Shelter, you know you need one!
Shelter protects you from the wind, rain, cold and gives you a base to operate from, you need a shelter! Learn how to make one.
- Hammocks
- Tarps & Tarping
- Ridgelines
- Guy-Lines
- Stakes & Pegs
- Tents
- Shelter Trenching
- Improvised Shelters
And More!
Hammocks
I Like Hammocks, The Problem is, I’m in Canada, Where Hammocks without insulation are Only Useful during the hottest days of The Year! Many Times They are Only Useful for a FEW HOURS of The Day!!!
Once you start adding under-quilts, over-quilts, wind barriers etc. they become very bulky and very expensive!!!
Hammocks are great, just don’t underestimate or overestimate what they can do for you.
- Hammocks with Internal Ridgelines
- Hammocks without Ridgelines
- Hammocks made from Tarps
Hammocks with Internal Ridgelines
This is an older model Hennessy Hammock (Bottom Entry) rigged up on a local beach without the included rainfly to go over the hammock. Note the improvised snakeskins on the left made from a dollar store loofa! These hammocks are directional so I also have the “Head End” marked with a colored piece of paracord so I know which end is which when I am setting it up.
I like to use a “Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches to connect my hammock to the carabiner that connects to the “Tree Straps” It’s secure enough to use, easy for me to untie and is very quick and easy to adjust when setting things up. The sides of the hammock can be staked out to the ground or any nearby structure as seen here.
This is a “Fair Weather” hammock set, good to use during the heat of the day but at night it can be very cold if the temperature drops down below 17 degrees C. (About 70 degrees F). Insulation kits are available however they are usually heavy and expensive so this is not an option for me. Hammocks are best used in very hot climates.
This hammock setup uses the following:
- 2 Replacement 10′ long Tree Straps made from 1″ Tubular Webbing
- 2 Carabiners (Optional) to connect hammock to the Tree Straps
- 2 Round Turn & 2 Half Hitches to connect hammock to carabiners
- 2 (Optional but recommended) guy lines for the sides of the hammock
- 2 Guy lines for the included rainfly if used
- 1 dollar store loofa to be used as snakeskins when stored
- Guy line extensions as required
I’ve also read recently of a method of connecting the hammock to the Tree Straps with “Dual Friction Hitches such as (2 Tautline Hitches) I might try this soon!
Testing Completed! July 2024
I’m now using a Round Turn (No Half Hitches) on the carabiner followed by a Tautline Hitch which in turn is backed up with a Farrimond Friction Hitch.
My Hammock Kit Includes The Following:
- 1 – Hennessy Expedition Asym Bottom Entry Hammock
- 1 – Improvised Hammock Skins
- 1 – Hennessy Asym Rainfly
- 8 – 8′ Paracord Guy-Lines
- 8 – 30″ Paracord Utility Lines
- 2 – Carabiners
- 2 – Rappel Rings
- 2 – 10′ X 1″ Tubular Tree Straps
Camping Hammocks like this are available from places such as:
- Hennessy Hammocks
- Onewind Outdoors
- Superior Gear
Hammocks with No Ridgelines
I do not own one of these yet. Hammocks without installed ridgelines are a really good option though. Usually easy to hang up, easy to get into and out of, can be used as a chair like other hammocks. I think a full set like this might just be:
- 2 Tree Straps, Pre-Sewn with many loops that offer optional lengths
- 2 Carabiners
- 1 open top hammock with no ridgeline
These open top recreational hammocks were seen at the “BC Bike Race 2024”!
Field Expedient Hammocks
This is a “Field Expedient” hammock made from my 9.5′ X 12.5′ Guide Tarp! I’m about 5′ 9″ Tall and this size works great for me. Once tied up it gives me about 2′ of space above my head and 2′ of space above my feet. I might try a 10′ tarp to see if this works as well but currently I think this size is perfect!
This “Tarp Hammock” consists of the following parts:
- 2 Tree Straps (Optional) made from 1″ Tubular Webbing about 10′ Long
- 2 Carabiners (Optional) to Connect the Tree Straps to the Ridgeline
- 1 “Heavy Duty” Ridgeline Strong Enough to Support an Adult
- 2 Klemheist Friction Hitches for the Ridgeline
- 2 Klemheist Friction Hitches for the Tarp
- 2 Soft Shackles to Connect the Above
The tarp is folded into 1/3 it’s original width which gives me a hammock about 3.2′ wide. This works well because I am secure in the tarp with an ability to see outside easily. I have also tried a hammock with the same tarp folded in half lengthwise but this resulted in a hammock that was too wide and very difficult to see out of!
The tarp is gathered up at the ends and then I install a “Klemheist Friction Hitch” using a short piece of utility cord. I also use the same hitch on the “Heavy Duty” ridgeline from which to suspend the tarp. The ridgeline and the tarp are then connected to each other with a soft shackle shown below.
I currently haven’t decided if I should try a “Hedden Friction Hitch” to replace the “Klemheist Friction Hitch”?
The Tree Straps are just tied into loops with a figure 8 stopper because they need to be untied easily and they can be adjusted for bigger or smaller trees as needed! I think there must be a better method but can’t think of one right now?
You can see the “Heavy Duty” Ridgeline I used above. Note the difference, a ridgeline for a tarp can be made of very light material but a ridgeline for a hammock must be big enough, strong enough, and durable enough to hold the entire weight of an adult, don’t take chances install your hammock ridgeline properly to be sure it will not fail!
This Hammock Ridgeline Rigging was not my original plan, I had forgotten some pieces at home so I had to improvise the whole setup.
Use Your Hammock as a Chair!
You can cook, rest or do some small “Bushcraft Skill” while you sit and then if the opportunity arise you can hop in the Hammock!
Even if you are staying under a tarp you can still use your Hammock to store gear up off the ground keeping it all dry! Think of it as a “Deluxe Gear Hanger”!
Warning! You Are Going to Freeze Your Fucking Ass Off.
Mike
Tarps & Tarping
These are my preferred method of shelter for my location. bugs may be bad in your location making tents a better option.
- Tarps
- Tarp Shelters
- Ridgelines
- Stakes & Pegs
Tarps
- Why Use a Tarp?
- Square Tarps
- Rectangle Tarps
- Bug Protection While Tarping
- Tarp Skins?
Why?
Tarps can be used to give you a large variety of shelter configurations and if you don’t want to carry tent poles they can still be set up easily!
Square Tarps
Square tarps with an equal distribution of anchor points are an advantage and seem to offer the best overall options.
My Square Tarp Kit includes the Following:
- 1 – Stuff Sack
- 1 – Aquaquest Defender 9.5′ X 9.5′ Tarp w/ 50′ Paracord Ridgeline
- 1 – Improvised Tarp Skins
- 1 – 25′ Heavy Duty Ridgeline
- 1 – Spare 50′ Paracord Ridgeline
- 1 – Carabiner
- 1 – Rappel Ring
- 1 – Set of 8′ Paracord Guy-Lines (14)
- 1 – Set of 30″ Paracord Utility Lines (8)
- 1 – Set of Stakes (12) (Groundhog Style)
Rectangle Tarps
Rectangular tarps shine in many areas such as used in the “Flying A-Frame” type set. They also make pitching the tarp very difficult in some cases. I prefer square tarps.
My Rectangle Tarp Kit includes the Following:
- 1 – Stuff Sack
- 1 – Guide Tarp 12.5′ X 9.5′ Tarp w/ 50′ Paracord Ridgeline
- 1 – Improvised Tarp Skins
- 1 – 50′ Heavy Duty Ridgeline
- 1 – Set of Hammock Conversion Parts. (6 Pc.)
- 1 – Spare 50′ Paracord Ridgeline
- 1 – Carabiner
- 1 – Rappel Ring
- 1 – Utility Pulley
- 8 – 8′ Paracord Guy-Lines
- 1 – Set of 30″ Paracord Utility Lines (8)
- 6 – Portable Grommets
- 4 – Guy-Line Bungies
- 1 – Set of Stakes (12)
Bug & Insect Protection!
There are bug & mosquito nets available to use with tarps although I have yet to experiment with them.
Tarp Skins!
Repurposed and/or Improvised Hammock Skins as Shown Below!
Tarp Shelters
See the shelters below!
- Diamond A-Frame – This is where I start and stop!
- Flying Diamond A-Frame
- Traditional A-Frame – Boring but Very Good
- Flying Traditional A-Frame
- Sausage Roll A-Frame (Body Bag) – No Comfort, Survival Emergency!
- Traditional Lean-To
- Modified Lean-To
- Plowpoint – Excellent Shelter
- Modified Plowpoint
- Tarp Tent – Takes Practice
- Dual Tarp Sets
Diamond A-Frame
When I store my tarp, it’s installed on a ridgeline in this configuration! From this point on I can quickly change it to any other configuration I need!
Here’s a short video I made about the “Diamond A-Frame” Tarp Set.
Flying Diamond A-Frame
Only 2 Guy-Lines and 2 Stakes needed for this if your tarp is on a ridgeline!
This is how my tarp is first deployed, as a “Diamond”, from there I can change the set to anything I want but as it is I always return it to “Diamond” for repacking!
Traditional A-Frame
One of the best tarp shelters you could set up! Good protection from wind, rain, sun etc. Room for your gear too. It’s only downfall, it’s boring.
This can be converted to a low “Flying Traditional A-Frame” or a “Modified A-Frame” with the addition of some guy lines!
Check out this super short video on the “A-Frame” here.
Flying Traditional A-Frame
Great for protection from the sun with lots of airflow!
On the left, 9.5′ X 12.5′ Rectangle and on the right, 9.5′ X 9.5′ Square.
Sausage Roll A-Frame (Body Bag)
Just big enough to slide into & stay the night! Has a double thick floor that can be filled with insulation!
There’s no extra comfort in this one, but it is very low, secure, easy to setup and if you must hunker down in bad weather then this might do it for you!
Traditional Lean-To
One of my least favourite shelter styles but great for blocking the sun when needed. Has about 20% wind protection from one direction.
Like having half a Traditional A-Frame! Might need a dozen stakes to anchor in high wind!
Here we have 2 Different type of Lean-To Shelters, Setup with the Rectangle Tarp, a Lean-To with Floor on the left and a straight Lean-To on the right.
In the above image I pulled the center out by using a guy-line to a nearby tree.
Modified Lean-To
I do kind of like this one also. I really like the overhanging sun shade. It’s open to the wind but there are times of the year that this would work.
I call this a “Modified Lean-To” or a “Modified A-Frame”, here’s a video for you!
Plowpoint
Needs to be anchored as high as you can see. This is anchored about 7′ high, higher than I can reach. I had to throw a carabiner over a branch and haul it up to the height I used.
This shelter can be set up using a tree, on a ridgeline or with cut poles if needed. It can also be repositioned quickly. Offers about 50% – 60% protection from wind. One person with lots of room for gear and supplies or extra firewood. An excellent choice of shelter!
The Following are Photos of a “Plow Point” shelter setup with the Rectangle Tarp, using a ridgeline to support the peak and the center, it’s turned out to be better in some Setups than others.
It seems to be that a large, long (12.5′) Tarp needs a very high Peak to be setup correctly, higher than I can reach.
Modified Plowpoint
This is setup with a ridgeline and the peak is pulled out to the front. I like this method because the peak is like a small awning and it’s easier to set when you’re short!
This is a great shelter, hands down, easy to setup, easy to adjust if necessary & good function!
By reducing the size of the Plowpoint by going over a ridgeline, you end up with a lower shelter that offers great coverage for one person with gear! Give it a try, you might like it!
Meanwhile, here’s may short video on the “Modified Plowpoint” Shelter.
Tarp Tent
This one will take practice to get it just right but it is a great choice if you have the skill and the time to set it up. Can be setup with or without a Ridgeline!
This is a horrible example of what a proper “Tarp Tent” should look like!
Dual Tarp Sets
- How about Dual Plowpoints?
- Tarp Tent under Flying A-Frame?
- Try Dual Sets, They Might Work for YOU!
Here is my awful Tarp Setup using the 2 Tarps. It really needs some work!
If you are hiking with another person then this is a possibility to consider. Dual tarp sets can offer more room with a shared fire and cooking area. They can be complex or as easy as 2 Plowpoint shelters set up in front of each other.
Tarps of equal size might be needed in some cases!
Practicing Your Shelter Skills!
Here’s a 3 Part Video Series about practicing with my 9.5′ X 12.5′ Rectangle Guide Tarp. I try about 3 or 4 different tarp sets and discuss the difficulties I am having with this tarp due to the awkward anchor points and their locations.
Next up for your viewing pleasure, a FOUR Part Series on Practicing with my 9.5′ X 9.5′ SQUARE Tarp. My preferred tarp of the 2 That I consider True Adventure Tarps! Enjoy!
Ridgelines
It’s a string that goes between 2 Trees, OK?
- Why Use a Ridgeline?
- Over The Ridgeline or Under?
- How Long Should Your Ridgeline Be?
- How Strong Should The Ridgeline Be?
- Using Multiple Ridgelines?
- Ridgeline Mods
Why?
Using a ridgeline is nice but not essential, it does allow fir nice tight tarps easier which means the overall setup is better!
Under or Over The Ridgeline?
Most of the time I have the ridgeline setup so the tarp goes over it but in some cases the ridgeline must go over the tarp, don’t worry, just do what works!
What about those situations where the ridgeline is attached along the edge? haha, They happen too! Here’s a couple pics of practice stakes used as improvised tarp toggles. Do what you need to do!
Even more Improvised Toggles!
50′ Long
Most people rely on a ridgeline that is 25′ – 30′ however out on Canada’s west coast the trees are big, you can use up 15′ – 20′ of ridgeline just going around your anchor points! I use 50′ ridgelines because they work for me. Longer than 50′ starts to become a problem due to stretching & tangling.
Paracord is a good size!
Paracord is a good size to work with, strong enough and affordable. You can go with lighter materials if you want to spend more money, remember guys, all it’s got to do is, hold your tarp in place.
My gear has 2 additional “Heavy Duty” ridgelines, a 25′ & a 50′ for special uses!
Multiple Ridgelines, YES!
Using multiple ridgelines is definitely an option and something to consider if the area you are going to be setting up in is conducive to such!
Mod Your Ridgelines if You Like!
You can personalize and mod your ridgelines for your use. Add extra Prusiks to hang gear or change the ends to make it easy to connect short ridgelines to make a longer one. I have some ridgelines with as many as 4 toggles on them to give the ridgeline more uses than just holding up your tarp.
I’m thinking that a good rule of thumb for “Multi-Toggle Ridgelines” would be 2 toggles for the first 25′, 1 additional toggle for each 10′ – 15′. Just my thoughts. This is of course not including and additional toggles you may have for specific gear uses like lights, cellphones etc.
Guy-Lines
Guy-Lines are an essential part of almost any Tarping or Tenting, learn how to Connect, Redirect, Adjust & Secure your Guy-Lines correctly!
See The “Knots & Ropework” Page for More info on Knots Like This!
Advanced Guy-Line ideas?
- Self Adjusting Guy-Lines
- Shock Cord Guy-Lines
- Weighted Self Adjusting Guy-Lines
- Water Bottle Self Adjusting Guy-Lines
Coming Soon!
Stakes & Pegs
Take the Quick Look at My Selection!
- How Many Stakes Will I Need?
- Types of Stakes
- Double Staking
- Deadman Staking
How Many?
If a Stake is worth having then get a dozen of each! You may not need them all but in some cases even this may not be enough!
More stakes = Good! Less stakes = Bad!
What Types?
There are many different types of Stakes & Pegs you can find for Bushcrafting. Learn which ones will work in the area you use and get a good supply!
Go for “Depth of stake over Angle”, stakes should be installed with only enough tilt to allow the guy-line to remain attached!
How about a bunch of videos on stakes & staking, also called pegs!
The full video on Tent & Tarp Stakes!
11 Minutes Long
Why I Have so Many!
6.5 Minutes On why I have so many!
Stakes for Hunting or Survival Kits!
Less Than 1 Minute Showing the type of stakes I would have in a serious kit.
Practice Pegs
Less Than 1 Minute on the use of Aluminum “Shepherd Hooks”
Shepherd hook stakes need to be placed right down to the ground or they will spin and the guy-line will release!
Plastic Stakes
1 Minute about the use of cheap, regular plastic stakes.
Sand Stakes
1 Minute talking about special stakes for sandy areas!
Extreme Duty Spikes
1.5 Minutes on the use of large hardware spikes for some campsites!
Tools for Staking
1.5 Minutes showing homemade stake tools
Try some good old fashioned hammers too, they’re made for this!
Double or Triple Stakes?
In windy or bad weather you may want to double or triple stake your shelter. Learn how to do this properly and your shelter will protect you!
Double stakes installed side by side are preferred over inline double staking!
More stakes = lower load per stake!
Deadman Staking
Learn how to “Deadman Stake”, it’s very secure, works in sand and snow particularly well!
Warning! You’re going to need a shovel for this!
Tents
They work too. I find them too heavy though, I do keep one in the car just in case!
These were set up for the participants of the BC Bike Race 2024.
Let’s check out my tents and we’ll see what they need to bring them up to working status! I have 2, a Small one and a Large one.
The Small Tent
- Approx. Size 7′ X 7′ (2 Person Capacity, 1 Person with Gear)
- 6 – Stakes, (4 Corners, 2 Sides)
- 2 – Guy-Lines (2 for the Sides)
- 1 – Ground Sheet/Footprint, 8′ X 8′ Minimum, 8′ X 10′ Preferred
- 4 – Shock Cord for Corners of Provided Rainfly (1′ Stretch, Each)
The Secondary Tarp Rainfly (Not Shown)
- 1 – 10′ X 10′ Minimum, 12′ X 12′ Preferred (Flying A-Frame Style)
- 1 – Complete 50′ Assembled Ridgeline
- AR – Guy-lines for Flying A-Frame
The Large Tent
- Approx. Size 9′ X 9′, 9′ X 14′ with Vestibule, (3 Person Capacity, 2 People with Gear)
- 8 – Stakes, (Tent) (For Positioning Only, Light Duty O.K.)
- 10 – Stakes, (Rainfly)
- 4 – Guy-Lines (For the Sides)
- 2 – Guy-Lines (For the Vestibule)
- 1 – Ground Sheet/Footprint, 10′ X 10′ Minimum, 10′ X 14′ Preferred
- 15 – Shock Cord Bungees (For Provided Rainfly (3′ Stretch, Each)
The Secondary Tarp Rainfly (Not Shown)
- 1 – 10′ X 14′ Minimum, 12′ X 18′ Preferred (Flying A-Frame Style)
- 1 – Complete 50′ Assembled Ridgeline
- AR – Guy-lines for Flying A-Frame
Shelter Trenching
If you prescribe to “Leave No Trace” then this isn’t for you but if you don’t you’ll love this! You’re going to need your shovel for this! Think water drainage!
Coming Soon!
Improvised Shelters
There are many different types of Improvised Shelters, let’s take a look at some of them.
- Cave
- Lean-To Shelter
- Debris Shelter
- Wigwam
- Teepee
Coming Soon!
Car Tarping
Say what?
Coming Soon!
Bonus!
You can use your new skills to build yourself an instant “Protest Kit”!
Coming Soon!
Who let the bugs out!
Mike