Line length for tarp tie outs

[Teegs]

I tend to run 7-8ft lines. But lately I've been thinking about cutting them down. Typically if I'm using a trekking pole to stand the tarp ends up higher, the line only need to be a about 5-6ft. But then again, having a little extra line around doesn't hurt when you need cordage for other things.

[Shewie]

I've stuck with my Line-Loks and 12ft lengths on my tie outs since moving over to lighter gear, the shortest length I can get without tying knots is 6ft, sometimes it can be too much if I'm hunkering down low.

Time to get the scissors out but I had chopping up my Exped reflective line

[DemostiX]

Width of the tarp must be taken into account, right? a 3' / 1m side must reach the ground too, same as a 5' wide.

Whatever people include, the cost and burden is minimal for having two of the lines longer than you will need 99% of time but much appreciated that other 1% or more. At least with the line wt most folks are using, which can be had for $0.03 /ft.

Further, if a bit dandy-ish, you can go fluorescent and anti-trip for one side, and stealth for the other.

As per MAD777 on a couple of longer lines.

[Peter_pan]

I like 10' lines...That way i can reach stand off bushes or trees more often than not... weight penalty is negligible for a lot of flexibility... Plus you can always cut off a chunck if you need cord for some other emergency use (I once did that to splint a broken graphite hiking pole, saved a week hike too)

pan

[Billybobky]

I'm new to hanging. I will keep in mind the lengths.

[Datahiker]

I was just about to ask the same question and found this post. Sounds like the consensus is between 6-10 feet.

Does anyone use Zip-it/Lash-it in a whoopie configuration for the tie-outs, or is that a waste of line? If not, do you use knots or hardware?

[raiffnuke]

I was just about to ask the same question and found this post. Sounds like the consensus is between 6-10 feet.

Does anyone use Zip-it/Lash-it in a whoopie configuration for the tie-outs, or is that a waste of line? If not, do you use knots or hardware?

The two issues I see when using whoopies for tie-outs is that 1) you would use twice the amount of line for a given length tie-out, ie 20 ft of line for a 10 ft whoopie, and 2) they are difficult to undo or lengthen when under tension.

I personally use a prussic on my tarp tie-out points that slide on my zing-it tie-outs. So, from stake to tarp: Stake, self tensioner, 10 ft zing-it, prussick, tarp D-ring. The 10 ft of zing-it can be shortened to any length with the prussick.

I hope that helps...

[Shewie]

The two issues I see when using whoopies for tie-outs is that 1) you would use twice the amount of line for a given length tie-out, ie 20 ft of line for a 10 ft whoopie, and 2) they are difficult to undo or lengthen when under tension.

I personally use a prussic on my tarp tie-out points that slide on my zing-it tie-outs. So, from stake to tarp: Stake, self tensioner, 10 ft zing-it, prussick, tarp D-ring. The 10 ft of zing-it can be shortened to any length with the prussick.

I hope that helps...

Is that zing-it on zing-it for your prusiks?

[raiffnuke]

Is that zing-it on zing-it for your prusiks?

No, I am using shot line for my prussiks, but zing-it on zing-it would work, you might have to put an extra wrap on the prussik or try a kleimheist knot.

[barnes3126]

I use 6' on the back side and 12' on the front (zipper side) because I use poles to prop the front up during the day. On the Hennessy Hex I put 2) 12' tie outs on each tab.