Equinox Globe Skimmer Ultralight Tarp

Jay-
I have the 8×10 & 10×12 Globe Skimmers. I've had the 8×10 for years now and it's still going strong. Been hit by pretty serious storms with no ill effects. Go figure: when I bought the 10×12 I switched to Spectra guylines. On one of my first trips with the spectra (static, no stretch) I used a trucker's hitch directly on the ridge grommet as tight as I could get it… and ripped out a grommet. Only because I was totally abusing the tarp, though. Never had an issue with tight pitches on the 8×10 with paracord. I think as long as you rig a taut ridgeline, then lay the tarp over and guy it out you won't have any problems. No major problems with leaking; seam seal the ridgeline ties. Bottom line, I've been quite happy with mine, they're light, and they're way less expensive than many alternatives. I think the 6×8 would work great for a solo tarp.

Thanks for the feed back Brad!! So you suggest running the ridgeline length wise under the tarp and not connecting the ridgelines to the grommets???? The 6×8 would make a great solo tarp–more camping options becuase of smaller footprint..

Jay, it was suggested to me by Paul Fitzner at Etowah Outfitters that a ridgeline cord is the preferred method when pitching between two trees. The reason is that the movement of the trees applies a stretching effect on the tarp if the ridgeline is not used. The movement is transferred from the trees to the tarp and eventually the material will fail. This is not an issue when trekking poles or similar means are used since the same dynamic forces don't apply.