Setting Up A Tarp

[hanzo]

It looks a lot like a Fishermans knot, so wonder if it has different thickness issues as well.



Does no one use a highwaymans hitch? Or has the Ray falconers knot replaced it for some reason?



Might be worth checking out the other prussik style knots people have mentioned. Think it might be catching up with the bowline for knot with the most varations.

My understanding is that it can be used for different thicknesses. I have tried it successfully with different thicknesses, but not under overly heavy loads.

Pardon my ignorance, but what's a Ray falconers knot? (never mind, I googled. Same as Siberian hitch) I just like the ease and quickness of the Siberian hitch for the first end and the trucker's hitch on the second can get the ridge line super taut.

I use a couple of variations of the prussik and find them to be extremely useful for many things.

 

[Minotaur]

My understanding is that it can be used for different thicknesses. I have tried it successfully with different thicknesses, but not under overly heavy loads.

Think the overhands, or figure of eights would solve the problem, as prevously said.

 

[EarlyRiser]

I'm wondering if there are any canoists out there who string a tarp up between two paddles.

I'm interested to see what techniques (knots) are being used to secure the line to the paddles to form the ridge line.

If the paddle has a definited t-grip I use a clove hitch over the T but if (as with the case of my cheap wooden paddles) the grip is smooth and gently angles up from the sharft then this does not work. Also because the shaft is generally very smooth a clove hitch around the shaft just slips down as there isn't enough friction.

As a result I use an overhand knot in which the bight forms a type of thong over the top of the handle to prevent it slipping down. It works, but is there a better way?

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Tom

 

[John Fenna]

That is pretty much what I do too with a standard tarp - some tarps have "paddle pockets" built into the corners - ie the Fox Basha.
Then you only have to put the paddle handle into the pocket and guy out the corner as per normal.

 

[bushblade]

Please take my advice as I am a professional in this subject and teach it for a living .
Ignorance costs lives .
I was correcting you to help you ,I was not criticism of you

He's only setting up a tarp! And as a climber who's life does depend on joining ropes together I wouldn't use a sheet bend.

 

[Minotaur]

He's only setting up a tarp! And as a climber who's life does depend on joining ropes together I wouldn't use a sheet bend.

So you would use a reef knot?

Just asking because that was the point being made.

 

[scanker]

I don't think there is just one correct answer, so I don't think any suggestion can be wrong as such. This thread has illustrated that any number of knots can be used for the same purpose. The knots I use have already been mentioned.

I'd prefer to use the Zeppelin bend over the sheet bend and the sheet bend over the reef knot for joining two ropes. That's not to say using a reef knot is wrong or incorrect, just what I prefer. The zeppelin bend takes longer to tie, but to me seems stronger and is far easier to untie after being heavily tensioned. For that reason I use the zeppelin bend for the string on my folding bow saw. IMO YMMV etc etc

 

[bushblade]

So you would use a reef knot?

Just asking because that was the point being made.

For climbing? No

I don't think there's anything wrong with one on a tarp, I don't use one but if it works on a tarp I think its fine, Its not exactly life or death stuff as K. Nyph was implying. I really don't think it matters that much as long as it holds and unties easily.

 

[Satyr]

knots are always a very emotive item/subject and the more you get into it, the worse it becomes (you have been warned......).

If you are not dealing with life support i.e. almost all things bush craft related; then in reality there is no right or wrong - only whatever knot works best for you.

There are 3 main considerations when it comes to chosing your knot:
1) Will it do the job it is supposed to do?
2) Can I tie it with cold wet fingers in poor light?
3) Can I undo it with cold wet fingers and hardly any sleep?

If the knot you use ticks all those boxes then it is the one for you. You can make up your own knots if you fancy or try ones recommended by others.

 

[Minotaur]

knots are always a very emotive item/subject and the more you get into it, the worse it becomes (you have been warned......).

If you are not dealing with life support i.e. almost all things bush craft related; then in reality there is no right or wrong - only whatever knot works best for you.

There are 3 main considerations when it comes to chosing your knot:
1) Will it do the job it is supposed to do?
2) Can I tie it with cold wet fingers in poor light?
3) Can I undo it with cold wet fingers and hardly any sleep?

If the knot you use ticks all those boxes then it is the one for you. You can make up your own knots if you fancy or try ones recommended by others.

I think you are bang on, a lot of peoples opinions are based on who taught them, and the original main purpose for learning them.

All that said read as much about a knot as you can.