Preparedness
Master Tarp Shelters for Ultimate Outdoor Survival Skills
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, whether bushcrafters or backpackers, the tarp is often a preferred alternative to the traditional tent. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for creating a makeshift shelter that can keep you dry, help conserve body heat, and provide a sense of security. Moreover, tarps are often easier to carry and pack than tents.
When selecting a tarp, prioritize features like lightweight durability, waterproofing, and draft-proofing. These come in various sizes, colors, and price ranges, from budget-friendly options under $20 to high-end custom tarps exceeding $500. For practical purposes, a 10’x10’ square tarp is a good starting point. While basic polypropylene tarps are available at places like Harbor Freight, they tend to be noisy and stiff, with fewer tie-out points. A more versatile option like the DD Hammocks tarp, which includes center tie-out points, can be a worthwhile investment at under $100.
Constructing a tarp shelter is straightforward, with numerous configurations possible using just one tarp. However, before you start, consider several factors:
– Choose your location wisely; assess the wind direction to ensure stability.
– Ensure the ground is comfortable and slightly sloped for water runoff.
– If the ground is flat, you may need to dig trenches for drainage.
– Tailor the size of your shelter to its intended use and consider weather conditions to ensure stability.
Here are three basic tarp shelters that are quick and easy to set up:
The A-frame shelter is a classic and simple design understood even by children. To build it, string paracord between two trees, drape the tarp over the ridgeline, and stake it down. This creates a living area measuring ten feet long, 8.6 feet wide, and 2.5 feet tall. While it offers good rain and snow runoff and wind deflection, it lacks a floor and may sag if the paracord isn’t taut enough.
This shelter is advantageous for its quick setup and airflow, crucial in warm weather. However, it doesn’t provide as much protection from wind and rain as other designs.
The Plough Point or Diamond Fly shelter is another option, suitable for two people. Secure the paracord to a tree and the ground, then drape the tarp diagonally. The angle and length of the paracord will affect the headroom and width. Its steep walls effectively shed rain and deflect wind when staked well.
You want that center ridgeline to be as taut as possible without damaging the tarp and for it to be facing into the wind. The pros of this design include its simplicity and efficiency in shedding rain and deflecting wind. However, it lacks a floor and flaps, which can be problematic if the wind direction changes frequently.
The Adirondack shelter, like the Plough Point, uses a square tarp in a diamond shape and requires a ridgeline between two trees or poles. A 10’x10’ tarp forms 45° walls, standing 5 feet high, with a floor space of 5 feet by 7.071 feet.
While constructing an Adirondack shelter isn’t overly complex, describing the process in writing can be challenging. For visual learners, a video demonstration by lone_woodsman can be helpful.
Once you’ve mastered these three basic shelters, you can explore more complex designs or modify them to suit your environment and needs. And when it’s time to pack up, there’s a quick and neat folding method to store your tarp efficiently.
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