Tarp set up??

valcas1

valcas1

Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
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I have been on a knot crusade as of late. Trying my best at learning the most useful knots for my outdoor excursions.

I have a dilema when it comes to setting up my tarp. I have been thinking of buying niteize figure 9, metal thingys to make tightening up the tarp a little easier.

I would like to know what kind of knots everyone uses when setting up their tarps. What are you using to tie your guylines. I understand that there is a knot that slips only one way to help tighten up those loose lines.

Thanks for your help.

Paul
 
I use just two knots with a tarp: bowline to the tarp itself and tautline hitch to the trees. The tautline is the adjustable one.
 
Paul, since your a gold member you might want to do a search. I can't search or I would for you...anyway, there is an older thread (mid last year) on Tarp set ups...and I wrote an extensive tome on the different tarp set ups we use here in the Pac NorthWet with extensive photos. Someone suggested it become pinned but it never was. It was full of useful info in addition to my contribution.

Anyway, if you look you'll see there are several different configurations we use consistantly including the Whelan, Bombproof, Forester, and several others. If you see a design you want to try I can tell you which knots we use...we only use six basic knots which are very easy to tie and yet extremely quick to release if you need to bug out in a hurry. Because we train and practice for surviving in a potentially hostile environment where our position might become compromised we must be able to tear down and be gone in under three minutes so our knots have to be strong, reliable, yet release quickly and easily.

If you look at my photos and see a design then let me know and I'll let you know what knots we use where...
 
Awesome information gentlemen. Thank You very much.

Quirt,

I am going to search for your thread, read through it and probably take you up on your offer. thanks again.

Paul
 
valcas1 said:
Awesome information gentlemen. Thank You very much.

Quirt,

I am going to search for your thread, read through it and probably take you up on your offer. thanks again.

Paul
Click to expand...


If you find that, could you link to it by any chance? Id like to read it as well:o
 
I would also have to say tautline. It's the most useful knot I ever learned in Boy Scouts. I use it for my tent, tarps, fishing hook (makes an excellent fishing knot), etc...

The next most useful knot would be the popular square knot. Use the same side and go over twice with it - or use over under, under over.

Good luck tying stuff, J.
 
i almost always use the tautline hitch for all attachment points, including a ridgecord if i use one. just makes it easier to tension everything out, and weighs nothing to boot!

the version that i use is basically a timber hitch with an extra turn.
 
I agree that the bowline, clove hitch, and half hitch work well. I have used the figure-9 things a few time and was surprised at how well they worked.
 
I got the bowline down pat, I have been tying that since a very early age tying decoy weights.

Taughtline seems simple enough. So this is what everyone is using on there guylines to take out any slack that might occur? Seems simple enough.

Who uses a prussic knot? it seems to me that it would work very well it one was using a ridge line.

Which leads to my next question. Who uses a ridge line, and what are the benefits to using or not?

Thanks again for the discussion.

Paul
 
For guylines, I use a tautline hitch on both ends (don't have to go as far to tighten/loosen the lines in bad weather) and for a ridge line I use a trucker's hitch to get the ridge line good and tight.

Sometimes I add 'drip lines' to the ridge line to stop water from running under the tarp.

Doc
 
valcas1 said:
Which leads to my next question. Who uses a ridge line, and what are the benefits to using or not?
Paul
Click to expand...

My tarp has tieouts that I tie directly out to there anchor points so I dont use a ridgeline. The benifits to not using one are that you can carry less weight/kit , simpler setup/takedown (less steps really is all...) A ridgline underneathe a tarp will need driplines as DOC noted. Above the tarp will require use of the prussik or similar one-directional gripping slider (more tying and gear)


The benifits however are usually a more stable pitch , because you can really crank down a ridgeline with the truckers hitch. giving you a more solid ceiling to pull your corners out from. More wind resistance, and a tighter pitch. Plus its handy to hang items from (drying clothes , water bottles , a light with witch to read ,etc...) Of course you also have that much more useable cord with you should you need it. Paracord is tremendous for this.

My kit focuses primarily on lightweight backpacking, thus the emphasis on lower ounces and less bulk. Simpler is the name of that game for me. But for lower mileage trips or camping or whatever else outdoors the use of a ridgline can make for a little more stability, and I wouldnt hesitate to use one.
 
valcas1 said:
I have been on a knot crusade as of late.
Paul
Click to expand...

Then I assume you have bought the Bible of knot's.....

I purchased mine back when i was 14 or so (which for the record gent's wasn't too long ago concidering), "The Ashley's Book of Knots" 1944

It is the authority on knot's IMO, and you will seldom need another text unless you started doing obscenly complex fancy knot work, which that text already has plenty of. I would recommend it to anyone.

Edit: I agree 100% with Doc-Canada, "Trucker's / Rigger's Hitch" all the way.
 
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