Very cool I tried it last night and worked perfect! Lost two of my guy lines that came with my hammock rainfly and was trying to think of a new way to do the top and leave my 4 remaining guylines for the 4 stakes. Luckily someone on reddit linked me this and I absolutely love it works amazingly thank you!
Completely Genius! Not only side to side adjustable tarp over your Hammock, but put the tarp over the ridge line and the tarp is better supported against wet weather sag, then by having the ridge line under the tarp, this does double duty as a 'kit line' to hang up differently coloured dry bags under the tarp cover so you can stay well organised. Finally, using Amsteel line tree to tree right over your Hammock, with very high breaking strength - at least some protection against falling branches or widow makers. Derek - well done and keep up the good work on all things hammocking!
Really good. It is the only method and video on the internet which doesn't need gizmos or trucker hitches and sliding knots etc...which means you must have invented this yourself: brilliant. With a few practice runs the tarp goes up in seconds. One prussik and two tiny carabiners: simple; and the gathered ends of the hammock fit through the triangle as a bonus. Just tried it on my deck using paracord. Using this method from here on. Thank you. Roger
"It is the only method and video on the internet which doesn't need gizmos or trucker hitches and sliding knots etc... One prussik and two tiny carabiners" Yeah a "sliding knot" and 2 fucking "gizmos", good thinking Rog.
Very nice -- great way to do it! I used your idea to hang my hammock rainfly. One modification -- instead of a prussik I used a trucker's hitch to the "free" carabiner. That way plenty of tension and no need to slide things around. Now I can adjust the fly and move it over the hammock, great system. Thanks!
This system is great. I tried doing everything with knots with no success and hating it. I grabbed 2 mini caribeaners I had laying around and tried this and was blown away by how fast it is. I think even dutches fancy wasps and and flys take longer and are less adjustable while being way more expensive.
Dude, that line went up so quick. Thanks for the vid, definitely the method I'll be using from now on. I would prefer putting the tarp over the line though. I like to hang things from it at night.
You can feed the ridgeline through the skins and threaded through the tarp end loops and just leave the ends of the line poking out. It works. All you need to do is wrap the ridgeline ends around the anchor point and clip it back to the tarp on both sides. Easy!
Any tutorials as to how to tie together the end with the prusik? I’ve got the end with the stationary caribiner but can’t figure out how to tie the other end with the prussik
Thanks Derek! I have two ignorant questions. 1: How much cordage did you use? I have 50 feet. I had planned on cutting that down to about 40 feet. I figured that would be suitable for most of my hammock set ups. 2: Do you have a video demonstrating how you spliced the fixed end and used a larks head to attach the carabiner? Thanks so much! Dan
40 feet should be adequate. Splicing is a great option and permanent but can be over the top. A simple figure-8 on a bight or bowline work just as well. Here's a quick tutorial on locked eye splices: atlanticbraids.com/dyneema-brummel-eye-splice-1-end/
With the ridge line separate from the tarp, you can easily use snakeskins. You set the ridge line first, and then clip the hammock to the line, then pull back the snakeskins to reveal the hammock. It's exactly the same as how I show it in this video. The snakeskins will just be bunched up at the ends of the tarp.
@@DerekHansen what you are saving heren is that the ridgeline is separate from the tarp.I ment, can u use snakeskins when the ridgeline is already feeded true the loops of the tarpskin. So the ridgeline and the tarp goes together in the snakeskin... so you can hang it all at once.
@@PeetersFemke I admit I wasn't clear. What I mean by "separate from the tarp" means that the ridgeline is not tied to the tarp. End-only tie-outs are physically tied to the tarp, where continuous ridge lines are separate. I hope that clarifies what I meant.
Ah, I didn´t think of having the ridge line packed separated from the tarp. I saw the ridge line+tarp+snakeskins as a package. It feels like the end of the tarp that you will clip on to, could be prone to slip into the snakeskin. Is there a simple way to make sure that you can get hold of the D-ring of the tarp through the narrow end of the skins? I hope that makes sense. I´m eagerly awaiting my Woodsman X from UK Hammock and am trying to prepare as much as possible to reduce the noob level :)
It didn't look like the hammock suspension ran between the V of the ridgeline on the side without the prussic loop. Is that correct? If so, can the carabiner, on the side without the prussic loop, be taken off the line and then reattached around the hammock suspension when the tarp is being connected, so that the hammock suspension runs between the V of the tarp ridgeline on both sides?
Derek Hansen Thanks. I suppose you could use a prussic on both ends, right? Snake skins probably not an option with this setup since they couldn't be moved away from the tarp while still on the ridgeline, right?
hey Derek. Yesterday i was out camping, and i had used the ridgeline with prusik knots. It started raining heavily and i found that the cord i used for ridgeline was soaked and my prusik slipped down the line. What do you do in that case ?
Sounds like you've got to switch the cordage or your method. Amsteel/Dyneema is super slippery and works best with hardware like a Dutchware Wasp, Stinger, etc. For a knot method, like the Prusik, you need cordage with some 'tooth' so it will hold.
Thanks i got the Cuban fibre tarp they say no ridge line need it.. but still have add your set up on each end .. i think .. haven't see any setup for non ridge line tarps
Hello Derek, I'm currently writing a series of articles aimed at new hammockers, and in one of my supporting videos I have linked to this one to help people better understand how to set their ridgelines up. The article will probably go live Monday Nov. 14. If you'd rather I didn't link to your site or video let me know and I'll remove the links. My blog is here- couch2trail.wordpress.com Thanks!
This looks pretty easy, I'll have to give it a try. I'm new to hammocks but I have a Hennesy tarp and a couple of hammocks to play with, I'll take some paracord and make me a continuous ridge line. Thanks for the vid showing how easy it is!
Holy Smokes...how simple is that? And I just purchased a much more complicated setup using titanium doodads.I will make one of these and use it instead as have all I need to do it with two carabiners. Thanks so much!
thats cool.hopefully ill stop getting wet under my tarp,i could never get how you all done that,,,i always got the drips running down the ropes under it,,way cool...thanks
Hey, cool method. Been loving your site. Just got into hammock camping and the amount of info the community shares is awesome! A question: what's the strength of your mini - carabiners? I don't want to under, or over, equip.
Thanks for the info, I just changed out my old system which was a royal pain to take apart in cold weather. Worked fine until I started camping in the rain and snowy weather. Why would anyone use the ridgeline above a tarp?
A few reasons. First, with the line under the tarp, rain and moisture has a higher likelihood of flowing down the ridge line and under your tarp. It's happened to me a few times. Not fun. Second, for tarps with cat-cut ridge lines, you fight against the natural line of the tarp, reducing its effectiveness while creating pooling areas. A line above the tarp lets the fabric gain a natural line, typically catenary, even if it isn't cut that way.
Derek Hansen Thank you for the information, I value your opinion and your views. I will try the ridgeline along the outside(above) my tarp and see if it makes a difference during a rain storm. I have had only one bad experience with soaking wet feet until I bought a Grizz beak set of doors for my Hennessy Hex Cut Rain Fly Tarp. I have learned a great deal from your book. Will you be making a revised or a supplemental book in the future? I'm currently Rocking a Sheltowee 20 degree Hammock System with the Boone Topper and my Hennessy tarp. I no longer sleep in a bed, I have been using the Sheltowee indoors Since November. If you could choose one hammock that you have reviewed as an everyday sleep system which one would you use?
Dennis Barnes Thanks Dennis. I'm actually working on a new edition right now. My goal is to have it published in the first quarter of 2015 (in the next few months). That's probably optimistic considering all the illustrations I have yet to finish, but I'm hopeful.
Having the ridge line above the tarp avoids chafing problems in high winds while still taking a lot of the strain off the tarp material. Also, I have had branches fall on my tarp and the ridge line absorbs much of the impact.
Could you make a video or give further details on how to tie the knots to complete this set-up? I understand the Prusik knot a little bit, but I have no idea on the Spliced Eye. I looked at some videos and did some research but none of it made any sense to me in relation to what you have done in this video. UPDATE: Actually, I have done a little bit more searching and it makes a little more sense now, although I am still confused. You really do use a spliced eye loop for the end points of your rope. I was confused because as far as I can tell I can't use a spliced eye on my cord; I have PMI 3 mm utility cord and giving its construction I don't know if I can splice it. I am a newbie to all this stuff (I am reading your book though and loving it) so I don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to knots or outdoorsy things. Do you know if I can splice it? And if not, what other knot can I use as a stopper knot for my endpoints?
Hi Ian, Derek Hanson likes his ropework neat and tidy, and had some vids on making spliced continuous loops and sliced loop on the rope end. But if you want something fast that works just as well, but doesn't look so tidy, just tie a loop in the rope end (figure 8 knot is OK), and use a larks head to attach the caribina to the rope end. For the prussik - cut about 1 foot (25 cm) off the end of the rope, tie this in a loop and then prussik attach this to the main line - use a larks head knot again to attach the second caribina. Have a go!
Like many others, I gave up sleeping on the ground but I've had the good fortune to hang my hammock in an Adirondack when the weather was stormy. However, that's going to change tomorrow as we're expecting wet snow or rain, so I will be using my tarp for the first time and will employ your continuous ridge line setup. I dont have any small carabiners, will large sized ones be too heavy on the ridge line or will they work as long as the line is tight? Also, do you have any good secrets for getting in and out without getting your sleeping bag or your feet wet when touching the ground? What do you do in a snow storm to get in your sleeping bag and into your hammock and then get back out again in the morning without getting wet?
Large ones are fine, but overkill :) Knots are always a good option if you don't have carabiners. Tie off on one end and use a taut-line hitch on the other end to adjust.
I tried this method of continuous ridge line using knots instead of carabiners. Because it is easily adjustable between the trees, the whole tarp slid towards the head and of the hammock and put a lot of slack in the tarp to boot. How do you prevent it from sliding once it's in position?
Is your tarp connected to your hammock? Derek's set up shows his hammock separate from his tarp. That's the way that I do mine, also, but I use one carabiner and one Figure 9 carabiner from Nite Ize. Works like a charm
Chuck, I often use knots instead of hardware too -- it's a great way to lose a little weight and still keep the system. I use a taut line hitch or a trucker's hitch to tension, and once pulled taut, it doesn't slide.
Very cool I tried it last night and worked perfect! Lost two of my guy lines that came with my hammock rainfly and was trying to think of a new way to do the top and leave my 4 remaining guylines for the 4 stakes. Luckily someone on reddit linked me this and I absolutely love it works amazingly thank you!
Sweet! I'm glad it worked!
Completely Genius! Not only side to side adjustable tarp over your Hammock, but put the tarp over the ridge line and the tarp is better supported against wet weather sag, then by having the ridge line under the tarp, this does double duty as a 'kit line' to hang up differently coloured dry bags under the tarp cover so you can stay well organised. Finally, using Amsteel line tree to tree right over your Hammock, with very high breaking strength - at least some protection against falling branches or widow makers. Derek - well done and keep up the good work on all things hammocking!
Really good. It is the only method and video on the internet which doesn't need gizmos or trucker hitches and sliding knots etc...which means you must have invented this yourself: brilliant. With a few practice runs the tarp goes up in seconds. One prussik and two tiny carabiners: simple; and the gathered ends of the hammock fit through the triangle as a bonus. Just tried it on my deck using paracord. Using this method from here on. Thank you.
Roger
"It is the only method and video on the internet which doesn't need gizmos or trucker hitches and sliding knots etc... One prussik and two tiny carabiners" Yeah a "sliding knot" and 2 fucking "gizmos", good thinking Rog.
Very nice -- great way to do it! I used your idea to hang my hammock rainfly. One modification -- instead of a prussik I used a trucker's hitch to the "free" carabiner. That way plenty of tension and no need to slide things around. Now I can adjust the fly and move it over the hammock, great system. Thanks!
Thanks! Yes, that mod would work.
This system is great. I tried doing everything with knots with no success and hating it. I grabbed 2 mini caribeaners I had laying around and tried this and was blown away by how fast it is. I think even dutches fancy wasps and and flys take longer and are less adjustable while being way more expensive.
Dude, that line went up so quick. Thanks for the vid, definitely the method I'll be using from now on. I would prefer putting the tarp over the line though. I like to hang things from it at night.
You're welcome!
You can feed the ridgeline through the skins and threaded through the tarp end loops and just leave the ends of the line poking out. It works. All you need to do is wrap the ridgeline ends around the anchor point and clip it back to the tarp on both sides. Easy!
Oh, and along the hammock I also ordered your book which looks terrific!
Nice and simple. I'm giving this a try the next time I hang.
Awesome idea!
Thanks!
@Rod Anderson True, true. I thought it was uploaded in HD so I'll have to check iMovie.
Why the lark's head around the carabiner, instead of just putting the carabiner through the loop?
Any tutorials as to how to tie together the end with the prusik? I’ve got the end with the stationary caribiner but can’t figure out how to tie the other end with the prussik
Thanks Derek! I have two ignorant questions. 1: How much cordage did you use? I have 50 feet. I had planned on cutting that down to about 40 feet. I figured that would be suitable for most of my hammock set ups. 2: Do you have a video demonstrating how you spliced the fixed end and used a larks head to attach the carabiner? Thanks so much!
Dan
40 feet should be adequate. Splicing is a great option and permanent but can be over the top. A simple figure-8 on a bight or bowline work just as well. Here's a quick tutorial on locked eye splices: atlanticbraids.com/dyneema-brummel-eye-splice-1-end/
Thanks so much Derek! This definitely helps and I appreciate it.
... Incredible.
I finally set this up in my backyard. You deserve a Nobel Prize.
Neat, and I like your tiny carabiners! Where did you get them?
What is the overall length of your continuous ridge line
@Derek Hansen would this kind of ridge line also support your standard blue hardware store tarp?
Yes!
@@DerekHansen thanks
With the ridge line separate from the tarp, you can easily use snakeskins. You set the ridge line first, and then clip the hammock to the line, then pull back the snakeskins to reveal the hammock. It's exactly the same as how I show it in this video. The snakeskins will just be bunched up at the ends of the tarp.
Can't you have the ridgeline feeded true and leave it with a snakeskin? So the line is sticking out on both sides of the snakeskin?
@@PeetersFemke Yes, that's what I'm describing.
@@DerekHansen what you are saving heren is that the ridgeline is separate from the tarp.I ment, can u use snakeskins when the ridgeline is already feeded true the loops of the tarpskin. So the ridgeline and the tarp goes together in the snakeskin... so you can hang it all at once.
@@PeetersFemke I admit I wasn't clear. What I mean by "separate from the tarp" means that the ridgeline is not tied to the tarp. End-only tie-outs are physically tied to the tarp, where continuous ridge lines are separate. I hope that clarifies what I meant.
When adjusting the rigdeline, the cord runs along the bark of the tree. Doesn't Dyneema get frayed?
Ah, I didn´t think of having the ridge line packed separated from the tarp. I saw the ridge line+tarp+snakeskins as a package. It feels like the end of the tarp that you will clip on to, could be prone to slip into the snakeskin. Is there a simple way to make sure that you can get hold of the D-ring of the tarp through the narrow end of the skins? I hope that makes sense. I´m eagerly awaiting my Woodsman X from UK Hammock and am trying to prepare as much as possible to reduce the noob level :)
The only way I set my tarp up
It didn't look like the hammock suspension ran between the V of the ridgeline on the side without the prussic loop. Is that correct? If so, can the carabiner, on the side without the prussic loop, be taken off the line and then reattached around the hammock suspension when the tarp is being connected, so that the hammock suspension runs between the V of the tarp ridgeline on both sides?
Tim Gadd The hammock suspension _should_ run between the V of the tarp.
Derek Hansen Thanks. I suppose you could use a prussic on both ends, right? Snake skins probably not an option with this setup since they couldn't be moved away from the tarp while still on the ridgeline, right?
hey Derek. Yesterday i was out camping, and i had used the ridgeline with prusik knots. It started raining heavily and i found that the cord i used for ridgeline was soaked and my prusik slipped down the line. What do you do in that case ?
Sounds like you've got to switch the cordage or your method. Amsteel/Dyneema is super slippery and works best with hardware like a Dutchware Wasp, Stinger, etc. For a knot method, like the Prusik, you need cordage with some 'tooth' so it will hold.
i used bankline
More wraps on your Prusik will also help. Often, just one more does the trick..
Hi,
How long is your ridgeline ?
Thanks a lot, Chris
Any links with details on that prusik knot? i can't figure where to put it.
I just figured it out, not sure why I thought it was so difficult.
It's 2012/2013...anything under 720p is not tolerated ;)
What about taking it down ? Seems like it's gonna be a PIA
Easy! Just release the tension and unhook. Pack up.
I BOUGHT YOUR BOOK GOT QUESTION HOW LONG IS THE RIGDE LINE
+Solo Bikepacking Guy Anywhere between 30 and 50 feet, depending on the types of hangs you do.
Thanks i got the Cuban fibre tarp they say no ridge line need it.. but still have add your set up on each end .. i think .. haven't see any setup for non ridge line tarps
+Solo Bikepacking Guy Hmm. I'm not sure what they mean by "no ridge line needed." What tarp is it? Let me do some research before I answer.
maybe i am read it wrong www.zpacks.com/shelter/hammock_tarps.shtml
The ridge seam and all tie out reinforcements are now sewn and taped for extra strength
Hello Derek, I'm currently writing a series of articles aimed at new hammockers, and in one of my supporting videos I have linked to this one to help people better understand how to set their ridgelines up. The article will probably go live Monday Nov. 14. If you'd rather I didn't link to your site or video let me know and I'll remove the links. My blog is here- couch2trail.wordpress.com Thanks!
Send me an email.
Audio too low.
This looks pretty easy, I'll have to give it a try.
I'm new to hammocks but I have a Hennesy tarp and a couple of hammocks to play with, I'll take some paracord and make me a continuous ridge line.
Thanks for the vid showing how easy it is!
Genius...I am a old hand with knots but this is something else... thank you... this is my new method for setting up my tarp.
Holy Smokes...how simple is that? And I just purchased a much more complicated setup using titanium doodads.I will make one of these and use it instead as have all I need to do it with two carabiners. Thanks so much!
Wow, that explained it. right to the point. Thanks! Will give it a try.
thats cool.hopefully ill stop getting wet under my tarp,i could never get how you all done that,,,i always got the drips running down the ropes under it,,way cool...thanks
Hey Derek approximately how long is your ridge line rope?
Derek, how would you handle snakeskins with this setup?
Hey, cool method. Been loving your site. Just got into hammock camping and the amount of info the community shares is awesome!
A question: what's the strength of your mini - carabiners? I don't want to under, or over, equip.
About 150 lbs. Depends on the biner. You don't need to put much tension on those guys to keep a taut tarp.
I like the ridgeline inside the tarp. How is this possible with the skins.
Thanks for the info, I just changed out my old system which was a royal pain to take apart in cold weather. Worked fine until I started camping in the rain and snowy weather. Why would anyone use the ridgeline above a tarp?
A few reasons. First, with the line under the tarp, rain and moisture has a higher likelihood of flowing down the ridge line and under your tarp. It's happened to me a few times. Not fun. Second, for tarps with cat-cut ridge lines, you fight against the natural line of the tarp, reducing its effectiveness while creating pooling areas. A line above the tarp lets the fabric gain a natural line, typically catenary, even if it isn't cut that way.
Derek Hansen Thank you for the information, I value your opinion and your views. I will try the ridgeline along the outside(above) my tarp and see if it makes a difference during a rain storm. I have had only one bad experience with soaking wet feet until I bought a Grizz beak set of doors for my Hennessy Hex Cut Rain Fly Tarp. I have learned a great deal from your book. Will you be making a revised or a supplemental book in the future? I'm currently Rocking a Sheltowee 20 degree Hammock System with the Boone Topper and my Hennessy tarp. I no longer sleep in a bed, I have been using the Sheltowee indoors Since November. If you could choose one hammock that you have reviewed as an everyday sleep system which one would you use?
Dennis Barnes Thanks Dennis. I'm actually working on a new edition right now. My goal is to have it published in the first quarter of 2015 (in the next few months). That's probably optimistic considering all the illustrations I have yet to finish, but I'm hopeful.
Having the ridge line above the tarp avoids chafing problems in high winds while still taking a lot of the strain off the tarp material. Also, I have had branches fall on my tarp and the ridge line absorbs much of the impact.
Could you make a video or give further details on how to tie the knots to complete this set-up? I understand the Prusik knot a little bit, but I have no idea on the Spliced Eye. I looked at some videos and did some research but none of it made any sense to me in relation to what you have done in this video.
UPDATE: Actually, I have done a little bit more searching and it makes a little more sense now, although I am still confused. You really do use a spliced eye loop for the end points of your rope. I was confused because as far as I can tell I can't use a spliced eye on my cord; I have PMI 3 mm utility cord and giving its construction I don't know if I can splice it. I am a newbie to all this stuff (I am reading your book though and loving it) so I don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to knots or outdoorsy things. Do you know if I can splice it? And if not, what other knot can I use as a stopper knot for my endpoints?
Hi Ian,
Derek Hanson likes his ropework neat and tidy, and had some vids on making spliced continuous loops and sliced loop on the rope end. But if you want something fast that works just as well, but doesn't look so tidy, just tie a loop in the rope end (figure 8 knot is OK), and use a larks head to attach the caribina to the rope end. For the prussik - cut about 1 foot (25 cm) off the end of the rope, tie this in a loop and then prussik attach this to the main line - use a larks head knot again to attach the second caribina. Have a go!
Like many others, I gave up sleeping on the ground but I've had the good fortune to hang my hammock in an Adirondack when the weather was stormy. However, that's going to change tomorrow as we're expecting wet snow or rain, so I will be using my tarp for the first time and will employ your continuous ridge line setup. I dont have any small carabiners, will large sized ones be too heavy on the ridge line or will they work as long as the line is tight?
Also, do you have any good secrets for getting in and out without getting your sleeping bag or your feet wet when touching the ground? What do you do in a snow storm to get in your sleeping bag and into your hammock and then get back out again in the morning without getting wet?
Large ones are fine, but overkill :) Knots are always a good option if you don't have carabiners. Tie off on one end and use a taut-line hitch on the other end to adjust.
I found some little ones on key chains, etc. Worked perfectly!! Thanks for the video and teaching these new skills.
About 30 feet.
I am going to use a niteize camjam on the tension end as this will make it faster with more tension
Remember that for a tarp you DON'T need TOO MUCH tension. You can put too much force on the seams and line that can make it worse for the tarp.
I decided not to use my cam jam... and I am going to use a prusik and a slipped automatic truckers hitch (kobe)
I tried this method of continuous ridge line using knots instead of carabiners. Because it is easily adjustable between the trees, the whole tarp slid towards the head and of the hammock and put a lot of slack in the tarp to boot. How do you prevent it from sliding once it's in position?
Is your tarp connected to your hammock? Derek's set up shows his hammock separate from his tarp. That's the way that I do mine, also, but I use one carabiner and one Figure 9 carabiner from Nite Ize. Works like a charm
Chuck, I often use knots instead of hardware too -- it's a great way to lose a little weight and still keep the system. I use a taut line hitch or a trucker's hitch to tension, and once pulled taut, it doesn't slide.
My tarp is not connected to my hammock. I think I figured out what I did wrong. Last trip went much better.
Great!
are your prussics amsteel too. Also how many binas in total are on the line,. thanx for the vid, I am only intermiediate to this kind of set up...
Often, yes. Usually two biners..
Genius!
Thanks!
What tarp is that?
That is an old Mac-Cat tarp micro.
These micro caribiners can be found lots of places. I know arrowhead equipment sells them. arrowhead-equipment com/accessories.html