless it is a windy day.

**Oms** · 05-25-2014, 20:23

I've pulled the heck out on all of my silnylon and cuben tarps and have yet to have a failure. Only thing you may watch for are small trees on a windy day. You can also prussik the tarp to the ridge line. Then the real tension is not on the tarp.

**nuttysquirrel** · 05-25-2014, 22:26

sil stretches quite a lot. i wouldn't worry about it.

**OutandBack** · 05-25-2014, 22:37

Originally Posted by nuttysquirrel

sil stretches quite a lot. i wouldn't worry about it.

But grosgrain doesn't. I believe the SF has a grosgrain RL.

**nuttysquirrel** · 05-25-2014, 22:44

Originally Posted by OutandBack

But grosgrain doesn't. I believe the SF has a grosgrain RL.

i don't think grossgrain would rip that easily though

**Postal** · 05-25-2014, 23:22

I have been doing it his way for two years now. I do have a small worn spot but have since found that it isnt in the ridge of the tarp but on the excess material on the outside of the seam. Probably due to something other than hanging it.

**cfi on the fly** · 05-26-2014, 04:51

I always pitch mine pretty tight so their is absolutely no flapping around. Tarps and tents are supposed to be pitched tight to help with wind deflection. If it can't be, then time to find another one that can.

**Bubba** · 05-26-2014, 06:30

I prefer a taut tarp set up and I don't used any self tensioning lines anywhere. So far I have not seen any indications that the tarp is starting to suffer.

**jeepchute** · 05-26-2014, 06:51

I've seen a silnylon parachute subjected to opening at 250 kts. At 25000 ft. With 1000 lbs under it. That light weight fabric is amazingly strong if you load it evenly. Keep in mind nylon will stretch about 25-30 % before damage.