View Full Version : MLD LiteLine & LineLocks
I was wanting to extend the length of line I have on each end of my ridgeline on my tarp from 6 feet to 10 feet. (As a newb I would still like to have a little extra.) Also, I am probably going to add some more tie-outs to my tarp, so I will need some line for them too. The line that came with my OES tarp is awesome, and I think it was Paul who pointed out in a thread a while back that it was the MLD LiteLine. So, I ordered 60 more feet of the line, and it came with 14 LineLock's.
I had been curious as to using these LineLocks, so I went out and gave them a try. They work great, but I have found that they would be much simpler to use with an open hook stake. This way I could leave the LineLock's permanently attached to the LiteLine, and simply slip the loop over the hook, then adjust the tension. For using with a closed loop stake it is too much threading, and tying and untying, and I would rather just use an adjustable knot to begin with, it is easier to untie.
Anyway, I have written a little more on these here:
http://stick13.wordpress.com/
Uk oh. Time to order some TI skewer stakes!
Uk oh. Time to order some TI skewer stakes!
They would compliment the LineLocks well.......
The line locs from MLD are good for strength, wt(if you are a gram weenie, which many tarpers are), super easy to adjust, and hold well. You may have to readjust/retension them in higher winds or if you haven't distributed tension throughout your tarp equally or haven't set out tag lines on all your tie outs going to stakes in higher winds. The super mini size Nite Ize Figure 9 line tensioners hold exceptionally well, but may be a few grams more.
You could also learn some useful knots like the taughtline hitch which holds well, is easily adjustable, is easy to tie, and easily comes undone. It would reduce or eliminate the need for line tensioners. Tie it with a release loop and it comes done even easier. This knot goes well on the end of your tarp's stake tag lines and works nicely with skewer or open hook stakes, rocks, etc. Just store your tarp with the taughtline hitch knots already on your stake tag lines. With the open hook or skewer stakes and taughtline hitches tied to the ends of all your stake lines it gives you a lot of flexibility in adjusting how you set-up your tarp. It makes setting up your tarp easier and faster than having to re-tie knots anew everytime you set up your tarp. This is especially helpful if it's windy and/or raining when you set up camp using a tarp as shelter.
hikingshoes
05-17-2010, 02:23
Hey stick,see if this would help. http://www.netknot.com
hikingshoes
05-17-2010, 02:26
http://www.netknots.com/html/knots.html maybe this one will work better.sorry
Yeah, I have a few knot sites bookmarked. This video really helped me with some basic knots though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WV_SjE83hE&feature=related
I use the adjustable knot to tie off all my guy lines to stakes. It is a very easy knot to tie, even easier to untie, and does in fact adjust easily and holds tightly. This is the knot that I will use with a closed loop stake, but I do like the LineLocks, and I will be purchasing some different stakes to use with them cause these would actually make it that much easier and even a little faster which would come in handy for when it's raining!
gardenhead
05-20-2010, 12:59
A couple of my plastic linelocs finally wore out, but I remembered seeing something on hammock forums about using small carabiners instead.
So with this set up, there's a loop on each end of the guyline and so far this has worked really well for me.
I'm using the mini biners from Mountain Laurel Designs and MLD's liteline.
Haven't had any slip yet.
Here are some photos.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21196968@N04/4621424625/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21196968@N04/4622043830/in/photostream/
Hope this helps.
gardenhead, that is a pretty neat way to tie them off too. Did you have the MLD LineLocks, and if so, how long did they last for you? I looked through some of your pictures, good pics. I can't wait til I get to thru! Did you carry a tarp with you the whole time?
gardenhead
05-24-2010, 13:16
Well, what happened was I ordered the line, but for some reason didn't order the linelocs, so I e-mailed Ron and he sent me the linelocs free of charge. While I was waiting, I used some of the bigger line locs which he specifically says won't work, but I had some on hand. The liteline ate right through them, but I remembered seeing the biner set up on hammock forums and had some of those on hand as well so I started using them and they work flawlessly.
I actually carried a MLD Duomid at the beginning, then switch to a poncho tarp for the majority of the way, but then for no real reason switched to the GG Siltwinn for the Whites and Maine.
If I were to do it again I'd go MLD poncho/tarp the entire way, maybe paired with a bivy part of the way.
I used a Golite Poncho, and the main trouble I had was with set-up and take down in the rain. It was never a huge deal, but the MLD linelocs that are on all his shelters would make it that much easier.
Yeah, so buy the MLD poncho/tarp and if you don't like it you can sell it to me at a huge discount....