Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 42 minutes ago

---

How to set up an ADJUSTABLE tarp with a quick release ridgeline. (for beginners & pros) with only TWO knots — the Farrimond Friction Hitch and the Prusik — so every part of your setup is completely adjustable.

Slide each knot for perfect tension, use it with ANY tarp in any configuration, and take it all down in seconds — every knot has its own quick release, no knots left in your line.

WHAT ROPES TO USE: / BUILD YOUR OWN KIT:
The Tarp Ridgeline Kit has everything in this video in one bundle:
-Reflective ridgeline 40ft (Low Stretch Poly/nylon Ridgeline Cord)
-Carabiner,
-6 reflective guylines,
-3 reflective Prusik bungees with the double fisherman's pre-tied,
-Waxed canvas pouch.

thebearessentials.com/products/tarp-cordage-kit?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=nbahlIsVDVw

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN KIT
- Ridgeline: 30 to 40 ft (9 to 12 m) of reflective cord. Get a poly outer with a nylon inner so it doesn't stretch.
- Guylines: 6 reflective lines, 2 to 3 mm (about 1/8 in) thick, 6 ft (1.8 m) each.
- Prusiks: 3 heavy-duty bungees rated 50 lb (23 kg) or more, 50 cm (20 in) each, tied into a loop with a double fisherman's bend. A similar length of guyline cord works too.
- 1 carabiner and a pouch to keep it all together.

CHAPTERS
0:00 How to Set Up a Tarp
0:22 Creating an Adjustable Ridgeline
1:10 How to Tie the Farrimond Friction Hitch
2:23 Attach the Other End with a Quick Release
3:14 Attach Your Tarp with an Adjustable Bungee
3:26 How to Tie the Prusik
5:01 Attach Your Tarp to the Ridgeline
6:00 Different Tarp Setups to Try
6:25 The Best Tarp Guyline Setup
7:20 Customize Your Tarp Setup
7:30 Add a Porch to Your Tarp
8:25 Pack Up Your Ropes Without Tangles
9:16 Take Down Your Tarp Fast
9:55 What Ropes to Use for a Tarp Setup

HOW TO SET UP A TARP, STEP BY STEP
1. Wrap the ridgeline around the first tree at chest height. Tie a Farrimond Friction Hitch: make an underhand loop with the tag end so it looks like a 9 (tag end under the main rope), put the circle of the 9 on top of the ridgeline, wrap it around the line twice, then feed a bite of the tag end through. That bite is your quick release.
2. Slide the hitch tight to the tree.
3. Run the line to the second tree. Don't unbundle. Wrap the whole bundle around the trunk, pull some slack, and drop it. Tie a second Farrimond mid-line. The line running to the bundle is now your quick release cord.
4. Slide either hitch toward the middle to tighten, toward the tree to loosen. It locks wherever you let go.
5. Make your Prusik loops: 50 cm (20 in) of heavy-duty bungee joined with a double fisherman's bend.
6. Tie the Prusik: girth hitch the loop on the ridgeline, then wrap around the back and down through the middle two more times. Three wraps total. Keep the wraps from crossing.
7. Attach the tarp: push a bite of the Prusik through the grommet and feed a stick through it. The bungee holds it tight. Pull the stick to release.
8. Slide each Prusik along the ridgeline until the tarp is tight.
9. Guylines: 6 ft, reflective, with a Farrimond on each so you can adjust from the tarp end or the stake end.
10. Porch: slide a corner hitch to get slack, put a hiking pole through the hitch loop, slide the hitch to cinch it, then re-tension from the bottom hitch.
11. Pack up: open the top Farrimond into a small loop, coil the line around your hand, slip the bundle through the loop and cinch it. No tangles. Leave the Prusiks on the ridgeline and the guylines on the tarp for next time.

TO TAKE IT DOWN: pull every quick release. No knots left in your line.

BEST WAY TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL
I don't take any sponsors, so the best way to support what I'm doing is to grab some of our gear and spread the word / leave a good review. I don't want any freebies. I want to build a great brand and company and give you guys top-of-the-line, well-thought-out gear in return!

KNOT IQ, my 3D and fully offline knot tying app. 300+ knots, no data collected, no subscription, just a one-time $5.00.
iPhone: apps.apple.com/us/app/knot-iq-early-access/id6738783142
Android: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bearessentials.knotIQ


NEXT LEVEL
Get your tarp up higher than you can reach: youtube.com/watch?v=WI0caluPRx0
The Exploding Tarp Setup, one pull drops everything: youtube.com/watch?v=VTxHyfc0r3E

Your friend, DJ

#Knots #Tarp #Bushcraft