Ridgeline vs. NO ridgeline

[hikehunter]

Be it for structure or for your bug net....chime in on how you feel about the need for a ridgeline.

Does a tarp need a ridgeline?

[Nodust]

I would rather not have a ridgeline on my hammock. But it's handy to hang stuff on. And keep the bugnet off my face.

No ridgeline on my tarps. Just a line off each end.

[ksbcrocks]

I like having one on my hammock so I can get a consistent hang. It also keep my fronkey style bugnet up and I keep a ridgeline organizer on it. I've never been in a situation where I wish it wasn't on there.

[Wanderlost]

I prefer a ridgeline. It's great for gear stowage (hanging a light, small gear hammock, organize) plus, as already mentioned, it keeps the bugnet off my face. It's useful when you're in an area where you may not always get optimal distance for trees. It helps maintain that sweet spot.

I've tried a continuous ridgeline on a tarp, but I think it maintains a better shape and is easier to put up without one.

[OutandBack]

I prefer no RL but hammocks with sewn bugnets or winter covers need them to protect the stitching and keep the net/cover off your face.
The biggest hassle I have with them is I use my hammock for a chair and I am always hitting my head knocking my hat off or bumping into the organizer which always sags to the middle.

[SilvrSurfr]

Does a tarp need a ridgeline?

I like ridgelines for my tarps and my hammocks.

I don't know how many hammocks I have (8 or 10), but I do know they all have 1.75 mm Zing-it adjustable ridgelines with Dutch Ti ridgeline biners. All of my hammocks are 11 ft. with continuous loops, so I can use Dutch Whoopie hooks or Speed hooks.

I can hang so much stuff on my hammock ridgeline: lights, pack, shoes, clothing, bugnet, sock; whatever. The ridgeline also makes tarp coverage more predictable. If you have a tarp with an 11 ft. ridgeline and you're using an 11 ft. hammock, every inch of end coverage matters.

11 ft. tarp ridgeline = 132 inches
11 ft. hammock with 83% ridgeline = 109.56 inches
add 6 inches for continuous loops = 115.56 inches

So that gives me 8 inches of coverage on each end of the hammock. Using a tarp with doors, that's plenty. However, if I were using a tarp without doors I might opt for a 12 ft. ridgeline.

My head never bumps into the ridgeline. I'm 5'11" and maybe I'm all legs and no torso, but I just haven't experienced the ridgeline hitting the head.

[MAD777]

I definitely prefer a hammock ridgeline. The advantages are a consistent hang, holds the bugnet or sock, and provides a clothesline.

[OutandBack]

snip...
My head never bumps into the ridgeline. I'm 5'11" and maybe I'm all legs and no torso, but I just haven't experienced the ridgeline hitting the head.

Do you tie your RL up on the amsteel?

This is my Warbonnet Traveler can you see the yellow radio clipped on the RL.



Same Yellow radio on Warbonnet Black Bird. Now you know why I wear a hat, haha



My 11x60 Dream Hammock with winter cover. Note the RL height holding the cover up?



11x60 WL Snipe no RL...Prrrrfect

[DuctTape]

I think people who have one, use it and like it. Those who do not, feel they dont need it. I am in the latter group. Been hanging now for years without a ridgeline on either tarp or hammock. I dont need em. YMMV

[SnrMoment]

The adjustable, detachable, 2.2 Lash-It structural ridge line on my hammocks is mandatory geezer gear. Aside from hanging an organizer and small flashlight, it suspends my top covers, holds up a bug net when needed and it's great for holding a can of bear spray. You can shoot out of a hammock with no bug net. Also convenient to grab onto and pull my rickety self out of the hammock which I suspend with a lot of sag.

Local fauna:


Also use a continuous ridge line for the tarp secured to purssigs. Easy to fine tune over the hammock.