Clips, hooks, ticks, fleas, and such...

**hutzelbein** · 02-21-2022, 04:15

With the 1.75 mm Dyneema lines I use to hang my tarp, hardware is simply faster and easier to use. Also easier to tension and keep the tension. I have never lost any hardware, because it stays connected either to the tarp or the line.

**HomesteaderWB** · 02-21-2022, 07:10

Are there any specifically you all would recommend to try first, to see if it's for me? There seems to be a bewildering array of options out there.

**sideshowraheem** · 02-21-2022, 07:58

I tend to use Dutch gear in winter, I want to be able to tighten a guyline or setup a ridgeline while not taking off my gloves. Otherwise I stick with knots the other 3 seasons.

**iceman857** · 02-21-2022, 08:18

Originally Posted by HomesteaderWB

Are there any specifically you all would recommend to try first, to see if it's for me?

If a tarp is the next thing you're going to be using them for, then maybe you could buy the tarp with LineLoc's for the guy-out points (no bling or knots needed) and then maybe the ridgeline could be done with either a Dutch Wasp and Hook (Continuous Ridgeline) or two Stingerz for a split ridgeline. There are options available from other vendors, of course, like the tarptick from Warbonnet.

**JPCPAT** · 02-21-2022, 12:34

Iceman nailed my setup. The most "bang for your buck" is probably using Dutch Stingers for a ridgeline with 1.75mm dyneema lines, though it works with 2 mm lines as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH7YNHqqB88 It makes putting tension on the lines and repositioning the tarp MUCH easier than knots.

My tarp didn't have line locks from the factory, so I eventually added them: https://dutchwaregear.com/product/line-lock-hook/ I for years, I tied a midshipman's hitch to a stake, but this is easier. The 2mm poly lines I use work beautifully in this, 1.75 Dyneema will require a backup hitch at the least.

**dustin** · 02-21-2022, 13:18

I grabbed a set of Figure 9s and cords from the store after getting my WB tarp. They're okay, but the cords are kind of stretchy and re-figuring out the figure 9s after they get tangled is a minor pain. At least they're forgiving enough to work if I use them wrong.

I figured I could test the concept and replace later if I felt the need. I like the concept, but I do feel the need to replace, so I'll be watching this thread.

**xMagnolia** · 02-21-2022, 15:13

I use continuous ridgelines with a small Dutch hook on one end. One line has a figure nine, the other, a Dutch wasp. I prefer the figure nine.
I use tarp worms (attached to an elastic loop) on the guy outs. This seems to be the simplest set up for me.

Charlotte

**cougarmeat** · 02-21-2022, 16:24

dustin, I started out with Figure-9’s on split rings attached to the tarp D-rings. That way, they didn’t get tangled with the guy lines. But I didn’t like squishing up all that metal with my tarp when I’d put it in a stuff sack (pre-snakeskin days). So I put the figure-9’s on my guy lines. And you’ve probably experienced, from one setup to the next, they are never on a convenient place on the line and have to be moved. Next, I’m going to try bungee loops on the tarp D-rings and have the guy lines in line-locs. The line-locs are the “clip-on” type that would just hook on the bungee loop. I used to fret about that bungee breaking and have researched different methods of backing it up with fixed line. I made several sets of guy lines with a combo of bungee and line attached to the tarp. The line is backup if the bungee breaks.

But you know, given my camping environment, a bungee break would be a very, very rare occurrence. And if it did happen, it would be easy enough to just tie the line on the D-Ring.

I’ve been in some Typhoons in my life and was in Portland OR during the Columbus Day storm (1962, gusts up to 170 mph) - watching roofs being blown off. But that’s not my usual camping environment. However, it does leave a mark on the psyche. Sometimes it’s not so much that “… you pack your fears.” as it is, “… you pack your experiences."

**cmoulder** · 02-22-2022, 07:25

Originally Posted by HomesteaderWB

I'm preparing to buy a new tarp and that has me browsing on the various vendor sites. All the bits of suspension bling are curious things to me; I'm not sure I understand the point. I am very comfortable with rope and line work, so maybe it's just a matter of what I'm used to, but it seems to me to be needless complication and more small items to lose. Am I wrong about this? What is the benefit to these rather odd (to me) things?

(Edit: I think I posted this in the wrong place, but can't quite figure out how to move or delete it. Sorry 'bout that)

I also prefer a few simple knots, and am really OCD when it comes to what is for me unnecessary complication. Knots work just fine with a knot-appropriate cord such as Lawson's Glowire or Guywire.

Here is a little video demonstrating the few simple knots I use, which have served me in all seasons for a few years now...

**Salt** · 02-22-2022, 13:00

Nice video @cmoulder though it would be nice if there were a text overlay with the name of the knot you were tying. Also, I'm wondering why you have two hanging hitches and three friction knots. Are two your go-tos and the others backups or are there functional differences that have you switching between them?