Tarp Ridgeline, Above or Below and Why?

[Mountnman]

I have been running my tarp ridgeline under my tarp with shock cord prusik knots to make it taught. I would like to hear what you all like and why you like it. Thanks!!

[Bubba]

Often discussed topic. Bottom line, it's personal preference. Some highlights I've read over the years

Below the ridgeline:
-More support for the tarp from wet snow etc.
-A place to hang wet gear
-A little more side to side strength

Above the tarp:
-No abrasion of the tarp against the ridgeline
-Allows the catenary curves of some tarps like the Warbonnet tarps
-Less chance of water ending up on your hammock since there is no line for water to flow along and drip on you.

For every pro or con there will be a way around it so as I said it boils down to what works for you.

[Old Curmudgeon]

That's a great summary of the differences. Having tried it both ways, I prefer to hang my tarp below the ridgeline mainly to prevent the tarp from rubbing against it, but both ways work well.

[Detail Man]

I like the tarp over the ridgeline. It helps the tarp pitch more tautly. And it gives limbs something to bounce off of, which actually happened to mine once. The consensus of those who saw it happen was that it kept the tarp from being damaged.

[japaddler]

Big kitchen tarp usually = ridgeline below so I can hang stuff from it (just canoe and car camping).

Hammock tarp = ridgline tied off to the ends, no continuous ridgeline for me. Seems to work great, so far.

[swankfly]

Don't forget about the crowd that swings both ways. They set it up above the ridgeline and if bad weather comes in they flip it below the ridgeline for a tighter set.

[Bubba]

...
Hammock tarp = ridgline tied off to the ends, no continuous ridgeline for me. Seems to work great, so far.

I also just tie the ends off. The ends are on prusiks so it is pretty much the same as an over the tarp continuous ridgeline set up.

[hairbear]

i used to rig mine under for all the reasons stated above,but went to an over rig to help protect my cuban fiber tarp.i miss the ridge line most of all.

[Loki]

Don't forget about the crowd that swings both ways. They set it up above the ridgeline and if bad weather comes in they flip it below the ridgeline for a tighter set.

+1 Swankfly

[MAD777]

Just last weekend, olddog showed me how he suspends a small gear hammock from his tarp ridgeline, which is below his tarp. Mighty handy!