How much rope for a tarp?

I have an 8x10 silnylon tarp that I planning on using on an upcoming trip as a rainshelter/dining area. I plan on tying it up and basically using it as a ceiling if there is rain so that I don't have to sit in my 1-person tent.

The question I have is how much rope would you recommend to bring? I have 50ft. of Kelty Triptease Guyline. Will that be enough? The tarp has grommets every couple feet. Should I cut the 50ft. into two 25ft. pieces? Also, any recommendations on the easiest way to tie up the tarp would be appreciated.

The answer to your question depends on how high you mean to pitch the tarp and whether you need the cords to run to the ground. I think you will need all 50ft. That's assuming an A-frame pitch which requires at least 6 lines: 2 lines that go from the center grommets of the tarp to two trees and 4 lines for the corners. I think 8 feet per line is about what I would want if I wanted to just use it for a ceiling. With that much line you can put the ridgeline at or near head height (so you can stand up) and have the sides about 3 or 4 feet off the ground so you can get a good view while you are eating.

It's possible you could use less if you happen to be in a place where the trees are miraculously spaced so you can tie all the lines off to tree rather than to stakes on the ground. But don't count on it.

It sounds like you have the same Equinox 8x10 tarp (also known as the campmor tarp) that I have. If so then that tarp is designed to be tied to a ridgeline that you string between trees. There are grosgrain ribbons for tying to the ridgeline. I've tried that also but that method uses a lot more line and so 50ft wouldn't even suffice unless you pitch very close to the ground.

Yeah, the tarp I have is similar to the Equinox tarp. It's actually a Golite tarp I bought a couple years ago. So I'm thinking that if I cut the 50ft. of guyline into 4 equal lengths, that should be enough. Or maybe I should buy another 50ft. of guyline. Then I would definitely have more than enough rope. Hmmm, decisions.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I think you mean 6 equal lengths since you will need 6 lines. In that case each would be a little over 8 feet and that would do well. At least it's worked for me.

I've got a similar size, and use about 6-8' in the corners, 10-14 feet for the ridges, and about 6' or so for the mid-points of the long edge. I like to use trees, rocks, and roots when possible, and the longer lines make all the difference in the world.

FWIW, I just stuff the tarp into my stuffsack starting from the middle of the ridge, and haven't had any problems with lines coming tangled up.

This is one of the best videos I've seen on rigging a tarp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjMmla9DSzo

> I have 50ft. of Kelty Triptease Guyline. Will that be enough?

Should be.

> any recommendations on the easiest way to tie up the tarp would be appreciated.

For what you want, a high A with shallow angles to the roof would probably be best.

I like the Ray-way of pitching an A-frame. With that you need 12' at each end and only 18" at the corners. So your 50' of tripease is plenty. Do a Google and you'll find Ray's webpage where he shows the technique.