Keeping it Simple - Tarp Ridgeline Using One Knot

This is the beginning of a mini series going over a few simple tarp-camping tips and tricks. In this video I share a simple ridgeline that utilizes one basic knot. It's not uncommon to find ridgelines described as complicated systems that require multiple knots and components to function. To each their own but in my eyes simplicity is king. The next episode will be up shortly. Thanks for watching.

[@snick69z]

For extra security and keeping it simple, put a small stick through the open loops after the knots are finished. Pull the tail end to tighten the loop down on the stick. Keeps the knot from coming undone accidentally. Great video 👍🏻

[@mellemelle66]

Thank you! I will try these knots this weekend as it will be my first time using a hammock and tarp

[@KuskBushcraft]

Best of luck!

[@learningcenter4u]

Thank you, I'm so tired of listening to people talk about rapid deploy, Toggle system, Speed lines, etc... Learn to tie a few knots folks. I only have to keep track of one rope.

[@Mixwell1983]

Why not have both? Ive made 2 rapid ridglines with prussiks and toggles on the line. It is really an all in one self contained system thats quick to make in your spare time..

[@Gordon87Gekko]

What is the best type of ridgeline rope to use to set up a tarp in windy conditions. Thanks, from a newb.😅😂

[@jjjvclub]

I've seen lots of ways to rig a Ridgeline, but that is the simplest and fastest I've seen yet. Thanks for Sharing!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for watching!

[@ExplorewithmeMarloC]

Oh wow.. thank you.. I’ve been learning all these complicated hitches, bowlines, etc for a ridgeline and THIS video just simplified everything. I saved it to refer to later, thank you so much. I’m a beginner to tarp set ups and this is extremely helpful.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Glad to have helped! There's quite a variety of ridgeline systems out there these days and it certainly can be overwhelming. I'm a fan of keeping things as simple as possible. Happy trails!

[@Travis_Hackney]

You’re like the Bob Ross of bushcraft 👍🏻 Thanks for posting!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you!

[@m31ynda]

Absolutely! And I learn so much!

[@davidaubin3449]

One of the best tutorials I’ve seen, very very clear, thank you

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@DavidJohnson-nf1be]

Oh Ryley, you couldn’t have timed this better man!.....I’m putting on a great outdoors event where I work at the end of this month where I’m gonna put together a simulated camp in an orchard on our site....My intention was to also use a simple, single tarp set up for the children to experience and experiment with and have fun learning. So I’m thinking I bet Ryley could simplify all this for me so I have a good knowledge to show the children....and BOOM...there you go posting the very information I need!!.....god bless you sir!

[@KuskBushcraft]

That's awesome! Hope the outdoors event goes well for you. Let me know if you have any questions regarding anything else. God bless!

[@DavidJohnson-nf1be]

@@KuskBushcraft we’ll do our best Ryley, thanks. Should be a lot of fun. Can’t thank you enough for the knowledge you’ve shared over the last few years and a lot of the event will be based around skills you’ve shown within your videos....I’ll be sure to take some photos for IG 👍🏻

[@KuskBushcraft]

What's your IG?

[@DavidJohnson-nf1be]

@@KuskBushcraft it’s korgx2 ryley 👍🏻

[@robertmccrea1957]

Man. Super simple and highly effective. Took the Grandsons for their first camp. Cook tarp set up 3 mins tops and the couldn’t believe it. Thank you buddy. Rob Northern Ireland.

[@andrewgorden1041]

Awesome! I’m so tired of complicated knot videos, or why their knot is the best. Keep it simple-enough said.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Agreed. Sometimes you just can't beat the simple ways. Thanks for watching!

[@zknsand]

came here after being clueless about knot-tying on a recent backpacking trip in which my ridgeline was way too slacked and my rainfly was butting up against my hammock..this is fool-proof! thank you for your time.

[@terryrogers1025]

Thanks, I can use those tips, appreciate it, enjoyed watching.

[@hebejeebies2452]

Ok i did this the first time setting up my hammock and tarp . Thank you mate that was simple and easy and most importantly it works great 👍

[@hebejeebies2452]

And im here now as we speak ,all set up 👍🙏

[@jackdad7411]

20 seconds taking your time. Keeping it simple, that’s what it’s all about👊👊

[@garethprice561]

Thanks so much for taking the time to explain this method so simple and effective 👌🏼

[@CFWaittoleave]

Nice work KB. The other guys get carried away….. like knots are some esoteric lost art and in their mind think we’re all impressed with their spiritual 😂divining . They kill me….love this video, thank you.

[@billblount2285]

I prefer the Bowline for the first tree. It doesn’t bind and is easy to untie. The other end, I prefer a a Trucker’s Hitch utilizing an Alpine Butterfly instead of a slipknot. This also does not bind and is easy to untie. I prefer the Alpine Buttery because it doesn’t cause the line to link like the slipknot. Over time, this stresses the line and causes damage. Great to see other styles and knots. Love knots.

[@trhosking]

Exactly this. ON the trucker's hitch, if you pass the working end twice through the loop it becomes self-locking and is still easy to release.

[@PuppetMaster8707]

I just wanted to say your channel is amazing I've enjoyed it for years every since the happy hobo video and thank you for continuing to make content

[@KuskBushcraft]

Wow thank you for your continued support! It's my pleasure to make these videos.

[@PuppetMaster8707]

@@KuskBushcraft no problem you habe always been my biggest inspiration for minimal camping

[@awayinthewilderness4319]

Awesome system! I'm gonna be implementing this. I love the simplicity and that all you need is one piece of cordage.

[@thecapricorn888]

That's a perfect knot for tarp-camp ,thanks dude ! Greetings from Greece 🤝

[@loualcaraz6497]

That was awesome. Simple yet effective. Great explanation!

[@user-mj4yo7pi9j]

Muscle memory 💪 , the more ya do it , it just comes that simple... cool video kb

[@pizaliasta8369]

Well done! This was a great video and I appreciate the simplicity.

[@dannysanders9338]

Great video. I was in the Navy, a boswin mate. We had a different name for some your knots. But that was US Navy. Great video once again.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for watching!

[@angusmorrison3293]

Great how clear and simple you're knots are at 68 I need simple ways ,out on tarp and hammock camp on Friday. All the best from Scotland 👍

[@BasedTradCathMale]

This is great! Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be using that simple style on my next trek. I'd love to see videos about how you make your meals in the future. Such as how you safely store meat overnight (as I've seen you've had bacon for breakfast in a few videos), how to cook it, what the ingredients are in certain meals, how you pack your food and keep it safe from animals, etc.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks for watching! Stay tuned because I have a series I'm filming over the course of the summer that will be going over all aspects of campfire cooking plus a bunch of recipes.

[@Groot_G]

This is the smartest and simples solution to most tree/rope issues that I have seen so far.

[@tommyNix4098]

I've watched quite a few ridgeline videos, and this is my favorite technique.

[@bugnazbinnyking1198]

Explained clearly and steadily - Thank You ✨

[@Davefacestation]

This is perfect! Truckers hitch was throwing me and seemed to be the go to knot but this makes it very simple.

[@RyanNiemer]

I like it, will have to give it a try. I normally just do a bowline loop thing on one end, and a trucker's hitch on the other end. Nice and simple

[@balioutdoorandbushcraft]

Awesome ridgeline tip. So simple but so effective. Thanks a lot for sharing. 🙏🙏🙏

[@davidcommon6710]

By far the simplest way of making (and unmaking) a ridgeline! Excellent.

[@trhosking]

Trucker's hitch is easier, faster and tensions much better.

[@christopher8229]

It seems like an easy knot to learn. Congratulations for the channel

[@GrumpyGustav]

Simple, but very effective. Perferct introductin to your miniseries. Im very curious what would be next. Thank you very much for your videos and work.

[@davemartin1534]

Simplicity in it's self. Very helpful.

[@nutthrower4415]

Quick and simple, I like it 👍

[@TheHuntForSupper]

Very good video, thank you for taking the time to show all of us.

[@jezoliver6464]

Brilliantly simple tutorial. 👌

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Excellent ! Thanks for sharing this, it really helps to see something that is simple and easy to utilize for field expedient practical applications.

[@yyyalbert]

You are a good explainer . Thank you

[@Bubba4168]

Great knots, great demo!

[@waltdenis9621]

Always a pleasure! Great content!

[@Laubasss]

Lol....been practising fancy knots (truckers hitch etc), but indeed. This is speedy and simple! Cheers from the Netherlands

[@felixk3814]

Really cool and simple ❤❤Thank you!!!

[@kingrafa3938]

Thanks for the video and the tips Ryley 👍

[@ba92thomas]

Easiest most reliable knot

[@neesbushcraft]

Great work, Ryley!!

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you!

[@jeremyhall7495]

Very cool explanation, thanks!

[@outsideedgebushcraft3017]

Excellent, simple and effective, I've taught it to a scout group that I help out with, thanks for sharing. ATB Pete

[@apar1560]

Beautiful, Simple & Quick... amd effective 👌 VERY Nice Demo !!! ☆☆☆☆☆ ...Alan in 🇨🇱

[@thanhn2001]

Simplest Ridgeline I've ever seen

[@asunr.a.7160]

Great teacher!

[@herbsmith6871]

Very cool my friend 🤠

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@billyharden9316]

Brilliant.👍⛺️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@201banjo]

Brilliant...will be using these knots. Thanks for posting 👍

[@simonliin]

Fantastic ridgeline setup! Thx a lot 😊

[@gud2go50]

I really like how simple your ridgeline set-up is with just a piece of paracord. I do have a hasty ridgeline set-up that I learned on the Pathfinder channel, but I am thinking: what if I don't have it available when I need to set up a tarp on the fly(see what I did there)? Anyway, I am going to give this a try because you don't always need fancy knots all the time. I do like using the Prusik knots though to secure the tarp to the ridgeline. Thanks for sharing this information with us all. Cheers.

[@doberski6855]

Well sure, where were you when I was learning this stuff in Cubs? Simple you weren't even born yet! Also no internet, no cell phones, no digital cameras.....but we had fire! So yeah not that old.🤣 Great video sir, looking forward to the series!

[@rickwhitson2804]

Great knot and simple

[@bradpage8967]

This is how a knot tying video is done right!!

[@hunter50756]

Nice tutorial.

[@raybo34]

A versatile knot that has many uses.

[@danielbirch212]

Thank you! God Bless

[@KuskBushcraft]

God bless you too!

[@jeffrdnck7973]

Sanity in a land of overly complicated lunacy.

[@junathanlachman8070]

sir I love ❤ your all videos I am from Odisha

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you!

[@countrygirl63baker64]

Thank you so much, iLike easy, I remember easy, lol 😅 happy trails😊

[@leszekdzwonkowski6721]

jak zawsze wartość dodana od Ciebie pozdrawiam

[@YorkshiremanOutdoors]

great video buddy

[@DeathWolf-yy2ge]

Great video thanks

[@RujioWR]

Thank you for your post. Every system has its advantages and disadvantages. For Example this system is "easier" with one knot. But the cost is for example that you have to wrap the line around one tree twice to tension it. That means you need a longer line for the same distance between trees. If the trees diameter is very big, it can be several meters of extra cost for another wrap. Also the way this system tensions (e.g. 4:53) the cord rubs against a rough bark. That may wear the rope out quicker than traditional truckers hitch for example. In fact at 5:39 you can already see the line is roughed up a bit on the standing end close to the tree. If you can replace the line at some point thats not a bid deal. But if (for whatever fancy reason) you want to use a line as long as possible without resupply, that might be a downside. Not saying its a bad method because it does have its adventages as well. But these things might be considered when choosing a system. Cheers!

[@deanlewisbengy]

Nice video. 👍

[@colinst.claire2198]

Nice! I find the slippery useful all over over the place. If I need a little extra peace of mind, I like to pass the working end back through the loop and gently cinch. Curious how you attach your tarp, I suppose that’s next video 😉 I’ve basically been using the rapid deploy line with the pre attached prussic loops for a while now and it serves me fine enough, but like you said, now you are expecting to have a dedicated ridge line on you vs just a long spare piece.

[@KuskBushcraft]

The slipped overhand is definitely a versatile knot. I use it all the time for different tasks around camp. Up next will be attaching a tarp to the ridgeline. That will be out Friday morning. Thanks for watching!

[@Makinen386]

Great vid with no cord cutting required

[@brendataylor156]

Thank you

[@KuskBushcraft]

Thank you for watching!

[@miketurilo8944]

The first use is perfect. However, I do think that trucker's hitch is a bit better as a second knot. :D

[@TressaZimmerman]

It's a great knot

[@ronperrault8182]

Nice! I kept it.

[@arunabhaskarramavarapu893]

Hello Hai kusk after a long time seeing you today nice

[@jimf1964]

I love the Siberian hitch for the first knot. I use the second one too. I don’t think you really need a truckers hitch, unless it’s really long, or stretchy cord.

[@KuskBushcraft]

Yup the Siberian hitch is a good one! The truckers hitch is really only necessary if you need to get the line super tight. Most ridgelines don't need to be that tight. The truckers hitch is more useful for securing loads and fastening...but there are better options that are a lot easier on your line. Thanks for watching!

[@jimf1964]

@@KuskBushcraft Yeah, for sure. Like I said, for tarps, I’d only bother with a truckers for very long, or stretchy line, where the one you used may not me adequate.

[@mateirodacaatinga]

Um salve do Brazil

[@georgestewart8961]

Back by popular demand

[@jeffmyers7062]

Pretty cool! The second part where you run it around the tree a 2nd time only works if you have a nice small tree without alot of branch's...have you considered just using a trucker hitch at that point?

[@kekipark77]

fantastic. so much easier than the hitches ive been doing. question though, did you not tighten the ridge line very hard, or is your cord very stretchy? one benefit i personally enjoyed by doing hitches was the super ultra tension i can put on the line, with very little sag. i guess my actual question is, can you get a pretty rigid line with minimal sag?

[@xmateinc]

Im a totaly noob when it comes to tarps and tying knots. I got a nice tarp, but am having a hard time finding what rope i should get. Need one that is lighter for bicycle touring, if you have any suggestions. Thanks.

[@user-ie2hg7dn7r]

That's my ridgeline knot but I do put a toggle in the loop because of SOME curious idiot that is always there to tug on it. I so prefer camping alone. 😂

[@petert8931]

"Ridgelines are as complicated as you make them"... is worth it's weight in Gold. I came (back) to your video to comment and admit that I had watched your video and went "Ok , simple but nothing special ". Then I went to watch a couple of others , became increasingly confused and irritated.... and came back to re-watch your video. In short, thank you.

[@optimusprime7938]

This not is simpel and quick , Thanks . Greets from rotterdam

[@noegadea]

Nice video! What diameter cordage do you prefer? And do you use the same diameter for the ridge line and the connections to the tarp? Thanks!

[@Tomasttttt]

👍

[@svetressito]

You didn't mention it in the video (as far as I could hear) but the first knot you tied is called a "Halter hitch"

[@VideoTimmo]

Why not use a truckers hitch for the second tree?

[@ArslanFutbol1]

Or use one of these on one end and taut line on another.

[@steveb8001]

You know your shit.

[@vows2sweden]

why not the evenk knot?

[@tB3o3tR9o9]

what's the best and safest knot to ha ng yourself? Make a tutorial^^

[@user-zh3pn2xy8u]

✓

[@haydenhowell1647]

Isn’t this just a Siberian hitch?

[@bendover4496]

There’s no way in the world you can make this ridge line as tight as you can with a truckers hitch.

[@bendover4496]

When your tarp gets wet you’ll need a tighter ridge line.

[@KuskBushcraft]

You can get it as tight as you can pull. You have the same leverage as a truckers hitch.

[@Venom-nk8nd]

🇵🇬,.,.,.