Illustration - Pitching and Choosing A Hammock Tarp

[dejoha]

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10146&stc=1&d=1272268672

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10147&stc=1&d=1272268672

Along with "Hike Your Own Hike," it's equally important to "Pick Your Own Pitch" and "Choose Your Own Tarp." Just as there are as many hammock options to choose from, there are equally as many tarp configurations and rigging options to match.

TARPS

When it comes to tarps, some like full coverage while others prefer to go topless. There's no right or wrong answer here, and your choice depends on many factors: weight, coverage, versatility, ease-of-use, etc.

It is generally agreed that full-coverage tarps, or "winter" tarps are best for four-season camping when you need maximum protection from the elements. Winter tarps usually add extra flaps or "doors" (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=8054&catid=searchresults&searchid=39341) to the ends of the tarp that can be folded inward to enclose all four sides. Some manufacturers sell "doors" as an optional add-on to common hex or cat-cut tarps.

Large tarps also provide good privacy for modesty when changing clothes, etc. But larger tarps can be more complicated to pitch for some users and they do weigh more and can require extra hardware (e.g., stakes, guylines) to pitch.

In moderate conditions, almost any tarp can be modified for good coverage, ventilation, and privacy. Some users have successfully used ponchos as dual-purpose a-sym tarps (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=7475&catid=searchresults&searchid=39340). Diamond tarps (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=6409&catid=searchresults&searchid=39344) offer more coverage than a-sym design and are equally simple to pitch. Keep in mind, however, that smaller tarps require greater skill to keep dry in adverse conditions. It is often necessary to sleep in a specific direction under an a-sym tarp to maximize coverage.

Square or rectangular tarps with multiple tie-outs can allow for greater pitching options than other tarps.

RIDGELINES

One great advantage of hammock camping with tarps is that in adverse conditions--rain, snow, wind--you can set up the tarp first and then keep your gear dry as you set up the hammock and sleep system. The first part to hanging the tarp is the ridgeline. As with tarps, there are multiple methods: end tie-outs or full ridgelines; knots, prusik loops, figure-9, knot bones, etc. The amount of versatility means each hanger can pick what works best for them, balancing weight, strength, ease-of-use, or other metrics.

Most ridgelines fall under one of two categories: end-only or full-length. End-only lines essentially eliminate the rope between the tarp tie-outs, which can reduce some weight. Full-length ridgelines run the entire length of the tarp and can be used under the tarp or over the tarp.

With a full-length ridgeline, you can set the line first and then adjust the tarp along the line to center it. It is often easier to center a tarp between the supports with a full-length ridgeline than with end-only lines.

Hanging the tarp over a full-length ridgeline provides additional structure and can be preferred during extreme conditions when the ridgeline can help support extra weight, such as during a snow storm. With the ridgeline running under the hammock, it also provides handy points for clipping gear to air dry, or to attach a bug net.

Whether you use a full or end-only ridgeline, one method for attaching the line to the support is to create a "V" around the post (see illustration). Essentially, you begin to loop the line around the support starting at the end point of the tarp. You then take the line around the support and then attach the line back at the beak of tarp. This creates a space so the hammock suspension can swing with less collisions against the tarp suspension line.


GUYLINES

Once the ridge of the tarp is set, you can set the guylines. Diamond or asymmetric tarps have as little as two guy points, so set-up can be quicker. Guylines of approximately 6 feet allow enough line so you can guy the tarp around other nearby supports, pitched low during adverse conditions, or in conjunction with trekking poles or found supports to open the tarp for more ventilation or views.

Many tarps stretch during the night, so even the tightest pitch before going to bed may slacken by morning. You can retrofit guylines with elastic shock cord (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3731&highlight=guyline) or purchase them ready-made from several manufacturers. With shock cord on the guyline, the tarp will remain taut as the tarp stretches.


I hope these two illustrations provide some basic understanding for the more common types of tarps used with hammocks and some best practices for pitching and using hammock tarps.

[waddy]

Thanks for yet another very attractive, clear, and informative article. Your illustrations are fantastic! Keep up the good work.

[Just Jeff]

Great illustrations! One nitpick, though - I don't think asym tarps require you to sleep inline with the tarp...you just have to go on the diagonal to the side where the tarp has more coverage. But it's still diagonal, and not inline with the tarp's ridgeline. Maybe a better way to word it?

[Hawk-eye]

Very nicely done. Might be good to add a reference to tarp door add on's like the Grizz Beaks ... just a thought.

[gargoyle]

Dejoha, very nice. Your examples are complete and concise, well done

[mbiraman]

I think this kind of visual primer is excellent and should be part of a package of visual primers, ( tarps, hammock hanging, UQ&TQ ), for newbies as well as old farts. Some folks like myself are very visual and this is just the trick. Great job.
bill

[sclittlefield]

These are fantastic! Pretty excited the Winter Dream (http://backwoodsdaydreamer.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=68365472) made the "common tarps" list! :)

You do really great work Dejoha.

[animalcontrol]

outstanding!!
thanks for all the effort

[Shug]

Excellent art ............
Like to have a poster of that on the wall of my shed .....
Shug

[TeeDee]

Beautiful art.

I think you have given the full length ridge line short shrift though. You do mention slightly a full length, but the easiest method of using one using Prussics (either traditional or Penberthy) is not mentioned at all. Don't know how you would work in information though since the poster is pretty full as is.

I'm biased about the full length ridge line for tarps and so my rating got lowered even though I love the art work.

[dejoha]

Great illustrations! One nitpick, though - I don't think asym tarps require you to sleep inline with the tarp...you just have to go on the diagonal to the side where the tarp has more coverage. But it's still diagonal, and not inline with the tarp's ridgeline. Maybe a better way to word it?

Good observation. Yes, I'll re-word that. You mentioned what I was getting at, but the words got in the way. :)

Something like this?

"With an a-sym tarp, you need to sleep on the diagonal, for maximum coverage."

[dejoha]

Very nicely done. Might be good to add a reference to tarp door add on's like the Grizz Beaks ... just a thought.

Thanks Hawk-eye!

I tried to be careful not to single out any manufacturer specifically, but I did mention in the short write-up that after-market doors are available:

"Some manufacturers sell "doors" as an optional add-on to common hex or cat-cut tarps."

I tried to make the illustration and write-up as basic as possible without focusing too much on one particular method or design. Just like hammocks, there are multiple ways to tie one up, and I covered a few for illustrative purposes.

[dejoha]

Beautiful art.

I think you have given the full length ridge line short shrift though. You do mention slightly a full length, but the easiest method of using one using Prussics (either traditional or Penberthy) is not mentioned at all. Don't know how you would work in information though since the poster is pretty full as is.

I'm biased about the full length ridge line for tarps and so my rating got lowered even though I love the art work.


Ouch TeeDee :) Only a 3? :cool:

My other illustration about rigging tarps covers prusiks a little better (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showpost.php?p=243187&postcount=23), I think, but you're right that this illustration is purposly light when it comes to _rigging_ a tarp. My intent was to give a basic primer on the subject. Like hammocks, there are numerous ways to rig it up, and I didn't want to slight anyone by focusing too specifically. I do list a few options, including prusiks, more for illustration purposes.

It is hard to design something this concise and still cover all the possibilities without stepping into the "Advanced Tarp Techniques" realm.

I went to a Boy Scout advanced backcountry training where one instructor had rigged a sophisticated tarp that included a modular guyline system and a full-length ridgeline with built-in, automatic safety release points, in case of hurricane-force winds, so the tarp would collapse instead of ripping into threads. The whole group was in awe, including myself, on this complicated rigging. I took pictures, wrote notes, and to this day, I still have no idea how to duplicate the instructors technique.

This has nothing to do with your ridgeline suggestion, but I hope it helps clear up why I had to stop somewhere. :) A good illustration loses its ability to communicate a clear message when there are so many options that there are no options.

I want to use any suggestions to make this illustration stand on its own for some time and weather any trends in technique. Last year, woopie slings were unknown but to arborists, and now they are the new hammock fad. I don't think single ridgelines with prusiks will go away any time soon, but I hope the little nod I gave is enough to hint that there is more to learn on the subject of tarp rigging. This illustration is just a starting point, not the definitive guidebook.

Is that long-winded explanation enough to get a 5 rating? :unsure::blush:

[dejoha]

What? Nobody recognized Cannibal (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/member.php?u=435)? And after all that work...:lol:

[turtlelady]

Of course we did! But there is no room in your chart, so we can't run the risk of you needing to portray the head larger than at present!:lol:

[stormcrow]

You never cease to amaze me my friend. That thing probably took you less than one night's work. It would have taken me..well, forever. Great work!!

~Stormcrow

[pgibson]

Looks Great! The only problem with the little Cannibal dude is that he only has one hammock :lol:

[TeeDee]

Ouch TeeDee :) Only a 3? :cool:


As I said, I'm biased and think that the full length ridge line deserves more respect :D.

The art work is gorgeous and many times I have wished I had that kind of talent. But content is important also.

I printed out the graphic and it only fills slightly over half of an 8.5"x11" sheet. So that leaves a lot of room for expansion without clutter.

Heck at that rate you could even fill the bottom half of the page with a single graphic detailing the full length ridge line with Prussics :lol::D My bias showing again ;)

[dejoha]

As I said, I'm biased and think that the full length ridge line deserves more respect :D.

The art work is gorgeous and many times I have wished I had that kind of talent. But content is important also.

I printed out the graphic and it only fills slightly over half of an 8.5"x11" sheet. So that leaves a lot of room for expansion without clutter.

Heck at that rate you could even fill the bottom half of the page with a single graphic detailing the full length ridge line with Prussics :lol::D My bias showing again ;)

I seeeee :)

Well, actually, both images are scaled at 8.5x11 @ 300 DPI, but reduced for the web. I'm glad it is legible at half size, but the call-out fonts are at 10 pts, and appear even smaller when reduced on the web. Reducing any smaller would make the text illegible on the web, but probably suitable for print.

I can see that you're just going to be a grump and hard to please. That's okay; I've dealt with tougher clients in my line of work :) You're looking for more "meat" when I'm insisting that these illustrations are just "milk" -- granted, single-line ridgelines might seem like "milk" to most, but it's just another level of detail that does introduce too much bias; something I'm trying to avoid (artistic neutrality, see?).

Perhaps my next series of graphics will tackle more advanced topics and techniques, which may satisfy the bias in you -- perhaps. My next drawing will be to talk about insulation basics.

[Boris Losdindawoods]

voodoo stick :lol: :lol: :lol:

You need to put high res versions of these on zazzle or one of the other sites and make yourself a few bucks.

[headchange4u]

Excellent diagrams as usual. Thanks for adding such a great asset to the forums.

[Curt]

D -

These are just awesome. I loved the versions in your BGT report on the Nano. This is a great addition. I print these out all nice and shiny and give them to my backpacking buddy who is just getting more and more into hammocking.

Thank you!

-Curt

[Harpo63]

Love Cannibal and voo doo sticks. Sure makes excellent diagrams stand out even more!

Wait till he starts putting in kilt wearing characters in these diagrams!

[lazy river road]

Awesome Article, great illustrations, thanks for the info and all the hard work and time you put into writting and illustrating this article. Also a special thanks for depicting the A-SYM tarp I never really understood how they worked the illustration really helps with a visual for me.

[dejoha]

Awesome Article, great illustrations, thanks for the info and all the hard work and time you put into writting and illustrating this article. Also a special thanks for depicting the A-SYM tarp I never really understood how they worked the illustration really helps with a visual for me.

Thanks all!

@lazy river road -- I'm glad the illustration helped. The a-sym tarps can be tricky, and they are the stock tarps for some manufacturers like Hennessy. I've used my GoLite Poncho as an a-sym tarp and it works great. I just have to be careful that I sleep inline with the tarp.

~derek

[Edie]

Finally I think I have it, simple directions

[survive7713]

this is an incredible article I refer to many

[grayghoste78]

I thought that you did a great job with the info, Thanks.

[Wolfman]

Great Basic Information. I am just starting to look into Hammocks and this was is a great place to start. I am looking for more of your Articles.

Wolfman

[zukiguy]

First time I've seen this....why isn't this a sticky??? Great info!!!

[tweety]

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10146&stc=1&d=1272268672

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10147&stc=1&d=1272268672

Along with "Hike Your Own Hike," it's equally important to "Pick Your Own Pitch" and "Choose Your Own Tarp." Just as there are as many hammock options to choose from, there are equally as many tarp configurations and rigging options to match.

TARPS

When it comes to tarps, some like full coverage while others prefer to go topless. There's no right or wrong answer here, and your choice depends on many factors: weight, coverage, versatility, ease-of-use, etc.

It is generally agreed that full-coverage tarps, or "winter" tarps are best for four-season camping when you need maximum protection from the elements. Winter tarps usually add extra flaps or "doors" (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=8054&catid=searchresults&searchid=39341) to the ends of the tarp that can be folded inward to enclose all four sides. Some manufacturers sell "doors" as an optional add-on to common hex or cat-cut tarps.

Large tarps also provide good privacy for modesty when changing clothes, etc. But larger tarps can be more complicated to pitch for some users and they do weigh more and can require extra hardware (e.g., stakes, guylines) to pitch.

In moderate conditions, almost any tarp can be modified for good coverage, ventilation, and privacy. Some users have successfully used ponchos as dual-purpose a-sym tarps (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=7475&catid=searchresults&searchid=39340). Diamond tarps (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=6409&catid=searchresults&searchid=39344) offer more coverage than a-sym design and are equally simple to pitch. Keep in mind, however, that smaller tarps require greater skill to keep dry in adverse conditions. It is often necessary to sleep in a specific direction under an a-sym tarp to maximize coverage.

Square or rectangular tarps with multiple tie-outs can allow for greater pitching options than other tarps.

RIDGELINES

One great advantage of hammock camping with tarps is that in adverse conditions--rain, snow, wind--you can set up the tarp first and then keep your gear dry as you set up the hammock and sleep system. The first part to hanging the tarp is the ridgeline. As with tarps, there are multiple methods: end tie-outs or full ridgelines; knots, prusik loops, figure-9, knot bones, etc. The amount of versatility means each hanger can pick what works best for them, balancing weight, strength, ease-of-use, or other metrics.

Most ridgelines fall under one of two categories: end-only or full-length. End-only lines essentially eliminate the rope between the tarp tie-outs, which can reduce some weight. Full-length ridgelines run the entire length of the tarp and can be used under the tarp or over the tarp.

With a full-length ridgeline, you can set the line first and then adjust the tarp along the line to center it. It is often easier to center a tarp between the supports with a full-length ridgeline than with end-only lines.

Hanging the tarp over a full-length ridgeline provides additional structure and can be preferred during extreme conditions when the ridgeline can help support extra weight, such as during a snow storm. With the ridgeline running under the hammock, it also provides handy points for clipping gear to air dry, or to attach a bug net.

Whether you use a full or end-only ridgeline, one method for attaching the line to the support is to create a "V" around the post (see illustration). Essentially, you begin to loop the line around the support starting at the end point of the tarp. You then take the line around the support and then attach the line back at the beak of tarp. This creates a space so the hammock suspension can swing with less collisions against the tarp suspension line.


GUYLINES

Once the ridge of the tarp is set, you can set the guylines. Diamond or asymmetric tarps have as little as two guy points, so set-up can be quicker. Guylines of approximately 6 feet allow enough line so you can guy the tarp around other nearby supports, pitched low during adverse conditions, or in conjunction with trekking poles or found supports to open the tarp for more ventilation or views.

Many tarps stretch during the night, so even the tightest pitch before going to bed may slacken by morning. You can retrofit guylines with elastic shock cord (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3731&highlight=guyline) or purchase them ready-made from several manufacturers. With shock cord on the guyline, the tarp will remain taut as the tarp stretches.


I hope these two illustrations provide some basic understanding for the more common types of tarps used with hammocks and some best practices for pitching and using hammock tarps.

Very good info! And the tiny little Cannibal is just too cute :laugh:

T:)

[Cannibal]

Very good info! And the tiny little Cannibal is just too cute :laugh:
Ha!
I'd forgotten about this illustration. Always an honor to be drawn by dejoha!!!

[J.Andersons]

Ha! Seen this illustration before but I didn't catch at that time whose this animal and it turns out Cannibal:eek:

[toadz]

Top Notch Illustrations...Thanks

[medrums]

Fantastic illustrations!

[valleyrat]

i love this it should be a stickey somewhere

[fishbait]

Another fine job dejoha. This would have been a great fold out in the book. I'm with shug, need a poster for the wall.

[Floridahanger]

Old article but a great one.
For all who like this, get Dejoha's book "The Ultimate Hang". A lot of us got it last year for Christmas and a must for all Hammockers. It's full of these kinds of illustrations and just makes it all "click".

Just my 2 cents, but I can't wait to get the 2nd addition book with this full size poster pullout. :D

[Shug]

Always good to come and look at these drawings and intel.....
Truly a must for all Hammock-Folk, new and seasoned.
Shug

GoNYjgT8ST8

[swankfly]

Switching from a single continuous ridge line to 2 separate ridge guy lines, how long would you make your individual ridge guy lines? 10', 12', 15'...

[Shug]

Switching from a single continuous ridge line to 2 separate ridge guy lines, how long would you make your individual ridge guy lines? 10', 12', 15'...
I would go with 12 to 15.........

[SkyPainter]

Awesome job again Dehoja! I leave the book in my living room, and always pick it up at random to browse - never gets old!

Thanks for this graphic! YES! A poster would be perfect!

~ SkyPainter

[blackd]

Really great display!

[zukiguy]

So why isn't this a sticky???

[Black Chrome]

Great comparison for us noobs

[ninjahamockman]

In your book I have always loved your illistrations the addition of the cannible is no exception.

[dejoha]

Thanks ninja. Maybe I'll add more cannibal when book 2 comes out !

[ZakBait]

I just found this. All I can say is, Wow! Thanks for this great information.

[drifter]

I wish I had seen this post before I had accumulated the stock pile of tarps that didn’t turn out to be what I wanted. This should really be a sticky in the tarp section. Great information.

[matmore74]

I tried to check out the higlights and it kept given me this message. "Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms." So I don't know what is going on but I was tring to look it up..

[Sascha]

Very Nice! Now I have to make me a Voodoo Stick for the next trip! :laugh:

[Sascha]

Excellent art ............
Like to have a poster of that on the wall of my shed .....
Shug

Now that is an awesome Idea! Dejoha, those JPGs you made... can we have some kind of vector grafic version with your name or watersign on it? I could then print it and put it in a frame for my office! :boggle:

Cheers Mate!

[bisquit476]

Thank you for the info,

Bill

[HanginBear]

Thank you for posting the pic's and info

[michigandave]

Nice job! It's great seeing everything all in one place for comparison.

[nj4x4fever]

This is fantastic information. Is there an industry standard on the size or length for the full length ridgeline? I am getting a spool of zing it and want to have a good length for my Hex tarp. If I keep the trees a maximum of 15' apart and the diameter of the trees are about 6-8 inches in diamerter, how long should my ridgeline be to be on the safe side? I will also be using a Dutch Hook on one end and Dutch Fly on the other.

[Grapenut]

Very nice indeed! Thank you for sharing with the forum!

G-Nut

[Hanging Inn]

New to hammock camping, thank you for the complete and concise illustrations, well done it will help me alot.

Kennth

[HSupertramp]

This is great info for newbies! Is there a thread that gives ways to provide the V on each end of the ridgeline?

[jjschaf]

Another great resource. Always trying new pitching setups.

[Scout620]

Thanks this was helpful!

[Whatknot]

Thank you for those wonderfully clear illustrations. A really helpful thread.

[yeraldis]

As a very visual learner, those illustrations were spot on. Props to you sir!

[MotoHanger]

Just saw this thanks to the recent post, great book and always great illustrations. I favor the continuous ridge line and was just thinking to myself I needed to see what was our here regarding the over or under option.

So where is book #2 in the making?

[green1210]

Thanks man, really helpful. You've got a hell of a talent for illustration.

[Nift]

Wanted to say thanks for me and three others! Have shown this to several friends who are benefiting from it as well as me.

[Karl_saggin]

Has anybody considered the Nubè from Sierra Madre Research, Ive really been looking into them considering i don't have a bug net. http://www.sierramadreresearch.com/product-category/hammock-shelter/
I currently own an ENO "profly" i think? Im not sure of the name.
I missed the kickstarter for it and it doesn't come out until February but thats just in time for next springs starting season! Thoughts?

[TallPaul]

This is my opinion on the nube... Fair number of people buying based on the product marketing and creative design.. Me personally I would wait until some reviews come in. If you want to be one of the first then go for it.

[eaglesquack]

Derek,
Do you have any suggestions about using snakeskins with a full length ridgeline in the v configuration? I try to slide my snakeskins back but they get hung up on the V?

[dejoha]

Derek,
Do you have any suggestions about using snakeskins with a full length ridgeline in the v configuration? I try to slide my snakeskins back but they get hung up on the V?

Snake skins are a bit tricker, but you can use them. When I use a double-sided stuff sack with my tarp, it just gathers up at the end of the tarp, scrunched up between the end of the tarp and where the ridge line comes out to form the "V".

Snake skins would be no different, only you would have two double-sided stuff sacks snugged up at each end of the tarp.

With Skins, the trick is to have them pulled over the tarp far enough that you can access the end of the tarp guy points easily, this way you can clip on your ridge line and not have to dig through the Skins.

Alternatively, you can leave the ridge line attached to the tarp and fed through the Skins.

I hope this makes sense. Yes, you can use Snake Skins but they will end up scrunched up at the ends of the tarp where the "V" begins.

[eaglesquack]

Thanks for the tips! I keep your "Ultimate Hang" in the Kindle on my phone for quick reference. Great book for us noobs.

[Illini]

Thanks for the great visual aid and info. It's just what I need as a rookie hanger.

[Backyard Bushcraft]

Cool! Thanks for this great info! Love it.:)

[Backyard Bushcraft]

Hey. Love your Youtube vids.:) I'm going to sub ya.

[dejoha]

Hey. Love your Youtube vids.:) I'm going to sub ya.

Thanks mate!

[LibertyLS]

Looking for a system that incorporates a hammock, enclosed tarp and dakota fire pit. Any ideas?

[Clockw3rk]

Very cool. It brings to mind DK Books style, which I like very much. Super informative and to the point, interspersed with sage tip or two. Cooler edgier graphics than DK though!

[ton9819]

Very Nice Information for the forums.:cool:

[Scubahhh]

Thanks for bringing this thread back to life. The Ultimate Hang is a great read. If you haven't read it, yu should. If you have, you should read it again! There's plenty of fodder hidden in there for many more threads!

[Niteowl]

Thanks! Awesome job illustrating!

[brswan]

Thanks so much for the information!

[KngFhearts]

I'm getting my first hammock today, and this was a great help in getting started.
Thanks :thumbup1:

[Aerobyrd93]

love these articles, concise and to the point!

[ConnieD]

<nevermind>

I made a scale model on graph paper.

[scollard70]

Thanks for the info. This helps allot on deciding on my set up.

[Crawdaddy]

I'm thinking of trying a DIY tarp to supplement my standard Hennessey. The illustrations have really helped me see clearly the options that I need to weigh. Thanks!

[DamnYankee]

Seeing I will be setting up my hammock for the first time this weekend, very timely post. Thank you