Need some advisement on ridge lines.

[PaPaZeus]

So I took my new wbbb out to test with my old tarp and new split ridge line.

Had some issues... first I think my tarp is too small. 8.5x8.5 guide gear tarp. The diagonal isn't quite long enough to cover the ends comfortably with no fear of sideways rain...

2nd I couldn't quite find a position where the ridge and hammoxk webbing meshed nicely... to avoid too much contact with the tarp and webbing I had to raise it which then lost coverage for the actual ends of the hammock.

Im guessing I need a bigger tarp.

[PaPaZeus]

Well since I started it I might as well throw in another suspensions question... it seems that every time I go out I have to relearn hanging the susp to achieve a just right tension on my structural ridge line.. so what tensions it? Raising the point on the tree of tightening the webbing at the hammock.. I guess I need basic rules of thumb... my hammock calc app doesn't seem to be helping.

[OutandBack]

More sag in the hammock should loosen the RL and less sag should tighten it.
hth

[nuttysquirrel]

dont worry about tensioning your rl perfectly it should be just taut enough to stay horizontal. and tightening your suspention will take the slack out of your rl.

[PaPaZeus]

Any suggestions on the tarp?

[OutandBack]

Any suggestions on the tarp?

Wilderness Logic 11' RL Tadpole for light coverage, Warbonnet Superfly for max coverage.

[Tim_807]

When I used a Kelly 9x9 with a continuous ridge line I had interference with my hammock suspension. One thing you might try is a tarp suspension like this
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-For-A-Hammock
http://theultimatehang.com/2012/11/v...s-with-a-tarp/
Then the hammock suspension can go up between the tarp and the tree. One other thing I have done is to loosen the tarp a bit when you stake down the sides the tarp makes kind of a U shape and can follow your hammock suspension upwards without hitting it. (This is difficult to explain maybe I can find a photo).

Edit: I know I have seen a good picture but not having much luck. I found this though.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html
Notice how the diamond tarps are not flat across the top but angle up.

[Tim_807]

Well since I started it I might as well throw in another suspensions question... it seems that every time I go out I have to relearn hanging the susp to achieve a just right tension on my structural ridge line.. so what tensions it? Raising the point on the tree of tightening the webbing at the hammock.. I guess I need basic rules of thumb... my hammock calc app doesn't seem to be helping.

Moving up the tree should tend to loosen the SRL because it increases the hammock sag. Tightening or moving down the tree will put more stress on the SRL which is working to maintain hammock sag.

[PaPaZeus]

Thanks for the tips... I went ahead and ordered a superfly. Shush don't tell the wife.

[Tim_807]

I did the same kind of thing switching from the Kelly Noah to the OES MacCat. It's so much nicer to set up and not worry about coverage or tree spacing (the Noah was kind of long sometimes)