crazy idea: tarp attachment integrated into suspension system?

[squidbilly]

Haven't Clarks been integrated for years?

[zukiguy]

Unfortunately...I mix and match hammocks and tarps depending on temps and likelihood of bad weather. So I could modify my HHEULA suspension with a built-in tarp ridgeline however it will need multiple points (or movable ones) depending on whether I'm using my MacCat or Superfly. The "sag" is an issue I don't want to deal with again (the reason I ditched that setup on my Hennessy products long ago).

Last issue is being able to easily move the tarp ridgeline up/down with respect to the hammock. When the weather is hot and I'm looking for a breeze the tarp is hung way, way above the hammock. I like to be able to stand upright and walk around under the tarp. However, when a bad storm is blowing in I'll loosen the connections to the tree and move everything down to "batten down the hatches". I'm not sure how I could do that with a UCR.

It looks to me like there could be a weight savings and maybe some simplification by combining suspensions but at the cost of flexibility.

[UncleMJM]

Not crazy. HH has been doing it for years.

It's also an idea that has been discussed here before and that I have seen used quite successfully. Here are some threads that may help out your thought process. Particularly catch any comments by TBCTX as he has done well with this set up.

Here's one thread.

Here's another.

What the heck, let's go with three.

The common concern is that the tarp is not at full tautness until there's a load on the hammock. Second is concern about packing wet.

It is great for quick set up and take down. Especially if hiking and wanting to minimize camp set up time.

Have fun playing with it and be sure to post pics!

[GaLaxer]

I personally like to us a long cord with tree huggers as tight as possible as then I use 4 Prussik knots two on the inside for suspension and two on the outside for tarp it seems to really work well if you find long enough trees it doesn't work for shorter trees because you get too much sag in your tarp.

[aero-hiker]

GaLaxer,
That sounds like quite the SLS setup! I have some worries/doubts about tarp tensioning and flexibility, since I am working on a system for a theoretical AT thru...

[aero-hiker]

UncleMJM,
Thanks so much for the additional links! Some great ideas there!

[SilvrSurfr]

I notice every time Derek's name is mentioned you make a point to state how you disagree with him. What gives?

Legit curious, not attacking or trying to start a fight.

Depends on the topic. In this particular case, I don't think shock cord is an improvement. I think independent tarp suspension is the way to go. That's doesn't keep you from experimenting with it, as Derek did!

[Passinthru]

I have mulled over the idea of an integrated tarp for some time but have never taken the time to really experiment with it. In the little bit that I did play around with the idea it seemed that a 6" loop of shock cord on each end of the ridgeline kept the tarp at an acceptable tautness. To attach to my 1" suspension straps, and give some adjustability, I was going to use these.

[FireInMyBones]

[TominMN]

Wouldn't this idea be greatly simplified with Cinch Bugs? Could even use the little hole to attach the tethered Dutch Hook.