Thanks for all the great tips. I have always used my Maccat Ultra Tarp over the ridgeline. Honestly I haven't ever really noticed much rain runoff using kelty triptease lightline pulled REALLY taught. I like having the line to hang things and I always felt like it supported the tarp better and put less strain on the tie outs..
The only worry I've had was wondering if the ridgeline rubbing under the tarp at the seam would wear down the seam seal tape too quickly.
I was just wondering the same thing... doesn't look like there was ever a consensus on one way being better than the other? I just ordered my first tarp, so hopefully, I can actually sleep in my hammock one of these days! I wasn't sure if the Hennessy that I ordered as my "starter" tarp came with all the necessary rigging, so I ended up going a little crazy and bought a continous ridgeline with dutchware accessories for it. I'm guessing that I will end up moving the fancy hardware to my Superfly when I finally bite the bullet and order myself an XLC and Superfly setup. The Eno will be relegated to my wife's use or as a lounging hammock.
I'd consider putting the ridge line under in the winter if I expect snow. There isn't much wind to cause rubbing (and sealer can be reapplied if necessary).
So - stupid question - whats the point of the ridgeline if it goes over the tarp?
Couldn't you just tie off the ends of the tarp to the same trees the hammock is attached to?
I always put the tarp over the ridgeline, using the ridgeline for support.
I'm a rookie, but from what I can tell, the reasons are mostly personal preference. You can hang wet clothes to dry and keep them on top of your tarp for one, they might dry faster out in the breeze and sun, also it might keep the smell out of your living space. Yes you could definitely just tie off the ends and affix to the trees instead. I suppose you could start with the the continuous ridgeline and if you ever needed a longer line, you could cut it and just affix to the ends.
From what I can tell, the main reason to use a continuous ridgeline whether its on top or underneath is for ease of centering your tarp.
I used to hang my tarps over the ridgeline, thinking it would reduce stress on the tarp. But since I've started tying out from end to end (essentially the same as hanging them under a ridgeline), I've found their cat cuts pull much more taught and I've had no issues with them being pulled very tight.
Great question, as stated by a few people it is because of water running down the ridgeline and potential abrasion of the tarp. I use a 10x10 silnylon tarp I bought on amazon, you can get them for 25-30USD so I don't worry about abrasion damage. My preference is above the ridgeline so I have more places to hang my gear off the ground especially if I think I am going to have a lot of rain. You can create water breaks to stop the water running down the ridgeline. Water breaks can be created in various ways. I use drip lines on my hammock suspension and my tarp ridgeline. Shug makes a great video on how to create water breaks with common items.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1OXNc_JEPc
Truth told, I don't do either above or below because I use split ridge lines. Find them far easier to adjust, they require less cordage and the excess cord creates it's own water break.
That said, abrasion is a real issue for DCF tarps..
Yes, my pack weighs 70lbs, but it's all light weight gear....
Bob's brother-in-law
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