Guyline Lengths?

**dcooper** · 03-04-2019, 22:53

Ordered my first serious hammock tarp (Warbonnet minifly) and was hoping to get feedback on the ideal lengths to cut my guylines since I've only ever done tarping on the ground (do a 30' ridgeline w/ 4' corner lines and a couple extra 4' lines). I want to be able to do porch mode but hate excessive cordge.

Was thinking 12' split ends for the ridgeline (also ordered a pair of stingers from Dutchware since I hate knots) and 5' tie-outs for the corners (possibly would have to bring a couple extra lines for porch mode) but would prefer to get advice from someone who's more experienced with hammocking than myself before cutting anything up.

**Shug** · 03-04-2019, 23:15

Everyone differs a bit but I like 12 to 15 feet of line off each end of the ridgeline.
3 to 6 feet for corners depending. A couple spare 4 to 6 foot pieces to add to existing line for porch mode.
Shug

**jtkratzer** · 03-04-2019, 23:20

I felt like the amount of guy line material included with the Hennessy tarps was way too much. Just picked up Dutch's tarp flyz with 6' of Lash-It and some shock cord. Should be plenty. I camped over the weekend and had to knock clumps of ice off the excess stock Hennessy cordage.

**chapinb** · 03-05-2019, 06:58

15 per ridgline, 6 per guyline
Could cut that down to 12 and 4 with out much consequence an long as your and extra 4 or 6' for emergencys

**Rain Man** · 03-05-2019, 10:03

Originally Posted by dcooper

... would prefer to get advice from someone who's more experienced with hammocking than myself before cutting anything up.

Seems to me you have a pretty good handle on things, plus you've gotten good advice from others in this thread. I will only add that each hammocker has to "evolve" based on being in the woods time after time. This depends a lot on where you hike. What works in the Northwest may not be the same as the Southeast, Arizona may not be the same as Maine, and so forth. So, be patient and adaptable and you'll figure it out.

I tend toward shorter lines, with a couple of spare pieces available for whatever need arises. Too much and too long, and I wind up spending my relax-in-nature time untangling knots, and frustrated for no good reason.

P.S. There's no reason all your guylines have to be the same length. Different lengths = flexibility.

**curlymaple42** · 03-06-2019, 08:55

Originally Posted by chapinb

15 per ridgline, 6 per guyline
Could cut that down to 12 and 4 with out much consequence an long as your and extra 4 or 6' for emergencys

I think that's about where we are. I do 6-8' on the tie outs. Seems enough even with porch mode. I always carry extra cordage though to extend things if needed.

**cmoulder** · 03-06-2019, 09:26

Good advice here.

Tarp ridge line of about 30 feet (one piece) is always about the same for me, but I have found that longer guy lines are better for warmer weather tarps that don't extend as far down to the ground as winter tarps, and which are far more likely to be pitched in porch mode.

**OneClick** · 03-06-2019, 10:00

I like to think back on all my trips. How much left over line did I have? How much did I use.

Basically, the tarp was always about 1-2' off the ground, so 3' would have always been plenty. I round it up to 4' just in case. 5-6' on other side for porch mode.

**Brooklyn** · 03-06-2019, 10:36

5' has always been good to me. I do carry a couple of extra pieces of Zing-it in case but can't remember ever using them. I'm with you on the excess lines.