This is really simple and obvious, so this is for those who haven't thought of it yet.

While I prefer to keep the spreader bar outside the tarp by larks heading an extra CL onto the hammock, this is not always possible due to shorter tree distance.

I used a piece of 1/2" foam pipe insulation. Cut off 2 pieces about 2 1/2" - 3" long. Position the foam so that the score mark is at 12:00. Cut a slot perpendicular to the lengthwise centerline about 1/4" wide, roughly 1" from an end, from about 3:00 to 9:00 (actually just a bit farther in both directions). At the longer end, cut the score mark so that the foam can be split open, leaving the short end closed. I trimmed a bevel along the top outer edge, can't hurt.

Installing is a no brainer.

I haven't actually tried this under the tarp yet so...I'm just assuming it will help preserve the life of the tarp fabric. Gotta be better than bar tips and whoopie hooks dragging on it.

barends-foam-installed.jpg barends-foam-installed-detail.jpg barends-foam-cuts.jpg