Just returned from a 4 day trip to Cherokee. For the trip, I bought a 10 x 9 CCS Tarp to replace an older Noah's Tarp.

For those who have a CCS tarp - How do you tie it up?

My old Noah's Tarp, I could tie out the 4 corners, and with the sewn seam going diagonally and the asymetrical design, I could always and very easily get it tight and not pooling water. I couldn't do that with the CCS tarp. It has a very strong sewn edge and no matter how I tied off 4 points, it was sagging and either would have or was pooling water. By the time I got it semi effective, I had to have seven different tie off points, the thing looked ridiculous by the time I was done with it.

I know there's alot of CCS Tarp users and folks have raved about CCS products, so I'm confident I've got user error happening. I couldn't seem to easily make it work.

There are some CCS tarp-setters on this board whose setups are incredible works of engineering & art. I am not one of them. However, it usually works out OK. The most common way I do it is tie a ridgeline between two trees and drape the tarp over that, be it centered or a bit off-center. Then I attempt to tie off/tie down the corners, but it's rare that I have six trees in the ideal geometric locations. So I do end up with a lot of tie-outs. Then I adjust/raise/tighten the original ridgeline and make sure it's higher than the rest. It also seems like I am adjusting continuously. I bring lots of nice cordage. One of the great things about CCS is the multitude of loops/potential tie-out points.
If there is not a tree or rock in a key location I want to tie to, I might tie a rope between a couple of things and have a prussik or alpine butterfly knot in the spot where I wish a tree had been, and tie to that.

Good tips.

This video is useful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqlFP8C_z10

I do find that in rain, I need to use tie outs (6 tie outs on a 10 x 12 tarp -- not counting the ridge line) to ensure adequate drainage off the tarp. It does not bother me.

The tarp you are referring to likely has a single ridge line running across it in one direction.

First thing, get some thinner, smooth, durable cord to tie a small loop to the nylon webbing straps, it will add life to the tarp.

Second, run a low-stretch cordage through all of the ridge line loops except for the first & last.

Third, make two loops of cord, length to your preference so long as it is long enough, & affix prusik knots to the two skipped ridge line loops (prusik at the ridge line cordage & other end tied off to the ridge line loop). These prusik loops will allow the edge of the tarp to drop down & catch less wind + be adjustable by sliding along the ridgeline cordage.

Fourth, attach one end of ridgeline cordage to a tree at desired peak height + a bit for line droop. Attach other end of ridgeline cordage to a tree opposite the first & use an alpine knot truckers hitch to tension the line, make it taught.

Fifth, attach each corner tie out. Tieout points affixed above the ridgeline may result in pooling. For these tieouts, I use zing it/lash it cordage & the ‘wasp’ (I think that is what they are called) from Dutchware to tension the lines. If not using the wasps, use alpine truckers hitches here as well.

Tarp should now have basic setup complete, adjust prusiks & tension lines evenly about the tarp. If you would like a more robust setup, affix tieouts to the middle points on edges parallel to the ridgeline. For my setup, I also run prusik lines from the ‘midpoint’ tieout points to the lines connected to the corner+middle tieouts, distributing the load more evenly & keeping tarp more uniformly taut while not increasing the number of knots tied with every setup. This approach has also helped a bit to overcome the oft encountered issue of not having trees on all sides (often the waterline edge of the tarp).

This is how my smaller tarp is setup, 8x10, if I recall correctly. It’s not the clearest picture, though hopefully it helps!

Edit: I keep Dutchware fleas attached to the tarp corner/middle tieouts, wasps are attached to the Lean+ tieouts cords, which stay affixed to the tie points. Tieout cords for tarp are not affixed at all times & have a flea spliced into them & some other splices to keep cordage neat+clean.

Holy Balls John Galt! So maybe not user error, I was simply unprepared to put up this tarp.

Overall - sounds like I downgraded. Look at that picture - while nice and tight, that thing is ridiculous! I have no desire to get my engineering degree or carry 50 yards of cordage to be able to put up my tarp.

With my old tarp, I could achieve pretty much the same thing, but with only 4 guy lines. The Kelty Noah's tarp had a seam running from corner to corner that when tied out acted like a ridge line - it was tight. The asymetrical design helped too. Tie off the other two corners and I was set - never had an issue with water pooling or not being able set it up effectively and efficiently.

Yep, hang it as shown in that video. It should end up looking like this:

unshavenman: "Yep, hang it as shown in that video. It should end up looking like this:
"

This is how I have mine as well. Ridgeline and guyline length is really personal preference I guess but I have a 60' ridgeline and 25' on each of the 4 corners. I skip the pole though, if I cant find good trees at the campsite I usually just don't set it up. Maybe I'll find a nice ultralight collapsible pole for next year.

Lots of complicated solutions.Not for me. I use a taut ridgeline and guy lines on each corner. If trees are available they guy lines will go to trees, if not then stakes. Takes almost no time to set up. I'm not planning to live in it- just shelter my gear and maybe myself in a steady rain.

Banksiana: "Lots of complicated solutions.Not for me. I use a taut ridgeline and guy lines on each corner. If trees are available they guy lines will go to trees, if not then stakes. Takes almost no time to set up. I'm not planning to live in it- just shelter my gear and maybe myself in a steady rain. "

Seems like that's the solution...I just need to get used to adding a ridgeline. It was nice to not have to previously, but at the same time...not a super huge deal.

I don't leave cord attached to tarp. I have a small ditty bag with my cords of various lengths (coiled) and a sleeve of tent stakes. Each cord has a bowline permanently tied on one end to loop through the ties on the tarp, or in the case of the ridgeline loop around one of the trees. I also leave a bungee-dealee-bob attached to the center loops on the underside of the tarp. When setting up I drape the tarp over the ridgeline and then secure it with the bungee-dealee- makes it easy to keep the tarp centered as I tension the corners.

Speckled: "Just returned from a 4 day trip to Cherokee. For the trip, I bought a 10 x 9 CCS Tarp to replace an older Noah's Tarp. For those who have a CCS tarp - How do you tie it up?"

Hey, Speckled--the Noah's Tarp has a catenary cut diagonal ridgeline, helping the erected tarp to avoid pooling at the edges. I'm a fan of cat-cut tarps, but had trouble finding a diagonal cat-cut tarp in 1.1 silnyl, so I bought a 10x10 tarp in 1.1 silnyl and continue to rig it on the diagonal, with very little pooling. A question, though--are you running a ridgeline under the tarp on the diagonal and using corner tie-outs to that ridgeline via prusiks or taut lines as shown in the photo below? If not, you have less control over pooling.

TZ

With the Noah's tarp - never ran any sort of ridgeline. Started with the corners attached to the seem, got it tight or taut and then tied off the other two corners and making small adjustments on all 4 to get it positioned properly. So with the guy lines on each corner, i'd be able to effectively get the tarp up, functional and no pooling.

I tried to the do the same with the CCS tarp and was left cursing at the thing, finally tieing out multiple tie off points and it ended up looking super weird...but at least not pooling.

I've always used the tarps partially over the tent and creating a dry "front porch" in front of the tent entry.

This tarp with ridgeline will likely be relegated to family or larger group trips as an additional dry sitting area and gear storage spot, in which case. i'll be able to use the ridgeline more easily. I'll just buy another Noah's tarp or unretire the older one to use over the tent.

Speckled: "With the Noah's tarp - never ran any sort of ridgeline. Started with the corners attached to the seem, got it tight or taut and then tied off the other two corners and making small adjustments on all 4 to get it positioned properly. So with the guy lines on each corner, i'd be able to effectively get the tarp up, functional and no pooling.


I tried to the do the same with the CCS tarp and was left cursing at the thing, finally tieing out multiple tie off points and it ended up looking super weird...but at least not pooling."

The Noah's Tarp has a major seam along its diagonal, allowing it to withstand lots of diagonal tension. Trying to tension a 10x10 tarp on its diagonal loads the fabric along a bias line, which stretches the fabric. That's why I run a cord for my ridgeline and tension the tarp to the cord using the prusik or taut lines. Give it a backyard try before abandoning the CCS tarp.

TZ

One of the highlights of the Midwest Mountaineering Expos was Dan Cooke's tarp presentation on the grassy knoll. Someone with some YouTube Skills should get that presentation recorded and posted.

I'd watch, like, subscribe and ding the bell for that.

This topic has been addressed quite often and is easily searched. I have often posted different setups.
Ridgeline suspended from center loops, tension/moved with prusik knots.
umbrella setup, 4 corners hung and a drop center line.
Equinox 10x12 flat cut, 4 corner suspension in a diamond.
Circus tarp CCS 15x15 umbrella set at an old wing night.
I have always found flat cut tarps more forgiving and versitile than a cat-cut. A bit of patience and practice is all that is needed.

butthead

Right - the CCS tarp can certianly be effectively set up. Ease of use though - Noah's tarp far exceeds the CCS and i'll likely switch back to that as my primary.

I have used Noah's Tarp's. I still think the cat-cut is too limited in setup styles and geared to only a diamond shape setup that is as easy to do with a straight cut.

butthead

Speckled: "Right - the CCS tarp can certianly be effectively set up. Ease of use though - Noah's tarp far exceeds the CCS and i'll likely switch back to that as my primary."

Looking forward to seeing this for sale.

Frenchy19: "

Speckled: "Right - the CCS tarp can certianly be effectively set up. Ease of use though - Noah's tarp far exceeds the CCS and i'll likely switch back to that as my primary."

Looking forward to seeing this for sale."

Ha - not for sale. It'll just go on the shelf and get used for larger group basecamp trips, when I wouldn't mind bringing some extra cordage and taking more time to set it up.

apk: "Good tips.

This video is useful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqlFP8C_z10


I do find that in rain, I need to use tie outs (6 tie outs on a 10 x 12 tarp -- not counting the ridge line) to ensure adequate drainage off the tarp. It does not bother me. "

This video shows my exact setup. I studied it more than a few times. Invest in the ridgeline bag. Learn your quick-releasing tensioning knots. Tarp setup was always my personal kryptonite. If I can do this, anyone can. CCS 10x14 1.1 oz

Gear is such a personal thing, there is no right or wrong or best most of the time, just what works best for you. In my opinion I despise my cat cut Noah's tarp and wouldn't use it except for emergencies these days. I feel like you made a HUGE upgrade to a tarp with twice the strength and endless options for set up. You also have more usable space under tarp when forced to stake to ground. I use a ridge line with prusiks and tie or stake out 4 corners most of the time, like the Youtube video but with a strong mini carabiner on one end of ridge line and a figure 9 tightener on the other, takes 2-3 minutes for full set up most of the time thanks to ridgeline stuff sack, hair ties and the carbiner and figure9. I do agree that there is nothing much easier than setting up a cat cut tarp and they are excellent at shedding water, if that is the most important to you, but with CCS the quality of the shelter and the versatility is worth a minute or two extra imho.

Gear is such a personal thing, there is no right or wrong or best most of the time, just what works best for you. In my opinion I despise my cat cut Noah's tarp and wouldn't use it except for emergencies these days. I feel like you made a HUGE upgrade to a tarp with twice the strength and endless options for set up. You also have more usable space under tarp when forced to stake to ground. I use a ridge line with prusiks and tie or stake out 4 corners most of the time, like the Youtube video but with a strong mini carabiner on one end of ridge line and a figure 9 tightener on the other, takes 2-3 minutes for full set up most of the time thanks to ridgeline stuff sack, hair ties and the carbiner and figure9. I do agree that there is nothing much easier than setting up a cat cut tarp and they are excellent at shedding water, if that is the most important to you, but with CCS the quality of the shelter and the versatility is worth a minute or two extra imho.

One thing to keep in mind is being able to quickly tighten up your lines when it rains, silnylon and most cordage will stretch when wet.

Tensioning knots are easy and quick, hardware like figure 9s and Dutch fleas are fun to use.

I have to say that I am in awe of each and every one of you who are able to hang tarps successfully on a regular basis. I had to dumb it down and get a Kammok Kuhli tarp (with attached ridge line and attached guy lines) for a super lightweight and fast setup. The Kammok works very well under most conditions but in my dreams I’d own a CCS and learn all the knots, etc. Very impressive display of knowledge you all have! I’ll stick with getting a CCS Hybrid Explorer pack for now and keep my hopes and dreams of a CCS tarp alive for the future.

"Hoop's" video is awesome and I've personally watched it at least 20 times and not until I've done it in the wild a few times did I find my flow. I use the hair ties and have more rope than necessary (and I practice knots in the winter).

Water ponding management with a square or rectangle tarp of any brand can be a real challenge. I will typically try to pull one end lower creating intentional slope instead of trying to keep the drip line uniform. And in heavy rain I may need to increase the pitch to improve run off. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of this last week in the BWCA when it rained for two day, and it was set up as a front porch to the tent.
I like my CCS due to all of the extra loops so a ridge line is easy, and it is almost endlessly configurable with the loops along the perimeter as well.

One setup tip I picked up off of youtube was the rapid deployment ridge line, and I am convert after one use. A not so short and probably poor description is you stage your ridge line with a bowline (or eye splice) on one end, two toggles, and an extra prusik. For end "A", the bowline is the running end, this goes around the tree and the toggle is on the standing side. The toggle goes in the loop, end "A" secured. For end "B" take the running end with the toggle around the tree, fold the running end over the toggle, and then insert the toggle and rope into the loop of the prusik on the standing portion, pull on the running end of the rope to tighten. In short watch the video.
I bet it took all of 30 sec to run the ridge line in the rain, no knots, never loosened up. pulled out the corners, and we had dry space in no time at all.

Definitely like the ccs Ridgeline bag, have a 10x14 1.1, yes its huge, but the weight penalty over a 10x10 is not that great. Dynema Ridgeline with spliced eyes at both ends, toggle 1 end, truckers hitch other. loose 2mm tie outs in a bag with some aluminum stakes, some tie outs 15 ft some 10 ft all with tied loops at 1 end. 5 or 10 minutes to set up. A dry spot on a rainy day is worth the weight and time in my opinion. If i was to go minimum weight i’d just hop in my hammock to get out of the rain, leave my savanna chair and table 1 at home and rough it. My gear pack is about 44 lbs, hammock, tarp, chair, table,gravity filter, light, weather radio, etc.. yes, at 65 I double portage. As far as drainage, Ridgeline low into the wind, that ends corners staked or tied low, down wind end high and corners nearly even with Ridgeline, seems to work for me