BWCA Tarp Spreader Bar Set up Boundary Waters Group Forum: BWCA Hanging
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      Tarp Spreader Bar Set up     

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08/12/2020 06:27AM  
I got my spreader bars in the mail from Warbonnet with no instruction just the bars and 4 pieces of loose cord. What's the preferred method for people using these? My first thought is a permanent knot on the bar and maybe clip a small "S" biner to the loose end. I could thread that through the pull out loop and back on the cord. But there may be a better way out there. Any ideas?
 
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08/12/2020 07:48AM  
What's the cord's use?
 
Wayouttroy
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08/12/2020 10:44AM  
This is what I used
 
08/12/2020 01:30PM  
I just loop the tie outs around the ends of the spreaders. They held in 40 mph winds.
 
TipsyPaddler
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08/12/2020 04:20PM  
1. Loop each piece of thin cord through a tarp pullout tab.
2. Tie into a loop with your favorite non-slipping knot.
3. Assemble spreader pokes.
4. Wrap thin cord around one end about 3 times.
5. Balance spreader bar on peak of tarp while walking to other side (honestly hardest part, especially after an afternoon bourbon or three)
6. Wrap cord around other end about three times.
7. Repeat for other spreader bar.

There is a little indented “channel” on the end of the spreader bar that holds the wound cord well. You can adjust the number of turns to get the level of tension you prefer.

Check out the pictures of the tarps with spreader bars on the WB web site for examples.
 
08/12/2020 08:24PM  
Thanks TipsyPaddler that sounds pretty simple. And the cords just stay on the pullouts.
 
TipsyPaddler
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08/18/2020 03:43PM  
My wife and I just got back from a short trip to Lake Polly and Marlberg via EP37. The first two nights had some heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds in the 25-30 mph range. Between selecting sites with a some wind breaks and putting 4-5 “turns” on each end of the spreader bars we stayed dry and warm.
 
08/23/2020 08:10PM  
I decided to use a bowline knot one each pullout. Those will be permanent as I will use the spreader bars most every time I put up the tarp. Then I'll make the tension adjustments at the end of the bar. This way I'm not tying knots every time I use the spreader bars.

All that's left to do now is prep and pack all the food and load the packs. Got a lot done in the garage today. I go in on 9/2 for 11 nights with another forum member who is also bringing a dog. Can't hardly wait! (That's a Minnesota reference right there) :)

 
Castaway
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12/17/2020 09:46PM  
With no trips in 2020, I'm now struggling with gear addiction. First, an older model Delorme InReach, next an underquilt protector and then a tarp snakeskin. Now I'm thinking about getting a set of these spreader bars for my Superfly. I may be building my own since they aren't on the Warbonnet site any longer. Dutchware and others sell 13" poles and with the inserts on the end they could be used to build a 54.5" pole. I can make a 56.5" pole with 3 18" poles but the 13" would be easier to pack if 54.5" is wide enough.

How wide are the poles that any of you have used?
Do you let them rest on the tarp or do you use a continuous ridge line for the tarp?
Do they create enough space under the tarp to make it worth taking these extra items in the gear pack?

I value all of your recommendations.
 
01/18/2021 05:46PM  
Castaway: "With no trips in 2020, I'm now struggling with gear addiction. First, an older model Delorme InReach, next an underquilt protector and then a tarp snakeskin. Now I'm thinking about getting a set of these spreader bars for my Superfly. I may be building my own since they aren't on the Warbonnet site any longer. Dutchware and others sell 13" poles and with the inserts on the end they could be used to build a 54.5" pole. I can make a 56.5" pole with 3 18" poles but the 13" would be easier to pack if 54.5" is wide enough.


How wide are the poles that any of you have used?
Do you let them rest on the tarp or do you use a continuous ridge line for the tarp?
Do they create enough space under the tarp to make it worth taking these extra items in the gear pack?


I value all of your recommendations.
"

I would contact Warbonnet about this. Something tells me they still make those. There's no continuous ridgeline but lines going out from each end where a ridgeline would be. My bars only contact the tarp at the peak.
 
RLJ
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01/20/2021 12:25PM  
Castaway: "With no trips in 2020, I'm now struggling with gear addiction. First, an older model Delorme InReach, next an underquilt protector and then a tarp snakeskin. Now I'm thinking about getting a set of these spreader bars for my Superfly. I may be building my own since they aren't on the Warbonnet site any longer. Dutchware and others sell 13" poles and with the inserts on the end they could be used to build a 54.5" pole. I can make a 56.5" pole with 3 18" poles but the 13" would be easier to pack if 54.5" is wide enough.


How wide are the poles that any of you have used?
Do you let them rest on the tarp or do you use a continuous ridge line for the tarp?
Do they create enough space under the tarp to make it worth taking these extra items in the gear pack?


I value all of your recommendations.
"

I made my spreader bars from some existing tent poles. Each bar has (3) 18” poles totaling 54”. I just slide the ends thru the tie outs and rest the spreader on the ridge line. They definitely increase the room to move around the hammock on both sides.
 
01/21/2021 09:50AM  
Sent an email to Warbonnet seeking input. Greg responded right away advising the spreader bars do contribute to premature wear on the tarp. He suggested rigging a ridge line. Now I am thinking about the center poles.
 
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