ideal guy line length

[perfectlydark]

Hi all,
In my plans to get a poncho/tarp going I have been thinking about guy line lengths a lot, and what could be considered the optimal length (long enough without being too long). I think 3M but wonder if that might be too much? It would certainly be long enough. Also thinking in relation to my hammock tarp which is rectangular, 6 tie points (im intending to make an asym tarp as a replacement for this eventually as well. If anyones experience can assist, I would appreciate it, cheers

[andrewa]

Depends a bit on how the thing is going to be used. I have longish guys on a tarp for NZ (prob ~3m) coz it is usually slung between trees, which are often 12" diameter, and not perfectly placed , and it is also pitched high enough off the ground to stand under. so, some guys end up coming down to ground level. If you were using the tarp close to the ground, and always pegging it, then you may only need a few feet.

A

[Moondog55]

Better too long than too short but 3m sounds about right to me for a small tarp. Of course bigger tarps need longer lines as they are usually put higher off the ground. 6 guy points would be an absolute minimum for me, I prefer more rather than less

[perfectlydark]

Thanks for the replies so far. Moondog my tarp actually has 10 tie points but I use 6 and find it sufficient for most circumstances im in. 3m might be the go, I currently us that length so just might stick to it. I always have surplus line but I guess depending on height this might change. Its good to hear different ideas and methods used which is the main purpose of this thread

[ofuros]

I made up 8ft(2.4) tie outs on my Lil red tarp & DIY cuben tarp, and have
had no issues with that length....so 3m should be in the ball park.

[Mark F]

I don't like really long guy lines - they tend to tangle up. I keep mine short - usually around 1.2 to 1.5 metres (2 metres for main guys) depending on the attachment point and carry a few extenders of about the same length for times I need the extra. Having the extenders means you can use them for other tasks without compromising your pitch. I also only attach guy lines to the main points on my shelters and add additional guys if the conditions dictate.

[ofuros]

I should have added, doubled up & shortened they would be 4ft(1.2), fully extended 8ft (2.4).

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