Tarp Shelters
A 3x3m tarp and some paracord is the most versatile shelter system in bushcraft. Lighter than a tent, cheaper, more adaptable to terrain, and teaches you to read wind and weather. Learn 4-5 configurations and you're covered for anything.
Mike Pullen demonstrates five different setups with excellent visuals.
A 3x3m DD Tarp is the UK bushcraft standard — waterproof, tough, and has 19 attachment points. About £30.
Always pitch with the opening AWAY from the prevailing wind. In the UK, that usually means opening faces east.
Ridge line between two trees at head height, then stake out sides. The A-frame is the simplest and most weatherproof configuration.
Carry 6-8 tent pegs (MSR Groundhog are excellent) and 4x 3m guy lines pre-cut and ready.
Choose your pitch: between two trees, 3-4m apart, for a ridge line setup
Tie a ridge line between the trees using a bowline at one end and a trucker's hitch at the other for tension
Drape the tarp over the ridge line, centred
A-FRAME: Stake out both sides at 45° angles. Creates an enclosed tunnel shape — most weatherproof
LEAN-TO: Stake one side to the ground, angle the other up. More open, good for fire-front shelters
DIAMOND (PLOW POINT): Rotated 45°, one corner staked behind, opposite corner lifted. Great for solo
Ensure the tarp is taut — a flapping tarp is noisy and collects water rather than shedding it
Add a ground sheet or bivvy bag inside for moisture protection from below
Guy out all available loops for maximum wind resistance
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