Tadpole Guyline Recommendation

**HillbillyHanger** · 04-29-2014, 11:04

I've replaced my Hennessy Hex tarp with a Tadpole. I've looked at a lot of info and seem to find mixed reviews on the need for tarp tensioners with this tarp. I'm a newb, so looking for recommendations on guylines? TNX.

**Caveman** · 04-29-2014, 12:31

The tarp will stretch a bit, but the tensioners are not a must. I do use a small shock cord loop on mine just to take up any slack that might happen overnight, but I've been debating removing them.

Let us know what you decide to do.

**12trysomething** · 04-29-2014, 13:31

I would recommend tensioners. DIY or bought but definitely tensioners.

**Mountain Gout** · 04-29-2014, 14:06

Not really a must.. Sil nylon does stretch a bit , but really isn't an issue, unless you are getting heavy rain all night.. I have delt with rain, wind you name it.. Without yet using any at all.. All in what you like..

**HillbillyHanger** · 04-29-2014, 14:26

Thanks for the feedback. I never used them with the ole Hennessy Hex, but just wanted to make sure I didn't need them to keep from really damaging the new tarp. At this point, I'll probably lean towards not using them. I'm moving in the 'keeping it as simple as I can' approach. Less stuff to break/not work out in the woods.

**Indy138** · 04-29-2014, 15:55

If you have tarp pullouts I would suggest using some kind of shockcord to connect to those when in use. I like the tensioners on my tarps but they are not really needed.

**Redpath** · 04-29-2014, 16:06

I recommend having them. With heavy winds, I believe they help to keep the tarp from busting off the stakes, and gives some protection against tears.

**Gravity** · 04-29-2014, 16:59

Yes, not mandatory but good protection, as described by Redpath. Cheap and easy to make, and almost weightless. If they break in the woods, no biggie, just use the guylines as usual, and replace the shock cord back home.

See post #3 in this thread for a favorite way of making them:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...arp-Tensioners

And here is what Shug pointed out on another thread:

"I have also noted that although my tarp is separate from my hammock and it is pitched tightly, it will sag a bit when I get into the hammock, as my weight makes the trees bow slightly, if I am hanging on thinner trees.
Using self-tensioning guy lines really helps…."

**olddog** · 04-29-2014, 19:35

I use a single line suspension and tarp tensioners are necessary.

**HillbillyHanger** · 04-29-2014, 20:59

Originally Posted by Gravity

Yes, not mandatory but good protection, as described by Redpath. Cheap and easy to make, and almost weightless. If they break in the woods, no biggie, just use the guylines as usual, and replace the shock cord back home.

See post #3 in this thread for a favorite way of making them:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...arp-Tensioners

And here is what Shug pointed out on another thread:

"I have also noted that although my tarp is separate from my hammock and it is pitched tightly, it will sag a bit when I get into the hammock, as my weight makes the trees bow slightly, if I am hanging on thinner trees.
Using self-tensioning guy lines really helps…."

What knot did you use/recommend to secure the loop to the guy line near the bowline (last step),? Thanks again.