Hardware-less tarp suspension

[OldMan]

I have been using a MacCat Deluxe for a year now and using a pair of long zing-it lines for a suspension. I wrap the zing-it around a tree using a stick for a toggle and then out to the tarp where I have a Nite Ize Figure 9 to tie it off. It works OK but the zing-it has a tendency to slip in the figure 9 and there is a lot of zing-it hanging around when I am done.

I have spent the past few hours exploring options and believe I have something that will work better, with the added bonus of requiring nothing other than zing-it and a couple of sticks.

I started off with a 40' length of zing-it for a ridge line, and 2 2' lengths of zing-it for tarp tie-offs. I marked the smaller lengths at 1" from one end and 6" from the other end. The two tie-offs were then spliced over the ridge line, one on each end. The longer ridge line burrows into the tie-offs at the 1" mark and comes out at the 6" mark, with the 2 6" sections toward the middle. I put a small loop at each end of the ridge line and tied the tarp to the tie-outs using a bowline.

To setup run the ridge line around one tree and fasten it back to itself using the end loop and a stick. Repeat at the other end. The ridge line will be lose and sloppy, but you can easily adjust the position of the tie-outs to put the tarp where you want it and tighten it up fairly well. There is a loop of unused ridge line under the tarp but that can be coiled up out of the way easily enough.

I am interested in any comments or suggestions. I have not had it out for a night yet, so something may yet go wrong, but it looks workable so far.

[PowderKEG]

That makes a lot of sense. I am no expert. I have been thinking about a "loopless" whoopie sling application and this seems to be a perfect one.

Has anyone else ever tried this?

[Bubba]

Even with the pictures I can't see it. It sounds almost like UCR's on each end of your tarp but on a continuous ridgeline.

[OldMan]

Even with the pictures I can't see it. It sounds almost like UCR's on each end of your tarp but on a continuous ridgeline.

I guess that is what they are called. I knew there was a name, UCR, for the tie-outs, but could not remember what it was.

So yes, a continuous ridge line with a pair of UCR's, one on each end and the tarp tied between them. The ridge line is fastened to the trees and the tie-outs adjusted to position the tarp and remove the slack. The slack in the ridge line loops down under the tarp and can be coiled up out of the way.

[DuctTape]

I just use slippery tautline hitches for the all lines. No hardware for me, not even tent stakes. I use sticks.

[Bubba]

Ok I see now. With UCR's there is only constriction on one end and if the other end gets bumped it's possible for the constriction to loosen suddenly. Not a big deal but I tend to bump my tarp lines often when moving around and going under it. Have you noticed any slipping if the line gets bumped at all?

You can get away with less line if you do not use a continuous line unless you want the excess there under your tarp to hang stuff from like wet clothes etc. I used to use a continuous ridgeline but now I just have 12 feet extending from each end of my tarp.

[OldMan]

Have you noticed any slipping if the line gets bumped at all?

I was initially. It's why I ended up with a 17" bury. Now it seems to be pretty secure. I'll be out again in a couple of weeks and see how it goes.

[OldMan]

I just use slippery tautline hitches for the all lines. No hardware for me, not even tent stakes. I use sticks.

Doesn't it slide some with zing-it? That's the problem I had with prussics. Even with 4 wraps they had a tendency to slide a bit. And were hard to loosen up to move.

[Bubba]

...I'll be out again in a couple of weeks and see how it goes.

Cool. Let us know how it goes.

[DuctTape]

Doesn't it slide some with zing-it? That's the problem I had with prussics. Even with 4 wraps they had a tendency to slide a bit. And were hard to loosen up to move.

I don't use zing it. I use spyderline. No problem with any slippage with the tautline hitches.