I just received my MLD patrol shelter in the mail yesterday but do not have a lot of experience with tarps. I bought some aircore 1 AND aircore 2 spectra cord for the guylines. I was thinking I would follow Jay Ham's directions for creating a loop at one end of each line to attach to the tarp.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/myog_tarp_guylines.html

I thought I'd make another loop that would attach to the stake and just restake as necessary to attain a taut pitch.

Questions:
1. Which type of aircore would you use (aircore 1 or 2)? Why?

2. What length of aircore should I cut for each tieout? (front ridgeline and corners, rear ridgeline and corners, center side).

3. What do you think of the proposed set up? suggestions...thoughts...

Edited by scamp_80 on 02/19/2009 07:53:18 MST.

Elizabeth,

You might want to check out the link below to MLD.

Ron has some suggested lengths for tarps.

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=93&osCsid=7cb60f0576b9dccd2be821bc38c1125a

I am relatively new to using a tarp too, so I don't have much advice for you.

I can tell you that the line locks are very handy, as are the mini biners from MLD.

Hope that this helps.

-Tony

Hi Elizabeth, one thing to note is the LineLocs on your tarp will require your guylines to be a certain minimum diameter to work properly. Not sure if your cordage is thick enough, but I would check before you start cutting lengths. Of course, you can cut off the LineLocs with some wirecutters, but I think they're super-handy for tarping. Enjoy your new Patrol Shelter!

Elizabeth,

I use a GG SpinnTwinn but here are my answers to your situation:

1. I would recommend at least the aircore 2. I personally think that for a ridgeline that the aircore 1 could snap or that if a friend tripped over it, they would cut the line. If you plan on a girth Hitch for the ridgeline tieouts, you lose 30% of the material's strength. I use the GG EZC 2 line which is twice as thick, so i have no first hand with the aircore. Just my gut feeling.

I would say AC1 for sides, AC2 for ridgeline.

2. I recommend the lengths Ryan Jordan uses which consist of 3' side guylines and 8-9' for ridgelines. For the beak side guylines you might consider 4' lengths. I only have pictures to go off of for your case. This has worked for me with my tarp.

3. I recommend using either a taut-line hitch or tarbuck hitch for connection to the tarp. Then just a simple figure 8 knot or bowline on the other end of the guyline for slipping over a Ti stake. You eliminate the tensioners and still have an adjustable guyline.

Just my 1/5 of a dime. Hope this gets you started. It's an evolution. You'll figure it out :)

- Dana

*Edit: Didn't click Tony's link. Those lengths will help a bit more.

Edited by Naman919 on 02/19/2009 13:30:52 MST.

Tony-
Very helpful info. I missed that on the MLD site.

Scott-
The aircore 1 and 2 cords both have a diameter that seems a bit small for use with the linelocs supplied w/ the shelter. I'm glad you pointed that out before I started cutting. However, the Liteline that came w/ the tarp is designed to work with the linelocs.

Dana-
More food for thought is always better!

I think I'll cut the Liteline that came with the tarp to the recomended lengths as per the MLD link that Tony pointed out. I'll also cut another set from the aircore 2 as per Danas suggestion. I'm heading out of town on a long weekend trip tomorrow morning and so see how these setups work.

Thanks again!

Edited by scamp_80 on 02/19/2009 13:31:35 MST.

Questions:
1. Which type of aircore would you use (aircore 1 or 2)? Why?

Would use #2, bit stronger and easier to work with with gloves on.

2. What length of aircore should I cut for each tieout? (front ridgeline and corners, rear ridgeline and corners, center side).

Would depend on tarp size and configuration you plan on using, found that 3 long sections and one section of cord about 6' cut into 1 1/2' section tied together gets the job done with lots of various tarp pitches

3. What do you think of the proposed set up? suggestions...thoughts...

Depends on the conditions your out in, clear warm nights simple aframe will work, full on storm go for flying diamond with exposed high end going opposite direction of incoming weather

I have to say, even though they're a small feature, the LineLocs on the MLD tarps are a major selling point for me! I've stuck w/ the 2.5mm cord that Ron supplies and have appreciated the adjustability so many times. On previous tarps I've chosen Aircore 2 over Aircore 1 - partly for the added strength, and partly because it's easier to tie/untie knots if that need should ever arise in the field. Both Aircore's frustrated me though b/c they tangle up so easily. Just my 2 cents.