Best Ridgeline for Wild Camping UK – 4 Setups Ranked
Whether you're stringing up a tarp in sideways rain or creating a camp in a hidden woodland glade, your ridgeline is one of the most important bits of kit. In this post, I'm testing four ridgelines I've used in the field — including one I've created myself — and ranking them from worst to best.
Rain was forecast within two hours of filming, so what better time to put these to the test under real conditions?
What Is a Ridgeline in Camping?
If you're new to wild camping, a ridgeline is essentially the cord or rope stretched between two anchor points (usually trees) that holds your tarp overhead. It's the backbone of a reliable shelter system — and if your ridgeline fails, your whole camp could too.
Ridgeline 1 – The Jungle Rope
Setup and Overview
The jungle rope is a classic method. I first came across it via Greencraft on YouTube. It's made from paracord that's doubled up, with overhand knots spaced at regular intervals. These loops serve as attachment points — not just for your tarp, but also for hanging gear.
Pros
Fast to deploy
Simple toggle connection
Great for suspending gear under your tarp
Cons
Twice the bulk of regular paracord
Not as versatile without learning knot add-ons
Ridgeline 2 – Dave Canterbury’s King of Ridgelines
Setup and Overview
This one uses a bowline loop on one end and toggles with prusik knots on the other. The tensioning system is simple but clever — all tightened using a stick.
Pros
Creative bushcraft design
No mechanical parts
Decent tension
Cons
Slightly fiddly under pressure
Prusik knot setup can take time
Ridgeline 3 – Basic Paracord with Truckers Hitch
Setup and Overview
This was the surprise winner. It's just a simple 10m length of 3mm green paracord with a bowline knot on one end and a trucker's hitch on the other.
Pros
Incredibly lightweight and compact
Versatile
Teaches useful knot skills
Reliable tension every time
Cons
Requires knot knowledge
Needs practice to master
Ridgeline 4 – My DIY Ratchet System
Setup and Overview
This was my invention — I combined two paracord tree straps, carabiners, and a ratchet system with a prusik to form a semi-mechanical ridgeline.
Pros
Innovative
Adjustable tension via ratchet
Cons
Bulky and heavy
Prone to failure
Not bushcraft-friendly
Final Rankings – Best to Worst
Basic Paracord with Knots – Light, simple, and powerful.
Jungle Rope – Versatile but a bit bulky.
Dave Canterbury’s King Ridgeline – Solid design, just fiddly.
Ratchet Ridgeline (My Invention) – Cool idea, but not practical long term.
What I’d Take Out with Me
If I had to choose one ridgeline for a long-distance wild camp, it's paracord and knot skills all the way. There’s something rewarding about relying on your own hands and ropework to build a solid shelter.
If you're new to knots, I'd recommend learning:
Bowline
Trucker’s hitch
Half hitch
Related Gear & Tips
Always carry a hank of spare paracord.
A ridgeline can double as a clothesline, gear hanger, or food hoist.
Use toggles and knots to reduce reliance on hardware.
Key Takeaways
Paracord is the most practical and effective ridgeline.
Jungle ropes are handy for multi-use hanging setups.
Mastering a few knots beats relying on gadgets.
Avoid overcomplicating your camp setup with bulky systems.
What Do You Use?
If you're a camper or bushcrafter, let me know in the comments — what ridgeline setup do you trust? Have you ever had one fail in the field?
Let's chat — leave a comment and let me know which method you'd take out.
Testing 4 ridgeline methods for wild camping – which setup is best for your tarp shelter? In this hands-on test, I compare four popular ridgeline setups: The Classic Ridgeline, The Jungle Rope, Dave Canterbury’s No-Knot Ridgeline, and my own custom method. We’ll break each one down by weight, ease of use, performance in the field, and overall practicality for wild camping.
A spontaneous wild camp in a forgotten woodland using the DD Frontline hammock. No tarp, just stars, birdsong, and a full mental reset.