Anyone using the garda hitch to rig a tarp?

[mountainm]

Was thinking of a new tarp setup system using 2 rings at each end of the ridgeline and a garda hitch to tighten - anyone doing this already?

Seems very simple to me, but I don't think I've seen anyone else doing it.

[AaronMB]

I don't know the Garda - but it seems to be a one way ratcheting knot of sorts? Once the tarp was tightened up, how difficult would it be to loosen?

[mountainm]

I don't know the Garda - but it seems to be a one way ratcheting knot of sorts? Once the tarp was tightened up, how difficult would it be to loosen?

As I understand it you slide the rings apart. But that is one of my concerns too.

[gmcttr]

My understanding is that you'll be OK if you use 4mm or larger diameter rope. Amsteel smashes flat and is a poor choice for this use.

Also there is this current thread... https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...es-and-Amsteel

[mountainm]

My understanding is that you'll be OK if you use 4mm or larger diameter rope. Amsteel smashes flat and is a poor choice for this use.

Also there is this current thread... https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...es-and-Amsteel

It's not like it'll be taking my bodyweight though. Only to tension a superfly.

[gmcttr]

It's not like it'll be taking my bodyweight though. Only to tension a superfly.

My bad...I guess I still had the other thread on my mind and was thinking hammock suspension.

I agree, that for a tarp, you're likely to have difficulty in releasing the rings since there would be no slack in the system.

[f k]

...I agree, that for a tarp, you're likely to have difficulty in releasing the rings since there would be no slack in the system.

But since it is silnylon it would have some stretch and you could pull on the line coming from the tarp to loosen and then split the rings right? Would the natural stretch of the material be a concern? Would it loosen the hitch enough for it to slip as it got wet or what ever sil does? Bungee tensioners may solve both problems.

[mountainm]

But since it is silnylon it would have some stretch and you could pull on the line coming from the tarp to loosen and then split the rings right? Would the natural stretch of the material be a concern? Would it loosen the hitch enough for it to slip? Bungee tensioners may solve both problems.

All good questions...I guess there's only one way to find out.

[f k]

All good questions...I guess there's only one way to find out.

Let us know how any experiments go. I am interested. =)

[DRobertson]

truckers_htch.jpg here is what I use, and I love the easy adjustability.