Rigging A Tarp For A Hammock

[Mustardman]

I hate to be negative, but the one thing I don't like about methods like this is that you're grinding the line around the tree when you tighten it, and on fragile bark I've seen it sawing into the surface. I prefer to tie the line in a loop around the tree, then use that to tighten up the tarp, so you aren't moving the line relative to the tree.

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about, using a figure 9 to tighten it. My tarp line has a loop in the end - I wrap that line around the tree then feed it back through the loop. Once it's put in place, it doesn't move around relative to the tree when you're tightening your tarp. The line is fixed to the tree and you just tighten it up to the tarp ring, using your trucker's hitch or figure 9 or whatever.

[ShadowAlpha]

set up my tarp this afternoon with prusik method & love it!

thank you for the illustration

[williepaul66]

Thanks for the information. I have in the past always just threw to ponchos over my hammock if it looked like rain but your way would keep them off the hammock and give me more breathing room, I try to keep everything simple but your way is still simple and practical. thanks

[Irvingdog]

Why these forums are great! Gotta say, Mustardman makes a tremendous point with the potential tree-damage, and I'll add that other methods could use as much as 50% less cord. I don't have enough miles under my hammocks to say decisively and have not yet noticed an issue between how hammock and tarp suspensions interfere with each other. I'll have to experiment.

[Frawg]

FWIW, here's an itegrated hanging approach I'm just now trying out:



The blue Amsteel goes to the hammock and the yellow mason line goes to the tarp.

Keeping the tie point close to the tree minimizes the interaction between the hammock & tarp suspension.

Update: it dawned on me that the grey loop / lanyard knot combo is unnecessary with this setup; I secure the tarp mason line (Lash-it is on the way) to the blue line with a slipped becket hitch, just above the bury.

[piponss]

great info,, thats why i love this place

[SkyPainter]

Very nice illustration! I will try this on the weekend. I'm just about done with the HH tarp attached to the hammock line.

===> I was done with that the first time I tried it! (Yesterday!) I hung a separate ridge line for the tarp, and that worked out great as far as space from the bug netting, and overall viewing was concerned. Better in the wind, as well. I have some pics on another thread here (1st Hang in a HH Exp Asym), that show both...I even tried attaching the tarp from under the line, but over was the winner.

Now, I just need to put a couple of Prusiks on the ridge line, and it will be set to go!

[dejoha]

===> I was done with that the first time I tried it! (Yesterday!) I hung a separate ridge line for the tarp, and that worked out great as far as space from the bug netting, and overall viewing was concerned. Better in the wind, as well. I have some pics on another thread here (1st Hang in a HH Exp Asym), that show both...I even tried attaching the tarp from under the line, but over was the winner.

Now, I just need to put a couple of Prusiks on the ridge line, and it will be set to go!

I remember when I first got my HH and was always confused why the tarp would look so taut when I hung the hammock (and in all the photos), but it would slack as soon as I got in. It took weeks before I clued in what was happening. This was during the dark period I call, "Before the Common Era of Hammock Forums" or BCEOHF.

Separating the tarp from the hammock was such an epiphany: no more wet hammock, no more droopy tarp, no more tangled guy lines.

[Globetruck]

I use the single ridgeline with "S" beiners attaching the tarp to prussiks. It allows me to center the tarp better.

TeeDee:
That is some fine software, thank you for the product name.

How strong of an S-biner do you need? 5 or 10 lbs?

[Shug]

How strong of an S-biner do you need? 5 or 10 lbs?

I use the small metal s-biner .... #1 I believe. Has always held.
Shug