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To prepare a quick-deploy ridgeline for the purpose of pitching shelters, cut a 25-30’ length of 550 cord and tie a bowline knot near one end. Then, take three 4-5” loops of another type of cordage of a smaller diameter, such as bankline, and tie them into prusik loops on the 550 cord. In order to deploy the ridgeline, wrap the end with the bowline around a tree, and feed the entire length of 550 cord through the loop of the bowline so the ridgeline is anchored around the tree. Wrap the other end around a second tree, then tighten and secure it with a trucker’s hitch. Now the prusik loops can be adjusted on the rdgeline, fed through the center gromets on the poncho and secured with a toggle such as a stick. Adjust the prusik loops to pull the centerline of the poncho taut, and the friction will keep them in place on the ridgeline. Then, stake down the corner gromets of the poncho either directly to the ground or by using additional 550 cord as guylines, depending on the height of the shelter and desired angle
