“Ultimately there is only one wilderness, and we are a part of it.” THOMAS J. ELPEL
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Tarp Shelters.

The Essential Camping Tarp

Without question, a good quality tarp is an essential part of bushcraft and camping equipment. The ability to create a shelter is one of the 3 key elements of wilderness survival and bushcraft skills (shelter, fire & water).

This video illustrates How to Get Started with one of The Most Important Pieces of Camping Gear, it is the first video in a series of Tarp Shelter Configuration videos.

Why Learn to Tarp Shelters.

There's no question about it, one thing we can't control in life is the weather.

When backcountry camping and travelling in a wilderness environment, its important to know how to keep yourself and your gear dry. Some tarp shelters are also useful as protection against other elements like wind and snow too. Learning and practicing tarp shelters is a great way to be more prepared for the unexpected.

The tarp shelters presented below are listed alphabetically.

The A-Frame Tarp Shelter

The CLASSIC A-Frame Tarp Shelter is an easy tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from two sides.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the A-Frame Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The Bivy Bag Tarp Shelter

The Bivy Bag Tarp Shelter is an easy tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from three sides and also provides ground protection.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Bivy Bag Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The Body Bag Tarp Shelter

The Body Bag Tarp Shelter is a moderately easy tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from two sides and also provides ground protection.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Body Bag Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The C-Fly Wedge Tarp Shelter

The C-Fly Wedge Tarp Shelter is a moderately easy classic tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from one sides and also provides ground protection.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the C-Fly Wedge using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The Envelope Tarp Shelter

The Envelope Tarp Shelter is an easy tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from one side and also provides protection from a damp ground due to this tarp shelter including a floor.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Envelope Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

Holden Tent Tarp Shelter

The Holden Tent Tarp Shelter is an easy classic tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind, sun and rain from three sides.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Holden Tent Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The Lean-To Tarp Shelter

The EASY Lean-To Tarp Shelter is a classic tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from one side.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Lean-To Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The Plough Point Tarp Shelter

The Plough Point or Diamond Tarp Shelter is an easy tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from two sides. This is likely my favorite tarp shelter simply because its so easy to set up and the quality of protection it offers is relatively good.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Plough Point Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

Ridgeline Lean-To Tarp Shelter

The Ridgeline Lean-To Tarp Shelter is a moderately easy classic tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from one sides and also provides ground protection.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Ridgeline Lean-To Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.

The Tortilla Tarp Shelter

The Tortilla Tarp Shelter is an easy tarp configuration that provides protection from the wind and sun from one side and also provides protection from a damp ground due to this tarp shelter including a floor.

This video illustrates How to Set Up the Tortilla Tarp Shelter using paracord and a 3m by 3m Sil Nylon Tarp.