Good old trucker's hitch and some prussik knots. Years of moving house more frequently than I'd like, I can do a trucker's hitch in my sleep; prussik knots are simple and awesome. I was fortunate with the cheap tarp I bought in that there were grommets in the middle of the long sides so I was able to use them for my ridge line - but whether you get that or not is the "luck of the draw" when it comes to cheap tarps. The short sides only had 2 grommets along the edge. I did exactly as you suggested: got a cheap tarp to use to test if I liked hammock camping (didn't skimp on the hammock and tree straps, though). *Love* hammock camping and now I'm buying all the lightweight, more-expensive, stuff I made do without or used cheap alternatives to - decent tarp, underquilt, snake skins etc.
I've only hammock camped a couple of times so I'm finding the how to videos really helpful - as someone else has posted - you are answering questions I didn't even know I had yet! I also never quite understood the prusik knot/use but your detailed demonstrations have cleared that up and given me a useful application - well done! Thanks for the great videos and also, thank you for your service! Have a great day! Rae
3:19 a good tip for that loop knot is to put the rope through the loop once more and it will help keep the rope from loosening. Its a little tricky but if done correctly it will hold the rope indefinitely but i would still tie the end to hold it like you did
So with my tarp I actually have something is thinner and is more looped including something on a Ridgeline. What I end up doing is what you've done with 550 cord but I use tarred bank line to make some prussic knots and some tiny s-biners to tighten it up just a thought but he had a great idea and thanks for the video!
For me thats one is the more interesting video I have seen about that tarps. Im gonna do the Santiago´s Way here at Spain, and Im gonna be arrownd 40 days sleeping outside in my hammock. Now I have a lot of ansers for my cuestions. Thank you so much.
I like them Prusik knots. They're useful in many situations. I got a lot of good ideas from this - nice one buddy. The dutch-wear gear ridge line looked nice and compact but strong. A good system it appeared to me. Have a great week. Mark
Very helpful, as always. Thank you for these detailed setup videos. Last time we camped I struggled to get my son's tarp set up correctly. It shifted from one day to the next (bad prussic knot I guess). I didn't notice it, so when it rained in the middle of the night he got soaked. Hopefully I can do it right next time.
I believe the best way to learn is through trial and error. It makes us wiser and also stronger. Thank you again for watching and your comment Bradley. I really appreciate it.
@@AdventureswiththeMarine I just hate that my error was with my little boy, but we had fun and will be out camping next month. Looking forward to the next bad since I'm behind.
Try using Zing it from Dutchware gear. It makes great pursik knots. I also like using it for the ridgeline for the tarp. Sorry that your son had to go through that. And I know it can be harder on the dad.
Wow, I had no idea there were so many options for little attachments that help set up a ridgeline. I've learned a ton from your videos, thank you so much for taking the time to make them. If you had a hammock stand, and no trees/boulders to attach to, is there a way to set up a ridgeline?
Yes, the ridgeline is attached top of the two ends. I have used it many times in high winds and it held just fine. Thank you for your comment ensemble88.
This just anwserd all the questions I had and one I wasnt even thinking about. Well done sir. I have a sil nylon hex. I think il go with a continuous ridgline. I like the idea of more support il be securing it out with 9in y aluminum stakes. What's your stake of choice and angle of insertion?
I just was filming about that this morning. The video will be out Friday. Thank you for always watching and your comment Chrisrandall79. I really appreciate it.
Very informative. I personally prefer bungees for the tarp but those yellow things you are showing does pack really small indeed. But it also looks expensive.
I suspected they might be expensive, too, but I checked the price and they do a ridgeline + hook + wasp + a couple of soft shackles for around US$32 and the lowest shipping price (to New Zealand, in my case) was not too insane, either (my other big worry when buying stuff from the USA) - sure, far more costly than the ridgeline I currently have, but that ridgeline is far heavier and bulkier and harder to set up with thick gloves on. So the question is: how much is a lightweight convenient system worth to you?"
@@wolf1066 Not to bad but I'm in Europe so have to add 21% tax on top of that. I have complete hammock and tarp setups cheaper than that. I also only have one attachment point to the trees. It makes it all very simple to do and cheap. I can set up in 2 minutes. So I see that system as lightweight but not convenient. I also don't like tying down the tarp and that's why I use bungees. The tarp won't rip out the eyelets in hard wind. But each of us has his/her own system they prefer of course. I use two ropes on the trees, a fixed ridgeline if the hammock has a mosquito net, 2 carabiners and 4 bungees. So this stays below $10 and works every time.
@@StevanOutdoor Sounds like a nice simple, no fuss setup. As cool as the wasp etc looks and as light and convenient it may be to adjust and fasten, it's not enough of an improvement on what I already have to warrant spending around NZ$72 on just a tarp ridgeline. That's almost the cost of a decent Sil-Nylon tarp and more expensive than a couple of 27kN carabiners. If I wanted a lighter ridgeline than the one I have, I could buy a length of Amsteel or PU-coated Dyneema *locally* for a fraction of the cost of their product, but I'm quite happy with what I have and it's no hassle to tie one end of my ridgeline to a tree, tighten it with a trucker's hitch and then hook up a couple of prussik knots to anchor the tarp to it, I don't need any sort of tensioner clip or fancy anchor points.
How far apart are those trees, and how long are your tree straps? Are those Whoopie slings for suspension? I have atlas tree straps with a carabiner and a continuous loop in the end of my 12’ hammock and am having trouble finding the right lay. I have an adjustable ridge line and am wondering how far the trees need to be apart for my perfect lay
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. ( computer problems ). First, the suspension could be a problem if the increments to the Atlas strap are spaced more than 3 inches. A Whoopie Sling or Cinch Buckle can be dialed in for the precised sag in your hammock. The perfect distant for your hammock would be from 13 to 17 feet. But I have hang the hammock with trees farther than 20 feet. You just move the suspension as high as you can on the tree. But all of this means is to always try to get the suspension at a 30 degree angle. Thank you for watching Tyler and again sorry for the wait.
As just a Newbe, Your tips have a lot that some miss. Cord to the side of the tree in the loop, so the Hammock does not hit. I am practicing with 50 ft paracord on 28' trees so I used a marlin spike to not have to thread the whole rope thru the loop, then a Truckers hitch to tighten on the other end. Is this right/ correct ??
@@AdventureswiththeMarine it's great that people can do this. Share ideas across time and space work ease. I soak up as much knowledge as I can, TH-cam is the modern library of Alexandria to a degree. So much knowledge accessible with a click. A great use of technology I'm about to go try some of it out this week. I'm glad you and others of a similar nature take the time to share traditions and knowledge like this
Would it be ok to use a regular poly tarp and drape it over a zing it ridge line? Might by the ridge line from duchtware for ease but don’t wanna shell out for a tarp
Yes you can. But then you will be a little cramp. Not much ventilation. But the worst of all. No view. But always do what works for you. Thank you for watching Scott. I really appreciate it.
I always try to buy from the cottage industries. And the one that has pretty much everything that you would need is Dutchware Gear. ( www.dutchwaregear.com ) Thank you for watching John. I really appreciate it.
I though the hammock suspension is supposed to be off to one side. Now your saying it should be centered in the V of the tarp line. Am I not understanding something.
The hammock suspension should always be on the side of the tree. It should never be adjusted to work with the tarp ridgeline. The tape ridgeline should always be adjusted to work with the hammock. Now depending on what type of tarp ridgeline. And the diameter of the tree. Will determine where the tarp ridge line will be. For an example: If you are using some type of a tarp ridgeline that is connected to the D-ring of the tarp. Then wrapped around the tree and back to the D-ring, to be tied off. That creates a shape of a V. Now if the tree is small in diameter. Then you will more than likely want the have the V with the hammock suspension in the middle of it , when you set up the tarp ridgeline. If the tree is large in diameter. Then you will want the tarp ridgeline to the side of the hammock suspension. You do not want the hammock suspension hitting the tarp ridgeline. There maybe times you will have the trees closer than you will want. And the tarp ridgeline maybe higher than where the hammock suspension that is connected to the tree. Then it dose not matter. There will be many situation that you may come across. You always adjust the tarp ridgeline to work with the hammock suspension. Not the other way around. There has been many times, after I have just finished setting up the hammock and tarp. To realize that the hammock suspension is hitting the tarp ridgeline. I will quickly adjust the Tarp ridgeline, either to the side of the hammock suspension or having it in the middle of the V. I should of done a better job explaining that in the video. Thank you for watching and pointing that out Mike. I really appreciate that.
Hey man. Submarine Veteran here. I can’t get my hammock Ridgeline right. It’s either too loose or too tight. Mostly too tight. Is that a big deal? Thanks. Semper Fi
Moving the tree straps up and down to get the right angle. Dictates how tight or loose the ridgeline will be. I would not worry about that. As long as you are comfortable in your hammock. If you are using amsteel for a ridgeline. All the pressure is off the hammmock and on the ridgeline. With amsteel. I dont think you ever have to worry about it being too tight. Speaking about tight. You submarine veterans are tough. To live under water in those conditions. God Bless you.
There are many ways to setup a tarp. Depending on which tarp that I am going to use. Will depend on which ridge line. Right now. I am using ( most of the time ) the two end suspension with stingerz on the ends. To me it is a fast and easy way to adjust. And works well when I have to lower the tarp if a bad storm is moving in. That is right now. Next year. Who knows. I love trying new things and new ways. I love to experiment and improvise. Thank you Think it Build it for watching. I really appreciate it.
@@AdventureswiththeMarine thanks for your reply. i just wondered if it would allow the rain water to soak into the ridge line and run down it- and therefore be on the underside of the tarp and drip onto the hammock. i guess this could happen though.
Square tarps are very hard to use unless they are setup in a asymmetrical shape. Then they do not provide the best coverage. But a rectangle tarp now. They provide the best coverage. You can find them very inexpensive ( poly tarps ) at the department or hardware store. You can get a 12X10 tarp that would work great for starting out. In most cases. Under 10 dollars US. Thank you for watching Mike.
If there is going to be a heavy snow fall. It may be best to have to tarp over the ridgeline. If you use two ridgeline . One on each end. Then it shapes and form the tarp much more. Thank you so much for watching blackdogbite. I really appreciate it. Sorry it took so long to get back to you.
Good old trucker's hitch and some prussik knots. Years of moving house more frequently than I'd like, I can do a trucker's hitch in my sleep; prussik knots are simple and awesome.
I was fortunate with the cheap tarp I bought in that there were grommets in the middle of the long sides so I was able to use them for my ridge line - but whether you get that or not is the "luck of the draw" when it comes to cheap tarps. The short sides only had 2 grommets along the edge.
I did exactly as you suggested: got a cheap tarp to use to test if I liked hammock camping (didn't skimp on the hammock and tree straps, though). *Love* hammock camping and now I'm buying all the lightweight, more-expensive, stuff I made do without or used cheap alternatives to - decent tarp, underquilt, snake skins etc.
These series are priceless! Thank you for the videos and for your time. You explain perfectly.
Thank you for watching and your comment. I really appreciate it.
I've only hammock camped a couple of times so I'm finding the how to videos really helpful - as someone else has posted - you are answering questions I didn't even know I had yet! I also never quite understood the prusik knot/use but your detailed demonstrations have cleared that up and given me a useful application - well done! Thanks for the great videos and also, thank you for your service! Have a great day! Rae
Thank you for watching and your comment Rae Peterson. I was hoping that they are helpful. That makes me want to make more videos.
Excellent info and presentation for a total hammock newb like myself! I think I got this now, thanks again and all the best from Scotland 🙏🏴
Awesome, thank you Paul. Some day I will be heading to Scotland for an adventure.
That is great to hear you will be most welcome in Scotland, thanks again
Thank you for the metric titles.
Really nice touch.
Also your videos are far the most informative ones.
Thank you
Thank you for watching and your comment Krisztian. I really appreciate it.
Excellent video. Have learned alot watching this series. Keep up the great work!
Thank you The Hiking Dovahkiin for watching the series. I really appreciate it.
i really love the editing style of your videos!
Thank you WestCoastLoaf. That means all lot to me. I am really trying to get better.
I appreciate this video it was very educational and high quality
Thank you 615 W for watching. I really appreciate it.
This was very informative, thanks for sharing. I'm just starting out. Trying to get some ideas for when I get to the woods.
Thank you for watching and your comment Johneekay. I really appreciate it.
I learned so much from this video! Thanks so much!!!
Thank you for watching Darcy. I really appreciate it.
3:19 a good tip for that loop knot is to put the rope through the loop once more and it will help keep the rope from loosening. Its a little tricky but if done correctly it will hold the rope indefinitely but i would still tie the end to hold it like you did
Thank you for sharing that Braden Pelletier. I really appreciate that.
Hi ! Thank you for all these ideas and materials presented ! Greets from France .
Thank you for watching and your comment Dawild David. Some day I will need to hike in France.
So with my tarp I actually have something is thinner and is more looped including something on a Ridgeline. What I end up doing is what you've done with 550 cord but I use tarred bank line to make some prussic knots and some tiny s-biners to tighten it up just a thought but he had a great idea and thanks for the video!
Thank you for sharing that Andrew. Good info.
Well I watched 6 episodes, I guess it is time to subscribed. Have a great day. God Bless
Thank you for watching those episodes Warren. And for subscribing. I really appreciate it. God Bless
For me thats one is the more interesting video I have seen about that tarps. Im gonna do the Santiago´s Way here at Spain, and Im gonna be arrownd 40 days sleeping outside in my hammock. Now I have a lot of ansers for my cuestions.
Thank you so much.
Thank you for watching and your comment WorldOfWallHack1. I really appreciate it.
Brilliantly done. Thank you for sharing
Thank you sir. I appreciate that.
I like them Prusik knots. They're useful in many situations. I got a lot of good ideas from this - nice one buddy. The dutch-wear gear ridge line looked nice and compact but strong. A good system it appeared to me. Have a great week. Mark
Always good to hear from you Mark. I hope all is well.
Exactly what im looking for!👍👍
Thank you Tommy for watching. I really appreciate it.
Very helpful, as always. Thank you for these detailed setup videos. Last time we camped I struggled to get my son's tarp set up correctly. It shifted from one day to the next (bad prussic knot I guess). I didn't notice it, so when it rained in the middle of the night he got soaked. Hopefully I can do it right next time.
I believe the best way to learn is through trial and error. It makes us wiser and also stronger. Thank you again for watching and your comment Bradley. I really appreciate it.
@@AdventureswiththeMarine I just hate that my error was with my little boy, but we had fun and will be out camping next month. Looking forward to the next bad since I'm behind.
Try using Zing it from Dutchware gear. It makes great pursik knots. I also like using it for the ridgeline for the tarp. Sorry that your son had to go through that. And I know it can be harder on the dad.
Wow, I had no idea there were so many options for little attachments that help set up a ridgeline. I've learned a ton from your videos, thank you so much for taking the time to make them.
If you had a hammock stand, and no trees/boulders to attach to, is there a way to set up a ridgeline?
Yes, the ridgeline is attached top of the two ends. I have used it many times in high winds and it held just fine. Thank you for your comment ensemble88.
your sharing some good info my friend . my hammock lay is a little different then most , but i still watch for new ideas .
billy joe
Thank you for watching billy joe. I really appreciate it.
really awesome, thank you so much! what a help!
Thank you Abby for watching. I really appreciate it.
A very useful video
Thank you sir.
Tq.. Appreciate the effort. Very informative and learnt a lot from you.
Thank you for watching and you comment J DL. I really appreciate it.
This just anwserd all the questions I had and one I wasnt even thinking about. Well done sir.
I have a sil nylon hex. I think il go with a continuous ridgline. I like the idea of more support il be securing it out with 9in y aluminum stakes. What's your stake of choice and angle of insertion?
I just was filming about that this morning. The video will be out Friday. Thank you for always watching and your comment Chrisrandall79. I really appreciate it.
Welcome. Il be in the woods Saturday. Hopefully take more knowledge from fridays video with me
Very informative. I personally prefer bungees for the tarp but those yellow things you are showing does pack really small indeed. But it also looks expensive.
I suspected they might be expensive, too, but I checked the price and they do a ridgeline + hook + wasp + a couple of soft shackles for around US$32 and the lowest shipping price (to New Zealand, in my case) was not too insane, either (my other big worry when buying stuff from the USA) - sure, far more costly than the ridgeline I currently have, but that ridgeline is far heavier and bulkier and harder to set up with thick gloves on. So the question is: how much is a lightweight convenient system worth to you?"
@@wolf1066 Not to bad but I'm in Europe so have to add 21% tax on top of that. I have complete hammock and tarp setups cheaper than that.
I also only have one attachment point to the trees. It makes it all very simple to do and cheap. I can set up in 2 minutes.
So I see that system as lightweight but not convenient.
I also don't like tying down the tarp and that's why I use bungees. The tarp won't rip out the eyelets in hard wind.
But each of us has his/her own system they prefer of course.
I use two ropes on the trees, a fixed ridgeline if the hammock has a mosquito net, 2 carabiners and 4 bungees. So this stays below $10 and works every time.
@@StevanOutdoor Sounds like a nice simple, no fuss setup.
As cool as the wasp etc looks and as light and convenient it may be to adjust and fasten, it's not enough of an improvement on what I already have to warrant spending around NZ$72 on just a tarp ridgeline. That's almost the cost of a decent Sil-Nylon tarp and more expensive than a couple of 27kN carabiners.
If I wanted a lighter ridgeline than the one I have, I could buy a length of Amsteel or PU-coated Dyneema *locally* for a fraction of the cost of their product, but I'm quite happy with what I have and it's no hassle to tie one end of my ridgeline to a tree, tighten it with a trucker's hitch and then hook up a couple of prussik knots to anchor the tarp to it, I don't need any sort of tensioner clip or fancy anchor points.
Very informational. Thank you
Thanks for watching D Taylor. I really appreciate it.
Loop aliens work wonders for the second part of this ridgeLine
Thank you for sharing that Ian Nicely. I really appreciate it.
How far apart are those trees, and how long are your tree straps? Are those Whoopie slings for suspension? I have atlas tree straps with a carabiner and a continuous loop in the end of my 12’ hammock and am having trouble finding the right lay. I have an adjustable ridge line and am wondering how far the trees need to be apart for my perfect lay
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. ( computer problems ).
First, the suspension could be a problem if the increments to the Atlas strap are spaced more than 3 inches. A Whoopie Sling or Cinch Buckle can be dialed in for the precised sag in your hammock.
The perfect distant for your hammock would be from 13 to 17 feet. But I have hang the hammock with trees farther than 20 feet. You just move the suspension as high as you can on the tree. But all of this means is to always try to get the suspension at a 30 degree angle. Thank you for watching Tyler and again sorry for the wait.
As just a Newbe, Your tips have a lot that some miss. Cord to the side of the tree in the loop, so the Hammock does not hit. I am practicing with 50 ft paracord on 28' trees so I used a marlin spike to not have to thread the whole rope thru the loop, then a Truckers hitch to tighten on the other end. Is this right/ correct ??
That will work. The Marlin spike works really well with the hammock. Thank you for watching Mike.
Good video
Glad you enjoyed it. thank you for watching Robert. I really appreciate it.
@@AdventureswiththeMarine it's great that people can do this. Share ideas across time and space work ease. I soak up as much knowledge as I can, TH-cam is the modern library of Alexandria to a degree. So much knowledge accessible with a click. A great use of technology
I'm about to go try some of it out this week. I'm glad you and others of a similar nature take the time to share traditions and knowledge like this
Would it be ok to use a regular poly tarp and drape it over a zing it ridge line? Might by the ridge line from duchtware for ease but don’t wanna shell out for a tarp
A poly tarp works great. There just a little heavy and bulky for backpacking. Thank you for watching Surfstew. I really appreciate it.
Harbor freight has a grommet kit I think I'm going to buy one so I can add grommets where they are needed
Please let me know how they work out. Thanks for watching Ron Goote.
Is it okay to hang a nylon tarp over the ridge line?
Yes you can. But then you will be a little cramp. Not much ventilation. But the worst of all. No view. But always do what works for you. Thank you for watching Scott. I really appreciate it.
Are there any stores that sell all the different brands of equipment?
I always try to buy from the cottage industries. And the one that has pretty much everything that you would need is Dutchware Gear. ( www.dutchwaregear.com )
Thank you for watching John. I really appreciate it.
I though the hammock suspension is supposed to be off to one side. Now your saying it should be centered in the V of the tarp line. Am I not understanding something.
The hammock suspension should always be on the side of the tree. It should never be adjusted to work with the tarp ridgeline. The tape ridgeline should always be adjusted to work with the hammock. Now depending on what type of tarp ridgeline. And the diameter of the tree. Will determine where the tarp ridge line will be. For an example: If you are using some type of a tarp ridgeline that is connected to the D-ring of the tarp. Then wrapped around the tree and back to the D-ring, to be tied off. That creates a shape of a V. Now if the tree is small in diameter. Then you will more than likely want the have the V with the hammock suspension in the middle of it , when you set up the tarp ridgeline. If the tree is large in diameter. Then you will want the tarp ridgeline to the side of the hammock suspension. You do not want the hammock suspension hitting the tarp ridgeline. There maybe times you will have the trees closer than you will want. And the tarp ridgeline maybe higher than where the hammock suspension that is connected to the tree. Then it dose not matter. There will be many situation that you may come across. You always adjust the tarp ridgeline to work with the hammock suspension. Not the other way around.
There has been many times, after I have just finished setting up the hammock and tarp. To realize that the hammock suspension is hitting the tarp ridgeline. I will quickly adjust the Tarp ridgeline, either to the side of the hammock suspension or having it in the middle of the V.
I should of done a better job explaining that in the video.
Thank you for watching and pointing that out Mike. I really appreciate that.
Hey man. Submarine Veteran here. I can’t get my hammock Ridgeline right. It’s either too loose or too tight. Mostly too tight. Is that a big deal?
Thanks.
Semper Fi
Moving the tree straps up and down to get the right angle. Dictates how tight or loose the ridgeline will be. I would not worry about that. As long as you are comfortable in your hammock. If you are using amsteel for a ridgeline. All the pressure is off the hammmock and on the ridgeline. With amsteel. I dont think you ever have to worry about it being too tight.
Speaking about tight. You submarine veterans are tough. To live under water in those conditions. God Bless you.
why dont u hang the tarp on the ridge line like clothes on a washing line? there would be less strain on the 2 end hooks
There are many ways to setup a tarp. Depending on which tarp that I am going to use. Will depend on which ridge line. Right now. I am using ( most of the time ) the two end suspension with stingerz on the ends. To me it is a fast and easy way to adjust. And works well when I have to lower the tarp if a bad storm is moving in. That is right now. Next year. Who knows. I love trying new things and new ways. I love to experiment and improvise.
Thank you Think it Build it for watching. I really appreciate it.
@@AdventureswiththeMarine thanks for your reply. i just wondered if it would allow the rain water to soak into the ridge line and run down it- and therefore be on the underside of the tarp and drip onto the hammock. i guess this could happen though.
👍👍👍
The more knots u show me the more I want a tent...
Why are tarps shaped the way they are. I would think a square tarp would provide more cover. I guess there’s a reason for it
Square tarps are very hard to use unless they are setup in a asymmetrical shape. Then they do not provide the best coverage. But a rectangle tarp now. They provide the best coverage. You can find them very inexpensive ( poly tarps ) at the department or hardware store. You can get a 12X10 tarp that would work great for starting out. In most cases. Under 10 dollars US.
Thank you for watching Mike.
Why don't you have the tarp OVER the ridgeline?
If there is going to be a heavy snow fall. It may be best to have to tarp over the ridgeline. If you use two ridgeline . One on each end. Then it shapes and form the tarp much more. Thank you so much for watching blackdogbite. I really appreciate it. Sorry it took so long to get back to you.
“If it turns out you don’t like it, it’s only ten dollars you lose”
Unless your in NZ and your hammock with straps cost almost $300 alone hahahah
Thank you Jackson for watching. I really appreciate it.
how to become a butterfly
Or a swan. Thank you for watching Jean. I really appreciate it.