Tarp Ridgeline: Over or Under

[egroeg555]

Many of the pictures I've seen here have the tarp ridgeline over the tarp. Does this have any particular advantage over having it under the tarp? Would having it under tend to cause tarp wear?

[Roadrunnr72]

I have not used one yet, but from what I have read, if its under and does rain, that water can run down the ridgline and drip on you. I haven't heard of anyone with tarp wear problems.

[BearChaser]

Rainy weather, over. Snow, under.

In rainy weather, the water could & probably would run down the ridgeline under the tarp and possible drip down into the hammock. In the winter with snow, you can use the ridgeline as extra support for heavy snow with could build up and sag down your tarp.

I would imagine after awhile under could cause some wear. I just use the above, which was kinda the answer I got when asking the a similar question.

[JaxHiker]

Use drip lines when it's raining.

[Silverlion]

I always go under. Never had rain issues as I use drip lines. To me, It seems to put less stress on the tarp to go under as you don't have to stretch the tarp so tight to keep it from sagging in the middle. Guess it's all about preference.

[millarky]

I always go under. Never had rain issues as I use drip lines. To me, It seems to put less stress on the tarp to go under as you don't have to stretch the tarp so tight to keep it from sagging in the middle. Guess it's all about preference.

And it is that sag in the middle which I have learned to dislike. I have used a CRL over, mainly because I was concerned about rubbing the seam seal of the inside ridgeline of the tarp. I am now experimenting with two lines, one attached to each end by line locks. So far, I like it. Just as fast set up as a single line with prussics. Nothing original I'm sure but I hope to get photos tomorrow.

[MuseJr]

I always go under. Never had rain issues as I use drip lines. To me, It seems to put less stress on the tarp to go under as you don't have to stretch the tarp so tight to keep it from sagging in the middle. Guess it's all about preference.

I agree about the stress and I don't like the sag in the morning when I use the tarp under the CRL, so I always run the ridge line under the tarp.

[muttly]

I use all variations, depending on my level of medication. HA! Seriously, all have advantages. Tying each end with its own line makes a nice "V" to pass my hammock support through without rubbing lines. I know you can do the same with CRL, but his is just one of the considerations I use. CRL's make it easy to center ( or off-center if that is what you want) the tarp. I like havinig options and they make set up fun.

[Cannibal]

I just tie each end to a tree with its own line. Requires no thinking, making it ideal for me.

[JaxHiker]

I just tie each end to a tree with its own line. Requires no thinking, making it ideal for me.

This too.