Dutchware Continuous Ridgeline + DCF Tarp

**tintin_snowy** · 05-16-2021, 07:44

Hello,

I just pulled a trigger on HG DCF Tarp + Bugnet Hammock + Premium UQ (0 degree) + UQ Protector. Amazing amazing hammock I must say.

The question I had was for the Tarp Continuous Ridgeline. I am looking to get one from Dutch; was curious about whether I should got for the soft shackles vs the Tato connector. What would you use esp in the colder temps?

Best,
- Tintin

**brutalguyracing** · 05-16-2021, 08:19

I just set mine up this weekend
I have no experience with tato tarp connections, but have soft shackles and they seem to work great
It's not like your disconnecting them every setup.
I still seem to prefer the split ridgeline system, but I'm going to stick with this one piece and give it a chance

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

**tintin_snowy** · 05-16-2021, 08:38

Aye!! Soft shackles it is

Happy Hanging!!

**Grisnakh** · 05-17-2021, 11:04

Originally Posted by tintin_snowy

Aye!! Soft shackles it is

Happy Hanging!!

Yep! I use Dutch's CRL with Soft Shackles on my tarp

Works great!

**tintin_snowy** · 05-19-2021, 18:20

Hello,
This write up is done with the intent of helping out fellow newbie hammockers [like me

)]. Please feel free to correct / amend this writeup. This is the process I followed to setup my DCF/Cuben fiber tarp.
Tarp spec

tarp: HG DCF/Cuben Fiber tarp with Doors
guy out hardware: Line-locs (including ridge line)
ridge line length: 12 ft
door tiebacks: yes
other accessories:
- titanium clips
- 150 ft reflective guyline (neon green)
- Snake skin mesh

Process Criteria

Simple: The process must be simple.
Reliable: Work in various weather conditions.
Effective: Once the setup process is complete, it should not need repeating.

Split Ridgeline Setup Process
We describe the process to setup a spit ridge line. A continuous ridge line has no value here as the Line-loc's do the job of Prusik knots. The Line-locs can not only be used to tension the tarp; but to also align the central axis in relation to the hammock. THIS IS A ONE TIME SETUP PROCESS. (Takes about 30 mins). (Items required: tape measure, scissors, zippo lighter)

Start with a 150 Ft length of cord.
Create two lengths of 16 ft cordage. Each segment of the cord is named END_A and END_B respectively. For each length of cord, do the following:
Select END_A of the cord
1. Use the lighter to seal the line.
2. F ish it through the line loc
3. Tie a stopper knot. This prevents the cord from slipping through the line-loc; fixing this can be painful in cold weather.
  - I selected a Triple Overhand knot as it's reliable and easy.
Select END_B of the cord
1. Use the lighter to seal the line.
2. We now create a small loop. I selected an Anglers Loop Knot (aka Perfection Loop Knot) to create it. Again simple and effective.
3. We now attach this loop to the titanium clip by using a Lark's Head Knot. The knot is attached to the small hole in the clip. The knot is simple and effective.

Split Ridgeline Usage:

Clip the end with the Titanium Clip around the girth of a tree.
Use the line-locs to take the slack off and center the Tarp over the hammock.
Profit

Attributions

I would like to recognize the following folks who helped guide me to this point:
1. Greg @ warbonnet outdoors
2. Harry Carlson @ hammock gear
3. All the youtube links mentioned in this forum

**sideshowraheem** · 05-19-2021, 18:49

Thats a real nice write up Tintin_snowy.

I just got a new ridgeline from Autumn Ultralight but have always wondered about the split ridgeline setup. Might give it a shot this weekend if I have some spare time.

**tintin_snowy** · 05-19-2021, 19:07

gl and ty

**TallPaul** · 05-19-2021, 20:00

Tintin.. you'll have to post some pics of your completed split ridgeline setup with line locs.. sounds interesting. I wonder if you'll need to put a backup knot in place to guard against high winds causing them to slip.

**tintin_snowy** · 05-19-2021, 20:50

Hello TallPaul,

Pics + video on the way
Backup knot is already in place on END_A (triple overhand knot).
- Ease: One of the easiest knots to tie. Easy to check if the knot is tied correctly.
- Reliability: Will not come undone during use. Difficult to undo after use.
- This comes into play only if Line-locs fail.
Backup knot is already in place on END_B (larks head + anglers loop)
- Ease: Anglers loop is ideal for slippery fine cords. Can easily be tied with cold wet hands.
- Reliability: It is quite secure, but it jams badly and is not suitable if the knot will need to be untied.
- Plus Line-locs have to fail.

Appreciate your feedback as always.

Best,

- Tintin

**tintin_snowy** · 05-20-2021, 06:40

How easy is it to service Line Loc's in the field? What if there is a failure of that component? Is it hot swappable?
@grisnakh what’s the chance you guys migrate to Line Loc V instead of Line Loc 3’s? Why was this design decision taken?
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/...oc_tensioners/
Have we had Line Loc's fail in the field? If so, maybe D-rings are the way to do; replace my solution with Dutchware Stingerz to hook into the D-rings. More robust and you don't lose anything IMHO.