Hanging a tarp question

**dragon383** · 08-08-2013, 01:40

Hey everyone, I was really just curious as to when hanging a tarp.... do most of you recommend a full ridgeline, that the tarp can rest on... or just hang it from the ends? Ive seen it done both ways, and my thought is a full ridgeline would be better... but Im thinking with it this way, even though I read that no silicone is necessary on the ridge, the line touching the ridge will make it drip on me, if that makes any sense... just like when in a tent.. if anything is touching the sides when its raining... it will leak....... any thoughts on this?

**iRokk** · 08-08-2013, 01:53

My thought was that most people who run a continuous ridgeline for their tarp run it on the outside. I have seen where a continuous rl would be beneficial, as you can easily adjust how the tarp is centered vs unhooking it from each end to loosen/tighten. I went with individual lines at each end for the weight savings plus then I don't have to have prusiks. As with most topics here, this is another one of those that is all determined by preference. Hope this helped, and as always, HYOH.

**Mountnman** · 08-08-2013, 01:54

I use a full ridge line for my tarp. I like being able to use it to hang stuff from. Also give that structure beneath the tarp. Have been in some pretty wicked storms and have not had any leakage issues. It's personal preference really so you may want to tinker around with hanging a few ways, that's the fun about hammocking

**dragon383** · 08-08-2013, 03:11

As always, the comments are most welcome and helpful, I had to ask due to it being a pretty expensive tarp for my income (WB Superfly) and yes, thanks to all.... I know I made good choice in my purchase!

**Catavarie** · 08-08-2013, 03:39

I like to run a CRL (continuous ridge line) under the tarp myself. It gives me a place to hang stuff and gives the tarp a more crisp look, and I dig that more a saggy looking tarp.

**bab5freak** · 08-08-2013, 09:05

Another thing to consider is that some tarps have a cat-cut ridgeline, and a single ridgeline underneath can impact the pitch.

**default** · 08-08-2013, 23:14

i have 2 tarps with both suspension types. the way i see it, theres 3 major methods.

continuous above the tarp
continuous below the tarp
2 piece from the ends to tree.

i noticed with the under the tarp, i could never really get the tarp RL itself tight enough not to cause wrinkles.

on the other hammock with the 2 piece, i find it isnt *that* difficult to move it if needed but i get a nice, taught RL

i havent messed with over the tarp much simply because i use the tarp with the 2 piece RL more, and i do like that setup better personally. i think it may have to do with the tarp itself, ive seen some with a "U" shaped RL on them that need to be stretched to get the benefit of the "cat cut" and ive seen flat RL tarps that can be hung over. i think it may be up to your tarp and then personal preference really.

**Boston** · 08-09-2013, 08:18

Originally Posted by dragon383

As always, the comments are most welcome and helpful, I had to ask due to it being a pretty expensive tarp for my income (WB Superfly) and yes, thanks to all.... I know I made good choice in my purchase!

Warbonnet tarps have a polyester tape ridge line that is plenty strong enough on it's own. No need for a CRL from a strength stand point.

**Jayson** · 08-09-2013, 09:07

I tried a CRL under my Superfly. Find I get a better pitch with individual lines at each end. It isn't to tough to losen one end and tighten the other.

**Boston** · 08-09-2013, 09:43

All WB tarps have a slight catenary cut on the ridgeline, iirc. That means a CRL below to tarp would interfere with the curve, and cause problems/wrinkling.