Thunderstorms? What does everyone do when there is a thunderstorm?

[Shug]

Whoah, that is awesome!

That was an awsome night for sure. It only hurts if you live)))))
Shug the Lucky and Hickery too.

[HangingOut]

If you anticipate storms, hang your tarp low to the ground, pick your campsite so that the prevailing winds hit the side and not the ends, and make sure you're not in the midst of dead trees.

After that, its just you and what God does.

Pitching your tarp sideways to the wind (in my opinion) would insure that you have a greater need for God's help. It is always more stable and aerodynamic to have the long axis of the tarp pointing into the wind with the tarp doors tightly overlapped. Even without doors you would have less of a chance of your tarp coming down with the wind blowing through it.

[rhjanes]

Pitching your tarp sideways to the wind (in my opinion) would insure that you have a greater need for God's help. It is always more stable and aerodynamic to have the long axis of the tarp pointing into the wind with the tarp doors tightly overlapped. Even without doors you would have less of a chance of your tarp coming down with the wind blowing through it.

I was wondering about that also. Wondered if anyone had tested. Worse storm I was in, the wind hit the long side and pushed it into me. But then once that first down-draft wind hit, the rest didn't blow so bad. After about an hour, I just went to sleep.
Glad someone posted Shubs Linville video. Awesome

[Rolloff]

Pitching your tarp sideways to the wind (in my opinion) would insure that you have a greater need for God's help. It is always more stable and aerodynamic to have the long axis of the tarp pointing into the wind with the tarp doors tightly overlapped. Even without doors you would have less of a chance of your tarp coming down with the wind blowing through it.

I use Tato Adjustable Tarp Pulls. I set up against the wind and weather, and just let the duel shockcords ride it out. It's the Zen bend but don't break, like the willow method. I'm amazed how well they work in a storm. I bought them just to open up the tarp a bit more, but the real benefit shows in high winds. I never go to the woods with out em!

[bindibadgi]

I just enjoy the show! I suspect that HangingOut is right, and end-on to the wind is best. I have a SuperFly, so the doors prevent the rain from blowing in, and it seems much more secure in the wind. The tree upwind also helps a bit. Of course, in a storm you usually get gusts from every direction unless you're lucky enough to find a sheltered spot, so it's kind of academic anyway.

I'm usually a bit concerned about a tree coming down on me, so I'll be out of the hammock, but I'm always wandering about in a storm trying to get the best view of it anyway. I've only been struck twice! ;-)

[DuctTape]

Type of storm, type of tarp, type of terrain, type of guylines/stakes, all play a role in deciding "best practice". In general, know your gear, know the weather patterns of the area, know your terrain and how all these pieces work as a system. Experience is a great teacher, but dont wait until the final exam to start learning.

[sargevining]

Pitching your tarp sideways to the wind (in my opinion) would insure that you have a greater need for God's help. It is always more stable and aerodynamic to have the long axis of the tarp pointing into the wind with the tarp doors tightly overlapped. Even without doors you would have less of a chance of your tarp coming down with the wind blowing through it.

I was wondering about that also. Wondered if anyone had tested. Worse storm I was in, the wind hit the long side and pushed it into me. But then once that first down-draft wind hit, the rest didn't blow so bad. After about an hour, I just went to sleep.
Glad someone posted Shubs Linville video. Awesome

I use Tato Adjustable Tarp Pulls. I set up against the wind and weather, and just let the duel shockcords ride it out. It's the Zen bend but don't break, like the willow method. I'm amazed how well they work in a storm. I bought them just to open up the tarp a bit more, but the real benefit shows in high winds. I never go to the woods with out em!

Yah, I should mention that my recommendation was for a tarp without doors which I think may be the norm, especially for folks just entering the hammock realm. Aerodynamics aside, having wind blown rain come right down the centerline of your hammock through an open end makes for wet sleeping. Ask me how I know.

I do think that a well pitched tarp can withstand most sideways winds without failure.

I do use DIY tarp tensioners on all tie outs and have added a couple at the ridge as well.

And I got some doors for the tarp.

[cougarmeat]

This is why I have a preference to larger tarps instead of "just barely covering" diamonds. The diamond will keep the hammock and you dry, as long as you are in your hammock. But a larger tarp will allow you to get out and move around a little and still be dry - even if it is just to pack up your gear, while dry under the tarp, to move on.

[irondog]

Some of my friends and I carry 2 way radios for when were hunkered down we can still bs and have laughs. The ones in our group who don't have radios swear that they will next time. When ground dwellers and hangers are spread out it makes it so much easier.

Quite the experience, keying your mic & breaking squelch, in an electrified environment, isn't it? Don't be the guy with all the blasting caps, when you try that trick! And don't be the guy next to me, either.

[Richard Tipton]

Rode out a pretty good storm yesterday, all the tenters were huddling inside and I was enjoying the show. When your time is up, there's nothing you can do about it. Take the basic precautions listed above and hold on tight! I love a good storm.