Benefits of a continuous ridgeline?
I have seen tarps run with ropes on either end that connect individually to the tarp or a continuous rope running under the whole tarp.
What are the benefits of running a continuous tarp ridgeline? Will I harm my tarp (Wilderness Logics Big Daddy) by only tying off ropes to each side to connect to the trees?
In case I want to run a continuous, I have 25' of amsteel coming, is that going to be too little?
Benefits of a continuous ridgeline?
It's a trade off--like anything else. A continuous ridgeline might give you a tighter ridge with less sag (You can really pull on a continuous line as you draw it tight---much harder than I would dare do to a tarp with two ridge tie-outs.) I use a continuous ridgeline with my tarp attached to it with klemheist knots so I can slide my tarp directly over my hammock.
On the other hand, some people worry about the friction of a continuous ridgeline on the tarp and it causing undo wear. Also, in theory, two shorter tie outs weigh less than a continuous line. Your choice/you can't go wrong! :D