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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?
IMO the continuous RL is more stable and supporting than the double. A double will work fine on the BigDaddy because that is how I did it until I seen the other way. Amsteel is over kill for that. Most use Zingit or Lashit which is the same dynema fiber as amsteel but smaller diameter and lighter. Marty at WildernessLogics should have some Lashit at his shop. You can email him to see.
25 feet should be enough but that is a waste of good amesteal when cheaper chord works. I use parachord.
A crl can make it much easier to adjust your tarp. Check out the tarp line video on this pagevfor details.
Summary: hang the crl then attach tarp with prussiks and slide to adjust.
+1 Shumway.....I'm too lazy to keep messing with the lines. I just hang my CRL, attach the tarp, then slide it back and forth a bit to the right spot and stake it out. Done....
I find it quicker - a bit more manageable - and much easier to adjust the tarp.
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
I agree with the benefits listed above.
In addition, it allows the option of using snakeskins or similarly attaching the tarp to the CRL. The tarp is setup, adjusted, and ready to go, but can be rolled back into the skins for sleeping under the stars. If the weather changes, it can be deployed very quickly.
Of course the next question that comes up is whether to put the CRL above or below the tarp. There are many threads on that topic as well.
Recently I have been just attaching the ends of my tarp to the trees. I have the cordage from each side set up so they can be adjusted easily so centering it over the hammock is just as easy as when I used a CRL. I also use snakeskins with no issues so far. YMMV.
I use both systems. Specifically, I use the CRL on my larger, heavier rectangular or square tarps (ie the GG 12X12, and DD 3mX3m), and the two part set up with the smaller, lighter tarps (ie HH sil hex, and HH stock tarp).
It really comes down to the larger heavier tarps being used along lines that don't always follow the seem, and wanting the additional support of the CRL for that reason.
Additionally, I often leave the section under the tarp (on the CRL) with a bit of slack to employ as a clothes line during the day when the hammock is angled out of the way of the "floor" space.
-Mike
fwiw I use snakeskins with my tarp and I have two lines that I keep attached to the tarp. Then I use them to keep the snakeskin "sausage" tightly wrapped.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alamosa
I do the same thing with my CRL.Quote:
Originally Posted by JaxHiker
paracord is not the best choice for tarp lines... it stretches when wet and get heavy when wet as well...Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverpirate
Mason line works good it's cheap but gets tangled easy ... i like Zing it myself or speer no tangle line .. a good line goes a long way
I use Kelty Triptease. Very light and reflective.
Kelty Triptease is also very good too ..... i use it if i can't zing-it or Speer
i did the CR thing for a bit and i liked it but at the same time i didn't like the added extra weight.. yeah,yeah i know it's only an oz but i'm a gram weenie
and with the Dutch flyz there is no need for a CR anymore
i also played around with a hybrid setup for some time it was set up like a CR
but it wasn't a full RL ... i'll have to take pics of it one day and post how i did it
but i'm really liking the Dutch flyz ... it saves weight cause you don't need as much line and you can adjust it very easy and no knots ;)
Those of you that use Zing-It, do you use the 1.75mm or the 2.2mm?
^ I use 2.2 but it's most likely overkill... the reason I used that is because I had some laying around and didn't feel like ordering any more at the time. It is somewhat easier to splice than the 1.75. Either diameter will work and is more than enough for a tarp ridgeline.
I have adopted this method as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bubba
In my quest to trim every possible gram I have dumped the CRL.
I found with a little practice hang the tarp center over the hammock
is no issue. I still use snakeskins for storage. All 6 tie outs are 2.2 Lash-it.
I use 2.2mm...it is overkill. I just got some Dutch Clips, they are awsome...but they don't like the 2.2 so I am going to switch to Air Core Nano. (I already have some on order for something else, so I will just use it for a CRL instead).Quote:
Originally Posted by shadowangel
I take 50' of 2.44 mm cord (not sure what kind it is...it's identical to the rope that comes with the figure 9 tent stakeout kit, only black). I made some prussiks out of the same cord, and use 2 wal-mart s-biners, and tighten the whole thing up with figure 9s. The CRL goes under the tarp (BMJ).
It's ultra reflective at night with my headlamp. Since I usualy have about 30 feet of extra cord, I'll string it to the next tree, and use it as a clothesline about 7' in the air to hang socks, trash bag, etc while I'm in camp.
FWIW, I never even tried using 2 pieces of rope and attaching to each end tieout. The CRL is too easy to get adjusted, and I don't mind carrying a few extra ounces.
I think: a continuous ridgeline cord will add to the wind worthiness of your tarp.
with a flat ridgeline tarp, a CRL cord under the ridge will help support the whole structure.
with a cat curve ridgeline, a CRL cord is prolly unnecessary. although the use of one couldnt hurt, you just have to let it sag a little if you tie off the ridge first and the corners second.
this depends on the depth of the catenary cut, and the angle of the side cat cuts.
my opinion? i prefer a straight cut ridgeline and a full cord running under it, and side panel pullout (tieouts) for a variety of pitches, like you would find over more than one hammock. also, zing it or lash it works fine. amsteel is a bit much...
p.s. i use prusik knots like many others on the main ridge line to easily adjust the tarp. its very quick to pitch in this manner.
I use the continuous ridgeline for several reasons -
-It helps support my rectangular tarp
-It serves as a place to hang up lightweight items like socks to dry
-In my opinion it makes it easier to flip one side of the tarp over the other to open everything up on nice nights
-I use a Hammock Bliss bug sock. Instead of using the stock cord to tie it up and out, I just use some soft shackles on my tarp ridgeline to pull it up if I want the net way out of my face.
-I think the continuous ridgeline makes adjusting my tarp very easy
My ridgeline is 40' of 2.2mm Zing-It built like a whoppieslings.com setup with a knot bone at one end and a figure 9 on a prusik on the other end. My advice would be to start with a continuous ridgeline and if you hate it you can cut in in half and put one on each end of the tarp.
I like the CRL because it gives me a nice edge on the tarp and adds a little structure. It makes a great place to hang things from if I'm on an extended trip too. I also added the hook and flyz setup from Dutch. I haven't noticed any wear on my tarp but with the Dutch gear I had to switch from the Z-packs 1.25mm line to something a little stronger because of some wear issues.