The Tarp Emergency Shelter, Including a Word of Caution About Commercially Manufactured Tents

A "tarp" shelter is often enough for most of our “bushcraft"/survival situations. Most of us only go out for such adventures in rather nice weather anyway.

Although generally bulky, the tarp does not have to be large nor  expensive. They need weigh almost nothing. For one person, one 6 x 10 bought in some hardware or gas station will more than suffice.

Many of you own a military type poncho or ground sheet. These can and were intended to be used to make an emergency shelter. Just make a frame from saplings and tie the ground sheet over it, using para-cord.  Or, use as shown in my illustration (.Sleeping kit is airing in the morning sunshine). A decent-sized tarp creates a fantastic space under which to live, not just sleep. You get much more room than you do in a tent; and, you can adjust the ceiling height to suit yourself. Not just for disaster/survival situations; for most of the year it is my favourite way of sleeping out in the woods. You wake up fresh and in the environment around you, not shut off from it.

The tarp is suspended, running the cord under the apex of the tarp. This gives a line inside the tarp on which one can hang equipment (including, a battery operated camp lantern, for easy reach in the night), as well as being able to air the sleeping kit, socks, etch. under the tarp without fear of it getting wet in a rain shower.

Lay branches and leaves on the ground for bedding, and add side walls, if needed
Very important in winter conditions; if, you are, or intend to be, using a commercially manufactured tent, make sure it is double walled and also large enough to meet your needs. Most "two" man tents have barely enough space for one person.

©Al (Alex-Alexander) D. Girvan. All Rights reserved.