Here are two quick video segments demonstrating continuous ridge lines with a tarp. The first video is a live example of what I illustrated in my book, and elsewhere, using two carabiners. The second video is a new method that I really like that uses one DutchWare Dutch Hook and one DutchWare Tarp Flyz (or Stingerz). Both methods link the ridge line into a sort of figure-8 loop that allows the tarp to slide back and forth easily so it can be centered over your hammock.
Read more: Knots vs. Hardware
I have illustrated several ways to tie up a tarp using hardware or no hardware and you’re probably wondering, “but which is the best way?” or “why not stick with just one?” For me, I enjoy having these different methods in my tool box depending on the situation. The no knot methods are important in case I’m left in a situation where that’s all I’ve got to work with. I really like the simple Dutch Hook/Tarp Flyz (or Stingers) method illustrated below because it is lightweight and the Dutch Flyz provides that mechanical advantage (similar to a Trucker’s Hitch knot) to tension the tarp close to the ridgline. I’ve found that Prusik knots tend to jam or get stuck on the line and can be difficult to tighten or loosen (especially when it gets cold).
Enjoy!
Hi Instead of using a key ring which can open out why not use a continuous loop of dyneema (zing-it or lash-it) with the tarp flyz attached.
Yes! This is a great mod and one that I’m also using now. The split keyring works fine if it is strong. I have pulled weak ones apart. My favorite split key ring came from a key remote dongle (featured in the video) — it’s small and strong. For me, they important point is to get the Tarp Flyz/Stingerz as close to the tarp as possible.
It’s clear from your videos that the two carabiner method is superior. Easier to set up and adjust. I can see no advantages with the special hardware used in the second video.
Many thanks for the clear information and diagrams.
Thanks Delroy! The two-carabiner method has been a favorite of mine for a long while, thanks to the reasons you pointed out. There are a few advantages to other methods, but it does boil down to what works the best for you. If you’re counting grams, you could switch out one ‘biner with a Dutch Hook and it would still function the same. The Tarp Flyz saves some weight, but the real advantage for me is an easier method for adjusting and tightening the tarp (using the 3:1 mechanical advantage), and easier connect/disconnect compared with the prusik. I’m also a knot fan, and you can duplicate this technique using no hardware at all, but set-up and take-down take a little longer.
I love these diagrams and videos. They are super helpful. I am thinking about going to the Dutch hooks and Stingerz, but had a question. I currently have a 2.2 lash it ridgeline, with a knot bone on one end and a figure 9 on the other. Tarp is connected with s biners and prussics. With the method in the videos, it seems like when you really try to crank the ridgeline tight,you are pulling right on the tarp d rings. Do you have any worries about breaking them? With my CRL, the tension is on the line only, because the prussics and s biners are independent from the line tension.
Also, sometimes my tarp interferes with the suspension, even with the “V” setup. Do I just have to move the tarp higher, or find trees that are farther apart? Any other suggestions?
Thanks.
With a 3:1 mechanical force, you can get the line tighter than with just the prusiks, but I’ve yet to pull hard enough to break anything. The “figure-8″ loop with the ridge line creates the “V”, allows the tarp to easily slide and adjust to center, and allows you to pull both sides of the tarp taut at the same time. It’s pretty neat. Just be careful and don’t go too crazy on getting it too tight.
Getting a hammock to fit into the “V” created on the tarp depends on the length of the ridge on the tarp and the size of the hammock. An average size ridge line on a hammock is 108 inches, or 9 feet (274 cm). A tarp with a foot (30 cm) of overhang/coverage on each side is more than adequate, giving you a tarp with an 11 foot (335 cm) ridge line. When the tarp has a longer ridge line than you’ll have collision problems with the tarp even with the “V”.
Hanging the tarp higher will eliminate this problem, but can create other coverage problems.
The minimal asym tarp used stock by Hennessy works the best when it is very close to the hammock. This is one reason Hennessy designed the tarp to connect to the hammock suspension so it would connect as close to the top of the bug net as possible. Hung higher and an asym tarp begins to be less effective.
Personally, I like tarps with about six inches (15 cm) of coverage on either side.
Thanks, Derek. I think I will try the CRL with a Dutch hook on one end and a Stingerz. My tarp is an OES MacCat Deluxe, so it is 130″, over a Blackbird hammock, so I have a lot of coverage. I will play around with the height and the “v”. Thanks again.
I just ordered some dutch clips, and tarp flyz to put on my crl. I have been using a zing it nacrabiner and prussic loop on the d ring of the tarp, seen here http://alturl.com/pfghe, about as light as you can get.
But after hiking in cooler weather a couple months ago I decided to swap it to something I could do with gloves on.
I hear you — working with line in the cold can be difficult. I like having different options in my skill set in cases like these.