Length of Cord for Tarp Ridgeline?

**SteveE** · 09-13-2012, 20:20

How long of a cord do you guys recommend for a tarp ridgeline? I have a bunch of 20ft sections of cord but it's looking like it may leave me a little short on the ends by the time I do some loops around trees etc. I was gonna pop by MEC tomorrow and pick up a length exclusively for my tarp ridgeline, and was thinking maybe 30 ft? Any suggestions?

Thanks!

**chickenwing** · 09-13-2012, 20:24

I use 30ft or my tarp ridge line

**MAD777** · 09-13-2012, 20:28

It depends on whether you are going with a single, continuous ridgeline or two separated lines, one from each end of the tarp.

Figure that your spacing between trees is maximum 20 feet (you would need a ladder to hang the hammock otherwise). Then think about the circumference of the typical tree in your area. Mine is 5 feet circumference or 1.5 foot diameter.

For this scenario, with a continuous ridgeline, 30 feet would be just about right. That's what I am using for my continuous ridgeline.

I you go with two separate ridgelines, you can subtract the length of your tarp, so you would end up with two 10 foot sections, approximately.

Add a little more if your trees are bigger.

**SteveE** · 09-13-2012, 20:30

Thanks guys that's pretty much the way I was thinking too. I strung it up with the 20 ft section in my garage and it just looked a tad short. I think I'll grab a 30 foot section for a continuous line.

**Les Rust** · 09-13-2012, 20:33

+1 on the 30' for CRL. It works for me and we've got some big trees here in east Tennessee to hang from.

**Bannerstone** · 09-13-2012, 20:37

I keep making them 30', always seem to have 8 to 10 feet to spare.

David

**perrito** · 09-13-2012, 20:38

Yup, 30 feet, finished product.

**Ewker** · 09-14-2012, 08:57

Originally Posted by MAD777

If you go with two separate ridgelines, you can subtract the length of your tarp, so you would end up with two 10 foot sections, approximately.

Add a little more if your trees are bigger.

that is what we do. But with some tarps having 12' ridgelines you don't need as much line now

**Roadrunnr72** · 09-14-2012, 13:34

I can't remember how long mine is, but thinking about 25'. Then found out labor day weekend that it was a little too short. Luckly, I had brought extra zing-it, and was able to make an extention with a locked Brummel at both ends. But I just guessed at the length, and it was just long enough, so I made another one, but a little longer. For the weight penalty, I'll carry both with me, as there isn't much weight too begin with.