Tarp Setup

A recent post discussed cordage used for tarp support. I decided to show how I setup my tarp. You can always find a tree with suitable ground site, but rarely two trees are optimally positioned at that site. I use a hiking pole for the other end.



The ridge line runs from tree to the pole. The line has a loop on one end for the pole and is precut to a reasonable length to tie to the tree. The tarp (8x10) has a loop at the pole end and a slider knot tied to the ridge line at the other end.



Notice that there are two forward guy lines from the hiking pole. It is actually a precut line with a loop on each end and in the middle. This is staked out at about a 45 degree angle. This makes the ridge line pretty tight. On these two lines I have a clip I got at Going Gear that I pull down on these two lines to really get it tight. This is the same principle that a split backstay on a sailboat tightens the rig.




Now if the ridge line stretches in the rain, just reach out and pull the clip down to re-tighten. No need to get out in the rain to adjust things.

 

I thought someone would speculate that the clip would slide up the lines on its own. Adding some weight would prevent this or instead of the ring, use a prusik knot on one line with a clip to the other. Now it would definitely stay put, up or down.