How to Keep Your Tarp in Place on a Ridgeline (Using a Prusik Knot for Tarps)

 

One of the frustrations with tarp shelters is that they can slide along your ridgeline, especially in windy conditions or when setting them up solo. A simple fix for this is to add a small loop of cord, tied with a Prusik knot, to help hold the tarp exactly where you want it.

In this article, I’ll show you how to use a Prusik to fix the position of your tarp along a ridgeline. This technique works whether your tarp has tape loops or eyelets.

It’s an efficient solution that helps your tarp stay put, reducing frustration, and speeding up camp setup.

This knot is part of our tarp knot series, and once you have it down, you’ll find it makes a big difference to how confidently and cleanly you can pitch a tarp in the woods.

What Is a Prusik and Why Use It With a Tarp?

The Prusik hitch – also known as a Prusik knot, or simply a Prusik – is a well-known friction hitch. It was first used in climbing and rope rescue.

This knot grips the line tightly when it’s pulled but can slide when there’s slack. In the context of tarp setup, it serves a different, convenient purpose.

By attaching a small loop of thinner cord to your ridgeline using a Prusik hitch, you can then connect this loop to your tarp, either through a tape loop or eyelet. The Prusik hitch then holds the tarp’s position on the line.

So, this climbing knot has found its place in the repertoire of knots for tarp shelters.

N.B. To reiterate, the Prusik cord must be thinner than the cord it is wrapping around.

Using a Prusik on your tarp ridgeline is especially useful when:

• Pitching a tarp solo and trying to tension the corners.
• Preventing the tarp from sliding during setup or due to wind.
• Adjusting the tarp position easily before pegging out.

When To Use This Knot?

Use a Prusik any time you want to secure the position of your tarp on a continuous ridgeline.

A Prusik works whether you’re:

1. Running your ridgeline under the tarp, or
2. Using tape loops with the ridgeline passed through them
3. Working with either detachable or permanent Prusik loops.

For setups where you don’t detach the tarp from the ridgeline after packdown, leave the Prusik loops attached.

For temporary setups, you can tie and untie the loops as needed (as long as you use the appropriate knots to attach the Prusik to the tarp – see the video below).  If you’re draping the tarp over the ridgeline before guying it out, Prusiks also serve as a knot to tie the tarp to the ridgeline. This is a distinct advantage besides the more general use case, which is to use these knots to help position the tarp along the ridgeline.

How To Tie the Prusik for a Tarp (Step-by-Step)

There are two main ways to use a Prusik hitch with a tarp:

1. Detachable Setup Using a Loop and Reef Knot

This arrangement is ideal when you want to remove the cord from your tarp after packing up.

Steps:

1. Create a bight of cord with asymmetrical ends.
2. Form a cow hitch (lark’s foot) on the ridgeline.
3. Wrap the tails around the ridgeline again and pass them through the original cow hitch loop. Now you have your Prusik.
4. Adjust the wraps so they grip the ridgeline.
5. Take the long tail, pass it through your tarp’s tape loop or eyelet.
6. Return the long tail to the short tail and tie a reef knot (or shoelace bow) to secure.

This arrangement provides a secure yet easily unfastened connection between the tarp and Prusik.

2. Permanent Setup Using a Prusik Loop and Fisherman’s Knot

Use this version when you want to keep the Prusik loop permanently attached to your tarp.

Steps:

1. Cut a short length of cord thinner than your ridgeline (e.g., 2mm utility cord).
2. Attach the loop to the ridgeline using the Prusik hitch, as described in Method #1 above.
3. Feed the long end of the loop through the tarp’s tape loop or grommet.
4. Tie it into a closed loop using a single or double fisherman’s knot.
5. Melt the cord ends to prevent fraying.

This setup utilising a Prusik hitch for tarps is neat, strong, and fast to deploy. It is a very worthwhile addition when your tarp is threaded onto the ridgeline through multiple loops, providing a pre-rigged system.

Video: How to Use Prusiks to Secure Your Tarp

Watch the full step-by-step demonstration below: (Embed the Knot Knowledge video sample)

This video is taken from the Knot Knowledge course and walks you through my complete Prusik method for tarps, including both temporary and permanent setups.

 

Tips for Using Prusiks With Tarps

1. Use smaller-diameter cord for the Prusik (e.g. 2mm on a 5mm ridgeline).
2. Dress the wraps neatly so the knot grips properly.
3. Leave short tails on permanent loops to avoid tangles.
4. Pre-rig your tarp at home with Prusiks for faster setup in the field.

Prusik Knot For Tarps – Conclusion

Using Prusiks to hold your tarp in place on a ridgeline is a small trick that makes a big difference. Once you’ve got it set up, your tarp stays precisely where you want it on your ridgeline, even if you’re erecting camp alone or camping in windy conditions.

The classic Prusik hitch is a great addition to the other camping tarp knots we’ve discussed: the Evenk Hitch, Taut Tarp Hitch, and Adjustable Guyline Hitch. This knot helps you gain more control and confidence in your camp setups.

Related Tarp Knot Material

1. How To Tie The Evenk Hitch (Quick-Release Tarp Knot for Trees)
2. The Do-it-all Tarp Tension Knot (Taut Tarp Hitch)
3. The Best Knot for Tarp Corners (That You Can Adjust Easily)
4. Tarp Guyline Attachment Options
5. Tips for Getting Organised Under Your Tarp

Want to Master More Outdoor Knots?

 

The above video is one example from my Knot Knowledge course — an online learning resource that helps you build a solid foundation in the most useful knots for bushcraft, camping, and wilderness travel.

Click here to learn more and join the Knot Knowledge course