Ridge line

[sapper1]

I have a problem with my ridge line,I have tried may different types of line but get the same problem with them all.No matter how tight I get the line ,when I peg out the tarp the ridge line stretches.
Does anyone know of a ridgeline material that has no stretch?

 

[SimonM]

I use 4mm static line accessory cord for my ridge - no stretch problems with that.

Buy from climbing shops.

Simon

 

[tjwuk]

I don't usualy have too many problems with Perlon ropes, does stretch a bit then settles in.

 

[Shewie]

I also use 4mm accessory cord, I can get some serious tension with a truckers hitch or similar.

http://walkhigh.co.uk/acatalog/Cord_and_Tape.html

The 18mm tape is good for hammocks too.

 

[Cap'n Badger]

I use the 9mm paracord rope Chris.....(The stuff stored on the outside o' me berg).....Once it's tightened it never sags....stood up t' the 'blast' we had o'er the w'end anyhoo..lol

 

[Crowe]

There is available from yacht and dinghy chandlers a cord called 'spectra'. This has no stretch, but is difficult to tie and is expensive. Comes in various diameters and colours.Hope this helps
Crowe

 

[scanker]

I don't normally have a problem with this, but can't you just re-tension the ridge line if it's a problem? Or maybe use a bit of bungee to take up any slack?

 

[sapper1]

I'm going to give Badgers suggestion a try ,I've got some of the very stuff he speaks of.And if it stays tight in the weather we had on Friday then it will stay tight anytime.On Friday ,after my tarp went for a wander the wind was rocking me when I was in my dossbag and bivi on the floor.A bit stronger and I'd have ended up where my tarp landed.

 

[Satyr]

use webbing if you want no stretch. The other possibilities are HMPT like Vectran, Spectra or Dyneema ropes. They are very expensive and as Crowe points out not brilliant for knots.

You could also go for 8mm steel cable but it is not very nice to whatever to tie it to

 

[WolfCrafter]

Hi Sapper1, I use the 2mm Dyneema and the 1.5mm Dyneema from BackPackingLight.co.uk

Glad it was an x-mas prezzie though, as Satyr states, its pricey!! (2 or 3 times as pricey as standard para cord)... but I do like my light gear!

When I got it, it was one of those google-eyed Bush moments I get! 'Its So Sweet!'.. so sweet in-fact it took me two weeks before I would take a knife to it!

Specs:
15m of 2mm Dyneema £12.99 - Pre-stretched and treated cores, with high strength to weight ratio, low stretch and low weight with superb durability.
Weight is a very respectable 3g a metre!

15m of 1.5mm Dyneema £9.99 -Pre-stretched and treated cores, with high strength to weight ratio, low stretch and low weight with superb durability.
Weight an incredible 1.3g a metre!

As far as I know, its the lightest cord to strength ratio there is!.. and I didn't have a single problem with saggy-tarp-syndrome!.. I wrapped it around a tree, pulled with all my might thinking 'this is thin stuff.. its gona snap.. its just gota snap.. any moment.. nope! Just wouldn't break!!

(would agree with Crowe slightly, if your doing knots right at the end of the line-end, it can be a bit fiddly, but knots with plenty of loose end, should be fine once your hands get used to the new handling thickness).. In my opinion, worth it for the weight/space saving.. and the wow factor I got!