Newsletter

Topic:  STAYING WARM - PART II

TARPS FOR SHELTER

This newsletter will be a continuation of the newsletter for last month. It will not be directed at the building of survival shelters using natural materials. Rather, it will explain the various methods to setup and use tarps as shelters. The types of tarps I will be commenting on will vary in size, construction and material.

I personally feel that the lightweight nylon type tarps are the best and most durable. These nylon tarps are manufactured using high-tech machinery along with a very durable polyurethane coating applied to them for water repellency. Many are silicone impregnated or coated, and come with double or even triple stitched edges for maximum strength. The tarps manufactured today are not like the canvas tarps of yesteryear. These new generation tarps are extremely strong and waterproof. Most are reasonably priced and offer a variety of methods for setting up. The better tarps have brass grommets located at multiple points along the outer edges and at each corner. Many even come equipped with a hanging loop in center to offer multiple methods of setup. I will offer a few methods of setup and comment on the positive and negative points of each.

I personally know of 17 methods to setup a tarp. And I’m sure there are many other ways; I will not attempt to discuss them all. The easiest, quickest and best coverage will be the focus of this month’s letter. My preference for a tarp would be eight foot by ten foot in size. It should be triple stitched and heavily gusseted at the corners. With brass grommets spaced every two foot apart on all sides. It should be heavily coated with a waterproof coating. Additional coats may be applied at a later date after purchase. Waterproof coating may be found in outdoor supply stores as well as many hardware stores.

The simplest and normally the quickest method will be the “A” configuration. All that is needed will be a center rope or a long thin ridgepole. Tie a rope or lash a pole between two strong trees. Be sure to stretch tarp tightly over it and secure the corners to ground or other trees. If weather is good, you may elevate the centerline or pole for additional headroom. It may be lowered in the event of bad weather. This style is excellent and offers good protection. After the tarp is set up, tie a small dangling line at each end of tarp where it goes over center support. In the event of rain, the water will drip off these short lines instead of running to center of tarp and dripping in your face. The lean-to style is also an excellent choice, offering good coverage and an open view. Setup is much the same as “A” style.

Another method that I like is the center hung style. It offers great coverage and may be lowered if necessary. Hang from center loop to a tree branch or from a pole stretched between two trees. Secure the corners and climb under tarp. Another quick method would be to set a pole in the fork of a tree and tie tarp over it as you would a debris hut. The tarp will have enough material left over on small end to offer a moisture barrier between you and the wet ground. Simply fold material on small end to inside of shelter.

Other tarp setup examples are pictured below:

An alternative to Nylon tarps would be Plastic. This plastic material is sold in rolls at hardware stores. This material will prove to be adequate for most situations if it is of Two to four mils thick. It is very economical and may be cut into any size or shape that you may desire. A plus factor is, plastic is definitely waterproof.