Self Tensioning Tarp Ridge Line?

[MAD777]

There was a recent thread concerning a 2.2mm Zing-it continuous ridgeline breaking.
After much discussion here on the forums, it was generally agree that there was no way the material would break for wind stresses. We agreed that the probable cause was the wind aloft moving the trees and the two trees that the ridgeline was tied to, move away from one another. Since there is zero stretch in 2.2mm Zing-it, something had to give.

I realize your question centers around small trees giving way to the hammock load. But, the same solution of putting in a small section of shock cord my fix both problems.

Of course, I can't find that thread now, but it occurred about a month or so ago.

[JasonJones]

I use 3/16" bungie cord on my prusiks for my tarp, and another loop of bungie on the ridgeline when hanging a tarp off my hammock stand... the stand closes in (gets shorter) when you weight it, and it causes the tarp ridgeline to sag. This sounds like what your thin tree was doing. The bungie on the prusiks helps a lot and can absorb about 6-8in of shortening of the line and still keep the tarp taught. The one on the ridgeline takes up about 4in on its own and keeps the line from sagging even through the tarp is taught too.

I just tie to the bungie instead of the cordage, pull it tight and tie off... That gives the bungie the ability to keep it tight until it sags so much that it is not pulling any longer.

[trailryder42]

Hard to describe, so here's a picture. Either stake to ground or back to the tree near the bottom.