Tarp Ridgeline - inside or out?

**Duffy** · 07-09-2013, 07:51

I remember reading a discussion about this, but I can't find it. I am in the process of re-rigging my tarps, and would like to hear the pros and cons. Thanks!!

**Gristlehead** · 07-09-2013, 08:07

Having just come off a six night hang at Boy Scout summer camp, I can say that I too am interested in the pro's and con's on in or out. Personally I have always hung my tarp with a ridgeline on the inside. At summer camp this proved to be a bit of an issue. I was helped into using a rope that was not mine, but the owner insisted I use it. About 3 hours after setup we were hit with a four inch rain. No problems my hammock and gear under my tarp appeared dry. When I got in I realized that this life saving rope was wicking water, water was running from both ends and dripping on me. I solved the issue quickly by attaching some drip lines made out of 550 paracord. I had to ring out the rope so to speak by running my hands down it. Slept well the rest of the night, but this episode has me thinking that may be I should hang the tarp below the ridgeline, just in case that any rain water gets past the drip lines.

**MDSH** · 07-09-2013, 08:12

The question for me is what bears the load of tarp and weather. If strung over then all the forces are born by the attachment points. If strung under then weight is shared with the ridge line.

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**Fish** · 07-09-2013, 08:17

I based my decision on the cut of the tarp. The WB Mamajamba has a bit of a cat cut on the RL, so under the tarp doesn't work properly. I went with separate tie outs, but for a continuous line I would go over and tension the ends with prusik knots and s-biners I think. Might still try this method out in the future.

**Hawk-eye** · 07-09-2013, 08:19

You've hit on the Hammock Tarp version of Ford vs Chevy.

I prefer my continuous ridge lines to go above my tarp for the following reasons:

1) Just works best for me, easy adjustment (same can be said for under too)
2) Absolutely no way moisture can run the length of the ridge line if it's over the tarp (under can wick ... I've seen it happen to me ... once)
3) Even with a Dutch Biner I had water jump the biner and down my hammock (talking hammock not tarp) in a really bad storm ... so even though I use drip lines now routinely ... once I'm in bed ... I don't want to get up to stop a leak. Well, unless it's me that has to go take a leak!

So point being ... taking out one variable that could provide a way for water to wick into my sleeping area by putting the ridge line above the tarp.
4) No friction on the tarp from the line up against the tarp (just my opinion)
5) Now if I were camping in snow and wanted the extra support from the snow load ... I might switch to under.

Is this the correct way to do it. Absolutely ... for me!

Might not be for you. Try both and see which works best for you. It's easy to switch from over to under in very short order.

On the other hand ... with my HG Cuben I'm using separate lines off each end of the tarp with Dutch Stingerz ... LOVE THEM!

**Mountain Gout** · 07-09-2013, 08:20

Rekon it just comes down to personal choice.. And design of the tarp you have..
One usually keeps an eye on their gear while out so any build up of snow, ice etc. would be tapped off any way.. So have at it, try both and please yourself.... Hey, that sounded wrong......

**Duffy** · 07-09-2013, 08:43

Thanks for the quick feedback! I have been hanging my tarps with no ridgeline for years, but have never had snow on them, so I hadn't considered the weight issue.

**Jcavenagh** · 07-09-2013, 09:12

I just did a little bit about this...
see it here...
New tarp and CRL

**FLRider** · 07-09-2013, 09:54

My take on it is to put the CRL above the tarp. Reasoning is that:

1.) Water can't wick down the CRL and drip onto the hammock.

and

2.) It reduces wear-and-tear on the actual fabric of the tarp from abrasion against the line. (Note: I've never actually heard of anyone's tarp giving way from this, so I may be paranoid with this one. Doesn't mean Murphy isn't out to get me, though...)

Regarding the force of the load being on the tie-outs, I'd much rather have the line there snap or the grosgrain loop rip free than the tarp itself give way. It's much easier to take some spare cord and tie a new knot in the field than to try and sew up a large rip in my tarp. Assuming worst-case scenario, of course.

Hope it helps!