What are you using?

Planning on using the center ridgeline loops and having prusiks on the two ends.

Just some standard cord similar to paracord but I can’t remember if it is actually paracord.

I use THIS from Dutch and love it!

Any cord with a smaller diameter than the cord the prusik is tied to. I much prefer poly chord as it has little stretch. I do NOT like paracord for much of anything as it is stretchy, doesn't hold knots well and isn't particularly strong for its size.

I use cord of a different color than my ridgeline so it I easier to see.
When I need to move it.
CB

The best thing I've found for a tarp on a ridge line is from Dutch.
I used this on my last trip in June for the first time and I could not be more pleased:
It replaces the prusik.
Tato tarp connectors

And with one on each end of the tarp you can easily move the tarp from side to side on the ridge line to center right where you want it.



Tato clip

This is a little more drawn out - but I love these things.
This is much more detailed.

Tato clip 2

mgraber: "I do NOT like paracord for much of anything as it is stretchy, doesn't hold knots well and isn't particularly strong for its size."

Thank-you. I borderline hate paracord, and I do not understand why in the world it is so popular. Is it because it is common? Is it because many people don't know the alternatives?

I think what I bought was at REI and is called utility cord. At 3mm it’s around the size of paracord but it holds knots fine and has done well with my tarp for years. Maybe it’s not paracord.

Zing it from Dutch tied into a soft shackle- so light and easy its crazy. The Tato connectors work as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v21PaFa3hPs

andym: "I think what I bought was at REI and is called utility cord. At 3mm it’s around the size of paracord but it holds knots fine and has done well with my tarp for years. Maybe it’s not paracord. "

Yep. I like the 3-4-5mm cordage like these: sterling rope

PMI Accessory Cord, available by the foot at REI. Kernmantle construction, 100% nylon. I use 3mm cord for the ridgeline, and 2mm cord for the Prusik loop. Also, I use a Klemheist knot instead of a Prusik knot. According to Animated Knots, the Klemheist "may be the preferred knot choice when the load is known to be in one direction only", which is how we use it on a ridgeline. This setup works great for me.

hmmmm I wonder if I'm the only person who uses bungie cords on my tarp lines?
After having one or two rip out from wind gusts I do longer worry with two bungie s added to each end of a center line.

HammerII: "hmmmm I wonder if I'm the only person who uses bungie cords on my tarp lines?
After having one or two rip out from wind gusts I do longer worry with two bungie s added to each end of a center line.
"

What brand of tarp?

Dooger: "

HammerII: "hmmmm I wonder if I'm the only person who uses bungie cords on my tarp lines?
After having one or two rip out from wind gusts I do longer worry with two bungie s added to each end of a center line.
"

What brand of tarp?"

My first tarp was canvas and my "new tarp" is from Cooke
I had a canvas that torn out in the smokey mts in NC during a nasty thunderstorm in the late 70's. I replaced that with a number of different types thru the early 80's until I got my first Cooke. That lasted for years and years and had a corner give out in the mid 90's when a really nasty wind caught it. I called and returned it and they fixed it better then new and even repaired a small hole from a mouse. 2 years later I bought another one, and had a storm catch it tearing a corner a bit, had it repaired. A older guy I shared a campsite with on the Rap had his rigged with a bugie and explained why he did it, referring to the bungie cord as a "shock for gusts"
I copied his set up and have never had another issue with a tarp in countless trips. As a side note I replaced the second tarp in 2009 and this new one should last me until I can no longer answer the call of the wild