Tarp ridgeline attachment: over, under or from the edges?
Talking about the basic A-frame formation, where there is a higher up ridgeline going through the middle of a rectangular tarp (non-diagonally) e.g. from tree to tree, and the two sides are pegged lower down to the ground. I.e. the classic tent shape.
There are three ways to connect the tarp to the ridgeline cord(s) coming from the trees:
- Under the tarp: Continuous cord from tree to tree, on which the tarp simply rests.
- Over the tarp: Continuous cord from tree to tree, which goes through the attachment loops on the tarp's topside. (Requires a tarp with topside loops)
- From the edges: Two separate cords from the trees terminating at the attachment loops on the tarp's middle edges.
What are the pros and cons of these attachment methods?
1 answer
I am not a camper, so I do not know The Answer™, but here are some considerations:
Draped over the cord
Pros
- It's simple.
- If the ground is higher on one side, you can give one side or the other side more fabric.
Cons
- Most likely for the fabric to slide around in a way you hadn't intended, since this can happen on two axes. Watch for bunching in the middle.
- If it does slide around, a rough cord might scuff your tarp, wearing a hole in the top.
Attachment loops
This can also be a continuous tunnel of the same or different fabric.
Pros
- If constructed appropriately, loops can be slightly different lengths to avoid the "sag" in the middle of the tent from the pull of the tent against the cord.
Cons
- Loops may tear out if stress is uneven.
- The tent may try to bunch up in the middle.[1] (Sliding, but single axis.)
Edge-attachment
You can still use a single cord if it's long enough to go between the trees above the tent and back to the edges of the tent.
Pros
- No sliding at all.
Cons
- Tightening puts a lot of stress directly on the fabric.[2] This may tear the tarp perpendicular to the cords if you try to have your tent "straight" at the top. If you accept some sag, it's fine.
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You may be able to mitigate bunching by tying knots in your cord where they will catch on the loops, but be careful not to pull on any loop too hard. ↩︎
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Pulling on the middle of a taut string adds substantially more force than pulling the end even harder. Unless your tent has specifically been designed to offload the stress onto an integrated cord or something, this can be catastrophic. ↩︎
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