Help me understand tarps

[Hangar]

Hello all. I am new to hammock camping and as such, I know absolutely nothing about tarps. I recently put in an order for a BWD Winter Dream v.2 tarp and it should arrive in a couple of weeks.

Let me preface this by saying forgive me if I sound like a complete idiot here and asking really stupid questions. I'm really overwhelmed and kinda lost. Now...with that being said, please please explain how to properly set up and pitch a tarp. If you can break it down kindergarten style for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Do I use 1 continuous ridge line for the tarp? Do I just tie line to each end of the tarp and pull it taught that way? Help!?! please.....

[G.L.P.]

Hi Hanger the only stupid question is the one that was never asked
so don't feel stupid for asking you came to the right place
as for the ridge line this is up to you..you can set it up either way
some great videos on youtube that can help you out also
Shugs videos on taros are good and there are a few others just do a search
i myself use a ridgeline about the tarp here is a pic of my tarp setup
hope this helps alittle...best thing to do is play around in your back yard

[slowhike]

I believe most people tie a separate ridgeline to each end of the tarp, usually 10-15' long each.
If you decide to go w/ a continuous ridgeline, be sure it goes across the top of the tarp & not underneath, or you will have water finding it's way inside to drip on your hammock.
And you would want to follow some of the instructions given (like on Shug's video) for installing it so it will still be adjustable.

Myself, I just go w/ the simple ridgeline tied to each end, about 15' long each.

[Coldspring]

For knowing nothing about tarps, you made a good choice! I do lines tied on both ends, probably 12' in length.

[swampfox]

Until just recently, I had always tied a ridgeline at each end. now I use a solid ridgeline and connect the tarp to that with a couple of prussik loops for easier adjustment. I think I'm going to stick with this.
Sorry for the focus



The blue is my ridgeline, the yellow is the prussik connected to the tarp

[mbiraman]

+1 on the Shug tarp video and also there is the 2 part NCT video's that i believe show the above tarp ridge line with prussiks from the tarp ends for adjustability. I'm new around here also and have learned allot from the video section. Take your time , its fun stuff to learn.

[Hangar]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Guess I have some video's to watch and some more reading to do.

[Just Jeff]

Hangar - +1 on the "no stupid questions" comment...that's what this forum is for.

Also check this page for some beginner info on tarps:
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html