Lightest Cordage

[Adam Salinger]

Hi All,

Swapping out some cordage attached to Lineloc V Guy Line Adjusters on a tarp.  Wondering if anyone might know the exact mm that would be lightest but also thick enough that it will still reliably bite the adjusters and not slip through.  Thanks in advance!!

[Nick Gatel]

My experience with LineLocs is to use the thickest cord to prevent slippage. For the V, I think it is 2.3mm.

A few years ago I switched all my shelters to LineLoc 3s with 3mm cord. Not the lightest option, but the most secure. Everything in life is a trade off.

[Alan W]

I’ve  had 1.2-mm Z-cord cut through a Line-Lok V.  I’ve had 2-mm Lawson cord slip in a Lineloc 3, even with a slippery hitch backup. Both events in wet sustained winds gusting 40-50 mph.

I’m happy using <2 mm Dyneema type lines from strength standpoint, BUT with a Clamcleat CL266 OR with a hitch knot (truckers or McCarthy), NOT with a Lineloc.

The 2.5-mm cord and the Lineloc 3s on my Tarptent Aeon Li have yet to slip or fail, and it has seen similar storms. However, the lenth sum of cords on this tent design is short, and Linelocs are handy, so not worth removing the Linelocs to enable using lighter cord.

[Roger Caffin]

Never had any problems with the Clamcleat CL266.

Cheers

[Jan Rezac]

I found this solution some time ago. I’m using it on the removable guylines with the tensionlock hooks since then, and they worked well even in high winds.

For non-removable lines, I use the clamcleats.

[dirtbag]

Flat tarp? How about ditching the line locs and using simple never fail no weight knots? I use 1.3 mm Zline from Zpacks on the 4 corner tie outs and 2 side mid tie outs. Then Use 1.75mm lash it from Dutchwear gear for my 2 ridgeline guy outs. After reading a post from R Banks about 2 years ago,  His MLD Grace Solo, 8000 mile/ 7 year review, I decided to give it a go.. Ditched the line locs on my tarp and started using knots. Its been nothing but great since then.  Of course, on my winter tent guy lines I will use Clam Cleats,  for ice cold, rain/snow, using them with thick heavy gloves or mittens, well.. They just work so easy and do not fail/slip. I can’t say never, but so far for me, they have not failed yet.  Simple tarp? Knots all the way!

[Jerry Adams]

knots?

taut line hitch?

I use that some.  Works pretty good on 1.5 mm nylon cord from RSBTR.

[Roger Caffin]

You could also try a truckies hitch.
Cheers

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