I was wondering if a full length ridgeline is better than just tying to the d-rings on each end of the tarp? Or maybe there is a link to this question already.
Thanks,
Brian
I was wondering if a full length ridgeline is better than just tying to the d-rings on each end of the tarp? Or maybe there is a link to this question already.
Thanks,
Brian
I like the single ridge line because I string it up and then align the tarp coverage to match where my hammock hangs. With the lines off each end of the tarp adjustment is more difficult, in my opinion.
Bat
Bat
Beginning my NOBO trip on the AT on 2/28/12.
A full length ridgeline makes it a lot easier to set up a tarp in the wind. That is about all I know about it just from reading posts on this site. I still need to test out all of these pieces of knowledge I have been soaking up from this site while out on the trail, however I can see how this could certainly be true.
I use to use a full length, than I switched to two single lines.
Two reasons:
(1) I seem to get a bit tighter ridgeline with two single end pieces. If you are using a SpinnUL or Cuben Fiber, you can 'set and forget' very tight - as neither of these materials stretch, which is very very nice.
(2) Lighter weight. I use 1.25 mm Z-Line (which is 1 gram per meter) for hanging my tarps. By not having an extra 10'odd feet of cord I save myself 3-grams (0.105821886 ounces)
Those two things said... a full length means a slightly easier ridgeline to setup (if you do not keep your 2-piece attached to your tarp) which results in... hmmm.... maybe(??)... a 4 second faster setup.
Either way, using prusik knots to help you adjust your tarp is the best way to go, IMVHO.
Lots of thoughts/reasons folks pick different systems. These are just my own reasons.
What I have noticed, is that I can get the tarp MUCH more taut when using an 'under' ridge line, then without (or with an 'over' RL).
With the RL, the tarp takes on a natural catenary shape across the top, that gives the entire tarp a smoother finish. (i.e. no wrinkles)
I have shock-cord at the center D-rings, and STL's at the guy-lines; so it's not a case of me pitching the tarp tighter/tauter one way and slack the other.
This setup might just work this way because I have a hex tarp (with straight edges). A fancy tarp with cat-cut edges might work different.
The first wind-storm I was deployed in sold me 1000% that a ridge-line was the best way to do it.
I ride a recumbent.
I like to HAM it up on the CW.
I use Linux.
I play go.
Of course I sleep in a hammock!
Rug.
Hang On!
Snakskins also make set-up and take-down very easy in all weather conditions if you do a continuous ridge line. Not sure how big a help it would be with separate lines.
I shaved my body hair and lost 0.2 ounces I can keep my full ridge line. Gosh Redwood I hope this doesn't itch, but I couldn't let your weight savings out-do simplicity
Bat
Beginning my NOBO trip on the AT on 2/28/12.
Thanks Guys.
You can have both. I use a continuous ridgeline that is not continuous. It's 2 linesmtied together in the middle with a sheet bend. That way, if my trees are spaced normally apart and normal size, I use it continuous and have an easier time centering the tarp over the hammock. If the trees are farther apart or very large. I split the line and tie the two lines to the d-rings on the tarp. You can carry a lot less line this way. I didn't do it for the weight, I did it because I had 2 pieces of line about the right length handy. I have yet to change it b/c I like the versatility of it.
I talked about my 2-piece setup in a video I pushed out yesterday. Video is pretty crappy and I was uber tired. But, hopefully you'll see what I've done. I talk about it twice. The first time is about 1-2 minutes into it, and again just past the 8-minute mark.
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