First Hang :(

**Deadphans** · 08-01-2011, 21:36

hehe, thanks. Didn't think so. Was just curious.

**crisis** · 08-01-2011, 22:01

Thanks for all the advice so far.
Deadphans: I was thinking the same thing and I just picked up some shock cord today.

I also didn't know about the 50% larger ridgeline then the purssic line. That's good to know. Maybe I'll try changing out the ridgeline or go with no ridgeline. I just like the idea of having a continuous one.
As for slipping off the stack, I have been camping my whole life and have driven in hundreds of them, I have no idea how the tarp slipped off. It must have been the amount of slack created when the knot slipped.
Thanks again

**Chard** · 08-01-2011, 22:17

Hey Crisis,

I wish I had such a memorable "first hang". Think of the stories you'll be able to tell your grandkids... That you're getting out again and tweaking your kit shows you've definitely got the right perspective on the whole thing.

As far as the ridgeline goes, I'll second all of the prussik comments above, adding that if you have any doubts, or know that really bad weather's coming in, you might want to rig a second, fixed line from the tarp's ridge-ring to the tree as insurance. I've had pussiks slip sometimes as well.

As far as pegging the tarp to the ground, my first preference is to take a couple of turns around the bases of small sapling, bushes, etc... sometimes sacrificing the angles on a perfect pitch to reach a perfect anchor. Putting pegs into the soft groundcover can sometimes be challenging. When in doubt I've had luck criss-crossing pegs, or just fashioning a large stake from a nearby piece of deadwood. I've rigged a foot of strong shock cord to each of my corners as well. Finally, large rocks on the stakes also work well if they're handy.

**Deadphans** · 08-01-2011, 22:20

Hmmm...just throwing this theory out there....what if the guyline on the stakes slipped because of the wind itself. If it is blowing from the East to the West against your tarp, one side of your tarp is going to be blowing inward (East side) in which case the guyline on that stake will be tight and stretched and pulling away from the stake and the stake loop. On the other side the wind is blowing the tarp outward (West)...thus the guyline gains slack and can easily slip off the stake. Did I explain that well? Makes sense in my head, but that doesn't mean anything. lol

**Catavarie** · 08-01-2011, 23:26

How did you attach the guy lines to the stakes? I use a simple clove hitch and I've never had one slip. Granted I also try not to camp in gale force winds.

**Wags** · 08-01-2011, 23:28

i twist it around the stake like 5 times then tie slippery half hitch. easy as pie and they don't untie

**BearChaser** · 08-02-2011, 08:39

When high winds are expected, I set my hammock as close to the ground as I can so I can spread the sides out more making the entire tarp lower in profile.

**crisis** · 08-02-2011, 08:44

Yeah, we really weren't expecting a storm that night. It was clear all day and the forcast was 30% showers in the evening, but you know how accurate the weather station is.
I think I'm going to try some 2.2 Zing-it as a ridgeline, add some shock cord to my tieouts and set in up in my yard a few more times. See what happens.
I just hate getting wet at night while on the trail.

**raiffnuke** · 08-02-2011, 08:46

Originally Posted by Catavarie

How did you attach the guy lines to the stakes? I use a simple clove hitch and I've never had one slip. Granted I also try not to camp in gale force winds.

I use Zing-it for my tie outs, and they have locked brummel eye splices in the ends for the stakes. I have never had to worry about them coming off of the stakes...I suppose if I was worried, I could always larks head them to the stakes.