How thick is your tarp top line?

[bmartin1uk]

Hi All

I have only ever used the cord i bought from DD hammocks when i got the tarp and its 6mm.
I was wondering if anyone goes smaller, as it weighs a fair bit, and im always afraid of cutting it down in case i end up with trees spaced too far apart.
I suppose i could at least cut it down to the length of my hammock and webbing, as if i can fix the hammock, then i wont be stringing the tarp up

Ben

 

[JonathanD]

I use paracord in this country.

 

[bmartin1uk]

I use paracord in this country.

How thick is paracord?

 

[JonathanD]

3.5 - 4mm .

 

[Shewie]

I'm using 2mm reflective dyneema these days, anything bigger is just an overkill and extra weight/bulk.

 

[JonathanD]

I'm using 2mm reflective dyneema these days, anything bigger is just an overkill and extra weight/bulk.

Agreed, but lets not forget that some people like the added protection against deadfall that a stronger line could provide. I think it is not necessary in this country if you choose your site carefully, but certainly needed in rain forests etc, where widowmakers are commonplace.

 

[bmartin1uk]

Thanks for the advice guys - wouldnt have thought 2mm anything would have been strong enough, but just did alittle read up and apparently 2mm reflective dyneema will hold 280kg!! Whats it like to tie and untie?

 

[Retired Member southey]

I'm using 2mm reflective dyneema these days, anything bigger is just an overkill and extra weight/bulk.

Is that the stuff you were looking about for on ebayt a while ago, do you have a link Rich?

I curently use a 4mm hollow braided rope that a friend gave me a few hundred meters of, no idea of its proper name or origin, but it strong enought for my hammock to

 

[bmartin1uk]

Is that the stuff you were looking about for on ebayt a while ago, do you have a link Rich?

I curently use a 4mm hollow braided rope that a friend gave me a few hundred meters of, no idea of its proper name or origin, but it strong enought for my hammock to

This is the one i found

 

[Shewie]

Agreed, but lets not forget that some people like the added protection against deadfall that a stronger line could provide. I think it is not necessary in this country if you choose your site carefully, but certainly needed in rain forests etc, where widowmakers are commonplace.

Yup, definitely agree with that Jon. When I started looking at losing some weight on my setups I switched from 4mm static climbing accessory cord which was fairly bulky but was very reassuring.

Is that the stuff you were looking about for on ebayt a while ago, do you have a link Rich?

I curently use a 4mm hollow braided rope that a friend gave me a few hundred meters of, no idea of its proper name or origin, but it strong enought for my hammock to

This is where I got mine from mate, maybe give them a shout and see if you can get some ...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....917164&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_1002wt_905

I have seen some in another place but it was nearly £15

 

[Retired Member southey]

Will do , cheers Rich!

 

[knifefan]

I like 4mm dyneema cord - not too heavy, but the best thing is very little stretch, so you can get your lines really taught

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

I use Genuine Para cord (or "550 cord" for our US friends), the stuff I have still had tiny bits of parachute still stitched to it, lol

 

[SimonM]

4mm static line for the ridge and 2mm for the guys.

Simon

 

[Trunks]

Agreed, but lets not forget that some people like the added protection against deadfall that a stronger line could provide. I think it is not necessary in this country if you choose your site carefully, but certainly needed in rain forests etc, where widowmakers are commonplace.

If you use this stuff:

http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/marlow-excel-d12.html

2.5mm with a breaking load of 569kg - way stronger than paracord.

 

[bmartin1uk]

Whats 2.5mm like to work with - tying and untying knots etc?

 

[Shambling Shaman]

If you use this stuff:

http://www.jimmygreen.co.uk/marlow-excel-d12.html

2.5mm with a breaking load of 569kg - way stronger than paracord.

Thanks for that link.

I have two ridge lines 4mm para cord you can get a good tension on it, and i can hang my gear from it with out much sag.

 

[forestwalker]

I use 4 mm braided polyester for all my tarp cords. The reason; it is nice for knotting.

 

[atross]

Do you find the smaller thickness cords damage the tree?

 

[Trunks]

Whats 2.5mm like to work with - tying and untying knots etc?

The dyneema is quite slippy to be honest, but if you tie the right knots it wont go anywhere.