I know many use shoe laces or cotton for a drip line to prevent water into the hammock and directed to the ground. Are shoe laces the best thing to use? Any other suggestions that have worked? Where do you tie them on the hammock line....how close to the hammock? And how long of a piece is sufficient? thanks

I attach the drip line between the hammock and the edge of the tarp so that water running down that line is re routed to the ground. I do check where it will drip being careful not to leave any gear there and that the natural run off direction will be acceptable. No drip line on the tarp suspension.
Shug's videos are worth watching. He answers about every question. In the end I think we all modify others ideas and find what works for us.

Anything, clipped, tied or hanging from the hammock line will stop water running. Put it close to the hammock just so it can't touch the hammock & keep it under your tarp.

My system uses rings so it is never an issue.

Anything will work sop long as it interrupts the flow and re-directs it using gravity. A shoelace or piece of string. Place the drip line near the edge of the tarp, but make sure it is actually under the tarp. Leave at least a few inches to the hammock. Snug the drip line to the suspension so water will follow gravity.

for warbonnet owners.....do you find that the D rings on the web suspension is enough of a break in the line, or is an additional drip line needed? Thank you for the feedback!

Yes, the D ring buckles act as drip loops.

I always place a half hitch with the strap just before the D ring. Never had any problem.

I have an SMC descending ring between a continuous loop attached to my HH and my Whoopies. Both the continuous loop and Whoppies are attached to the SMC descending ring with a larks head knot. The Whoopies have a built in drip line where the tag comes out of the bury. The SMC ring is under the tarp and close to the hammock and catches the rest.

quote OBX2Kayak: "I always place a half hitch with the strap just before the D ring. Never had any problem."

+1

lot's of good tips here, seriously, one nite on sawbill it was raining so hard it hurt my ears. i mean a serious hard rain.
i laid there in my hammock, watching the water just run every where and stayed perfectly dry.
i did buy the extra large tarp from hennessy.
i really enjoy lying in a hammock when the rain is falling, and knowing i will stay perfectly dry and comfy. rock on hammock living!

quote linkster: "I have an SMC descending ring between a continuous loop attached to my HH and my Whoopies. Both the continuous loop and Whoppies are attached to the SMC descending ring with a larks head knot. The Whoopies have a built in drip line where the tag comes out of the bury. The SMC ring is under the tarp and close to the hammock and catches the rest."

That's belt and suspenders! But when you are talking about staying dry in the wilderness, you can't argue with the approach!

Never used a drip line and I've hung in a few horrendous downpours without getting wet. *shrug*