Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Ridgeline Tarp Bag Question
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StLouisPaddler |
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RodPortage |
I set up a 50' ridgeline with the CCS yellow cord, leaving out the end loops and adding prusiks on both sides, as was in the video. I bought a 180' spool of red zing-it and made 6 20' guylines and attached them around the tarp, using the hair tie trick from the video. The difference in color makes it easy to isolate the right rope when starting to set up. There were a couple occasions when the 20' lines wouldn't all reach to anything useful, but I don't normally tie all 6 down anyway, and could always get enough to shape the tarp in a way that would direct water in good directions. In case I ever need more length, I keep the spare zing-it (cut into 10/20/30' lengths) and CCS cord (25') in the bag, except for whichever length is in my pocket for emergencies or attached to the canoe for lining. I also have some cheapo tent stakes from amazon in the bag. They served me well enough and weigh very little. |
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unshavenman |
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Bjfinnegan |
Overall it has all worked well enough so far. Always have a wad of paracord or zing it to add more length if needed. |
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Pack Rat |
Also, if there are any other tips available for setting this system up. Thanks, Pack Rat |
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rdgbwca |
Have you seen this video? -rdg |
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Pack Rat |
Yes, it is excellent with great info thanks for sharing it though... I watched it again. I guess my question should have been is there any need for a ridgeline longer than the 80 ft that come with the bag? Any suggestions on the length of the six guy lines shown in the video? |
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OgimaaBines |
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Jaywalker |
For the tie outs, I use green REI utility cord typically cut into 10-12' sections and normally have 4 on each side. This length will reach whatever tree or tent stake I am going for 90% of the time. I also carry about 3-4 10 foot "extensions" in case I just can't quite reach that tree. Seems like most set ups that is about 1 of the 8 tie outs. I'll add extra tie outs to have 5 on each side if a storm is likely, but most of the time 3-4 is enough. These lengths have worked well for me for years. I'd much rather tie on an extension here or there rather than have to pull 10-15 feet of extra tail through a taughtline hitch every time I tie it (or whatever knot I am tying). Tying the occasional square knot extension is fast. BTY, I intentionally use different colors for the tie outs to make it easier to visually distinguish them when setting up. Good luck with your new tarp - you will love it. |
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boonie |
Length of ridgeline needed varies and length of tie outs varies based on setup - flat, A-frame, other - depending on conditions, site, personal preference. If longer than needed you have to deal with a lot of extra "tail" and if shorter you'll have to attach additional length. I think there is a lot of individual variance and many have probably changed during process of using. I think my ridgeline is 40-50' and tie outs are 10-20' feet with some additional lengths of cordage if needed. You'll eventually discover yours. Note - the longer the ridgeline, the more sag. Eighty feet would be really long . . . Start with the longest you think you'll need/want generally for ridgeline and tie outs and shorten as needed. Keep the extra for additional. |
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ParkerMag |
unshavenman: "You are going to absolutely love that tarp. Personally, I use a continuous ridgeline that is 40' feet long. I can always add cordage to it if needed based on conditions in the field, but this is rarely necessary. My corners each have 20' hanks of CCS reflective cordage and these never come off the tarp. I carry an additional 160' of CCS cordage in 20' hanks that can be used to extend the corner tie-outs or attach the the side tie-outs proper. The three knots that I find really helpful for tarp setup are the truckers hitch, the bowline and the prussik loop. " Almost exactly my setup - both the permanently attached pieces, and my stash of additional cordage. |