Tarp rigging line lengths

[SC_Dave]

Got my Superfly and my cordage. Before I hackle up a bunch of cordage the wrong length I wanted to consult the experienced. Here are the lengths I planned to use, let me know if I'm right or way off.

Ridgeline 12 ft on each end.
Tie downs 5 ft each
Pull outs 7 ft each
Doors 3ft each

Thanks, David

[Bubba]

Consider a longer length for the tie downs to allow porch mode.

[body942]

Ridgeline: I use two 11' lengths and have found it great for a double line "v" type setup, and plenty when I have a giant tree and have to resort to the single line system, both with tarpflyz.

Guylines: I am using 8 feet with a fixed loop on the stake end, prussic attached to the tarp itself, so all the adjustment is done right there. The big reason for the length = I have one other prussic "floating" between the fixed loop and the tarp. This goes over the handle of my trekking pole BAM instant porch mode, no extra cordage.

Doors: I have a 4 ft length of shockcord tied off to the tarp, then doubled back on itself at the "peg" end and fed back through a cordlok. Infinite adjustment.

Tieouts: Honestly, haven't come up with a system I'm in love with yet, I usually make due with the extra cordage I always bring (one side it almost always "porched" anyway)

[DemostiX]

Hope you get active response.

I'm interested, too, in the total, to get an estimate of how much weight and bulk can be saved. 80 feet of cordage in your minimum estimate?

I'd think you would want to include at least two lengths for porch-roof connection of one side for daytime enjoyment of sunny days and those with daylong downpours in camp. I hope others will suggest length and breaking strength for those.

[body942]

Lash-it for the RL's
80lb test cordage for the guylines with triptease for the prussics
Thin (can't remember exact measurement) shockcord for doors

[Bannerstone]

All good on the lengths, cut them a little long and just hang with it a while then shorten as needed. You're going to change them anyway, it's an inexpensive and fun part of your kit to fiddle around with. Sure as anything the first group hang you go to you'll see some ideas, head straight home and redo your tarp lines.

FWIW, I only run the 4 main lines on my winter tarp, leaving doors naked till I decide on my pitch. The doors on one end usually get flat folded shut tied off using extra line from the mains. The open end I use some detachable shock cords w/cord locs for adjustability. My side pull lines are sized to do double duty as door tie backs. Lots and lots of ways to rig, just have fun with it.

David

[Sidewinder]

I agree on what has already been said. For sure shock cord for the doors. A few long sections like 8 footers for porch mode.

What I like to steer you towards is the Tarp Ridge Line Dutch edition that whoopiesling sells. For a big tarp like the Superfly, the TRL makes it So much easier to set up. I made my own using a Dutch fly, Dutch hook, Dutch Ti mini Ridge biners (2) and a few prussic loops.

For smaller tarps I don't mind so much using individual lengths for each end. Going back and forth adjusting the smaller tarp is not so bad. But the bigger tarps are for me more unwieldy. Setting the TRL and sliding the tarp into perfect position really is the way to go. I also think the Superfly pitches better this way but I can't really explain why.

Good luck with your rigging!

S

[Bannerstone]

I have to agree with Sidewinder on the CRL for the Superfly and other big tarps, besides a convenient setup another reason is that it gives you the option to run your ridgeline under the tarp for extra structural support if you anticipate the possibility of a significant snow load.


David

[weird1]

I use 12 foot on each side for the ridge.
and 10 foot lines every where else.
here is a video of my current set up.

[wizardofhaws]

I use the Figure 9 tent line kit http://www.niteize.com/products/figure-9-tent-line-kit for mine and love it. Light weight, reflective, highly adjustable and was just 10 bucks at REI.