Tarp Position and setup

**TinaLouise** · 07-20-2009, 09:54

Originally Posted by ikemouser

just wondering what kinda knots you fellas employ on the tarp guylines and the line running from the tarp to the tree

On the lines that run from my tarp to the tree: I use straps that I've made from mule-tape. These I wrap around the tree above the straps from my hammock (if hammock is hung first) or above where I think the hammock straps will go. On my tarp line going to the tree, I've added the small size of those hitchcraft thingys. Just pull rope through straps, attach to those thingsy and tighten to where I want it. Easy to adjust if needed.

On guylines to stake out tarp: Bowline to tie line to tarp. Clove hitch to add shockcord tensioners to line. And taut-line hitch at the end to adjust length of line and to make a stake out loop. All of these are very easy knots and once you tie them, most don't have to be retied. All knots should be inspected though while you're using them.

Before I started using that hitchcraft thingy, I used a slip bowline to tie the tarp to the tree strap. The thingy thing is just soooo much easier to adjust.
TinaLouise

**billvann** · 07-20-2009, 10:54

1. It sounds like some folks are wrapping the tarp ridgeline around trees without straps. Is that becasue the load is lighter on the tarp and there's less of a chance of damaging the bark?

2. With cat cut tarps, is there a problem with runing a full length ridge line instead of attaching separate "ridge" lines to each D ring? I'm currently using the standard HH tarp that attaches to the suspension via Prussik knots and I like the ease of centering by sliding it back and forth. I plan on upgrading to a separate, larger tarp soon and thought of rigging a similar system with some shock cord tensioners, still possible with two separate lines, except the Prussik know configuration.

**angrysparrow** · 07-20-2009, 10:57

Originally Posted by billvann

1. It sounds like some folks are wrapping the tarp ridgeline around trees without straps. Is that because the load is lighter on the tarp and there's less of a chance of damaging the bark?

That's correct. The only tension on the tarp lines is the tension you apply in hanging the tarp and it is not weighted additionally like the hammock.

Originally Posted by billvann

2. With cat cut tarps, is there a problem with runing a full length ridge line instead of attaching separate "ridge" lines to each D ring? I'm currently using the standard HH tarp that attaches to the suspension via Prussik knots and I like the ease of centering by sliding it back and forth. I plan on upgrading to a separate, larger tarp soon and thought of rigging a similar system with some shock cord tensioners, still possible with two separate lines, except the Prussik know configuration.

There's no problem with that. In fact, I think Grizz posted that he does something similar. The only thing to watch for is that you aren't introducing a direct path for rainwater to flow down with the full ridge cord.

**Ekul** · 07-20-2009, 12:01

Originally Posted by ikemouser

just wondering what kinda knots you fellas employ on the tarp guylines and the line running from the tarp to the tree on the maccats.

I use tautlines on my guys and when i dont care about weight fig 9s on the ridge.

**ikemouser** · 07-20-2009, 21:47

Originally Posted by Ekul

I use tautlines on my guys and when i dont care about weight fig 9s on the ridge.

They only weigh 2 grams each, practically nothin

**ikemouser** · 07-20-2009, 22:19

Can somebody comment on the knots they are using to tie the string to the dring on the tarp, whether nylon or plastic. I get the fig 9/lock thing but what kinda knot is actually tied to the dring on the maccat?

**gargoyle** · 07-20-2009, 22:23

anything that holds the tarp from blowing away.
your choices are endless..prussik seems popular

**PuckerFactor** · 07-20-2009, 22:24

Haven't made my tarp yet, but I'd bet people tie a loop in the line, and pop it through the D-ring and thread the other end through the loop. It's called a Lark's Head knot or if you run the tail end through twice, it's a prussik. Either way will work. Or you could go really simple and just tie a bowline through the D-ring.

Hope that helps,
Acer

ETA: Heh, Gargoyle beat me to the punch.

**angrysparrow** · 07-20-2009, 22:25

I form a small loop with a bowline knot, and then feed the standing end of the line through the D-ring and back through the loop to form a lark's head. That is secure and makes it very easy to remove from the tarp as needed.

I have no idea if that is typical, though. This question hasn't really been asked on the forum much.

**warbonnetguy** · 07-20-2009, 23:49

Originally Posted by acercanto

Haven't made my tarp yet, but I'd bet people tie a loop in the line, and pop it through the D-ring and thread the other end through the loop. It's called a Lark's Head knot or if you run the tail end through twice, it's a prussik. Either way will work. Or you could go really simple and just tie a bowline through the D-ring.

Hope that helps,
Acer

ETA: Heh, Gargoyle beat me to the punch.

this is how i do it too, makes a nice clean connection that's easy to remove. for the rl lines however, i do the opposite, i attach line to tree in the same manner instead of to the pull tabs

oh, and i make the loop in the end of the line with a simple overhand on a bight or overhand loop whatever you want to call it.