Height of tarp question

[mountaindreamer]

I know it is kinda personal preference but how high above the hammock ridge line do you hang your tarp ridge line. It seems that the tarp should be right above the continuous loops on the hammock for maximum protection. Is there a height above ground at the tree that you normally attach the tarp ridge line. Eye level, six foot? Thanks.

[Watertooner]

Depends on the weather (and how my back is feeling that day). Good weather = high tarp. Lousy weather = low tarp.

[Tpatter]

Depends on the weather (and how my back is feeling that day). Good weather = high tarp. Lousy weather = low tarp.

Same here. I generally just hang it about a foot higher I guess unless it looks like rain or high wind in which case I want to be able to get the sides right down the ground if I need to.

If you haven’t done it yet, try some snake skins - it’s a game changer for tarps. If the forecast is good, I just string up the tarp on the skin and don’t even deploy it. It’s so nice to sleep with nothing above you at all, but having the ability to pull down a roof and some walls in a few seconds.

[mountaindreamer]

Same here. I generally just hang it about a foot higher I guess unless it looks like rain or high wind in which case I want to be able to get the sides right down the ground if I need to.

If you haven’t done it yet, try some snake skins - it’s a game changer for tarps. If the forecast is good, I just string up the tarp on the skin and don’t even deploy it. It’s so nice to sleep with nothing above you at all, but having the ability to pull down a roof and some walls in a few seconds.

So with a continuous ridge line the ridge line goes in the skins as well and your tarp is always hooked to the ridge line?


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[Tpatter]

So with a continuous ridge line the ridge line goes in the skins as well and your tarp is always hooked to the ridge line?


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THIS man has most all the answers and also many questions!

https://youtu.be/KKW4SqJWgto

I just have mine above the hammock on its own line, no continuous line for the tarp, I just go from the tarp ridge edge to the tree. Just easier, no larkshead, etc. Add some Loc zips and it can’t get much simpler.

[CVKealey]

So with a continuous ridge line the ridge line goes in the skins as well and your tarp is always hooked to the ridge line?


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Not necessarily. If you use a CRL (continuous ridgeline), just string it up as usual and the tarp (in the sleeve/skin) would hang below it, attached as you normally would. If you're a knot person, prussiks are the typical go-to. If you prefer hardware, NAMA Claws are very popular. I usually use split ridgelines, but have a couple CRLs with NAMA Claws for when I lend out tarps to our scouts. While they should be learning the required knots, it's usually dark and cold (and raining) when we set up camp, so the hardware makes it much easier.

[poor_jalopy]

Not necessarily. If you use a CRL (continuous ridgeline), just string it up as usual and the tarp (in the sleeve/skin) would hang below it, attached as you normally would. If you're a knot person, prussiks are the typical go-to. If you prefer hardware, NAMA Claws are very popular. I usually use split ridgelines, but have a couple CRLs with NAMA Claws for when I lend out tarps to our scouts. While they should be learning the required knots, it's usually dark and cold (and raining) when we set up camp, so the hardware makes it much easier.

Very glad to know that our troop isn't the only one that tends to find a way to always choose rainy nights for setting up camp.

[old4hats]

In my case I pitch tarp ridge about head high because I can’t get out of my hammock and walk away without stumbling if I can’t stand up straight for a bit first. But then not everyone is my age. As has already been said, weather and personal preference should be your guide.

[gunner76]

THIS man has most all the answers and also many questions!

Don't trust him...he is always clowning around.

Shug has some of the best how do videos on hammock hanging.

[SilvrSurfr]

I have never understood why some people think they need to be able to stand underneath their tarp. I go under my tarp for two reasons: 1) to get in the hammock; or 2) to sit down on the ground and cook or look in my pack. I don't need to stand at full height for either activity.