Fav. guyline lengths for rectangular tarp?

Hi all,

I am a total tarp newbie, and I was hoping to pick the brains of the experienced veterans on this board!

I just got my hands on a used cuben fiber tarp (it was a prototype that HMG released before they started selling their models) that's 6x10 in length (unconventional, I know). Unfortunately, it didn't come with guylines, so I'm looking to attach my own. I bought 50 feet of Lawson Glowire; all that's left is for me to cut it up the way I want.

Can y'all please give me some guyline length and placement recommendations? I imagine I'll usually set up an A frame, but want to leave other options open.

Thank you so much!

I'm sure more knowledgeable folks will chime in but I usually use 6' lines at the corners and along the side of the tarp. Also, due to some issues in the past, I tend to create a separate ridgeline for the tarp to hang over. From there I'll use short bits of line and tie a tautline hitch from the tarp end onto the ridgeline. I've been in some pretty high winds & rains set up like this and have never worried.

That's all for now. Take care, best of luck in getting your tarp set to your liking and until next time...Be well.

snapper

Thank you for your reply, snapper! I really appreciate it. From some MYOG posts I've read, it sounds like a lot of people prefer 6 ft on the corners. Is there any reason why you prefer a separate line for the ridgeline? May I ask what issues you had in the past when it was tied on?

Seigi,

The reason for using a separate ridgeline is support and easing of tenion on the tarp at that point. My tarp (MLD poncho) has a seam down the middle so I don't need it, but have used it before I had this tarp.

My method of determining guy line lengths was simple. I set up the tarp using cheap butcher's twine and then measured the pieces.

I use several different pitches depending on terrain and weather, so I carry quite a few different lengths (I think I have ten). I have a very light, very strong cord from MLD, so the extra weight is not a problem.

I also use very small light biners and tensioners, also from MLD, to make setup very quick and easy. I use my hiking poles whatever the pith unless I find handy trees or branches.

Hope that helps, best, jcp

Seigi - I had a grommet pull out in a bad storm years ago when I wasn't using a ridgeline. This led to the tarp flapping around a lot and opening us up to the weather. By having the ridgeline there is very little tension on the grommet to the tie off point. There's also a better chance the tarp won't cave in should a branch fall on the ridge during bad winds. While it may bow in, the odds are better that it won't collapse on you.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...Be well.

snapper