Constrictor Instead of Prussik for Tarp Ridge Line.

**headchange4u** · 01-12-2010, 09:54

I was playing around with some cordage last night and I started thinking about replacing the standard prussik knot used in the 'over the tarp' ridge line system with a constricting section, ala UCR/'Whoopie Sling.

I forgot to take pictures but I threw together a quick drawing to better illustrate this idea. For my experiments I am using Speer's No Tangle Guy L for the ridge line and some of the Dynaglide from opie's recent group buy for the constrictor section.

The constrictor section has a loop on one side, a 4-5" constrictor section on the rope, and a pull tab on the other end. The loop is used to attach the constricting section to the tarp via a biner or some other type of clip. You can give the pull tab a tug and it will allow you to tighten and adjust the tarp.

I just had time to make a really quick prototype last night, but I didn't have a lot of time to play around with it. I'm pretty sure it going to work. I'll post details and actual photos as my experiments progresses.

**angrysparrow** · 01-12-2010, 09:56

Interesting application.

It looks like that adds 9-10" to the minimum distance?

**oldgringo** · 01-12-2010, 09:58

Cool.

You could make the "pull tab" a loop...something a little easier to handle, maybe..

**headchange4u** · 01-12-2010, 09:59

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

It looks like that adds 9-10" to the minimum distance?

Yes. One may be able to use a shorter constricting section. I just kinda guessed when making the prototype.

**headchange4u** · 01-12-2010, 10:04

Originally Posted by oldgringo

Cool.

You could make the "pull tab" a loop...something a little easier to handle, maybe..

That thought also crossed my mind; a locked brummel on each end.

**Harpo63** · 01-12-2010, 10:05

Is this the same as the locked brummel you showed the other day? the pull tab being the tail end and not milking the sheath down to cover it up?

**Mrprez** · 01-12-2010, 10:05

I just tried that and it holds quite well. I would try and larkshead the loop to the tarp prior to burying the SNT into the UCR...

**headchange4u** · 01-12-2010, 10:26

Originally Posted by Harpo63

Is this the same as the locked brummel you showed the other day? the pull tab being the tail end and not milking the sheath down to cover it up?

I think it was opie that posted the locked brummel instructions, but yeah, it's the same thing.

Originally Posted by Mrprez

I just tried that and it holds quite well. I would try and larkshead the loop to the tarp prior to burying the SNT into the UCR...

The larks head would be a quick and easy way to make loops. In fact, that what I used for my quick and dirty prototype. The locked brummel would give it a more finished appearance.

**Mrprez** · 01-12-2010, 10:34

Right, I was meaning attaching the constrictor loop to the tarp before you bury the Speer No Tangle. That way you could eliminate the biners but then the RL would be on the tarp all the time.

**sclittlefield** · 01-12-2010, 10:59

I love the UCR's for aesthetics and technical coolness!

One thing I found that I need to be wary of is that if the end of the UCR gets knocked at all, it instantly slips.

I know that can be dealt with (bungie prussik on the loose end, but then I'm back to a prussik). It's certainly much less likely that your tarp ridgeline UCR will get hit than a guy-line, but I like how the prussik doesn't slip when knocked around.

Even if it does slip - it's real easy to readjust.