Simple tarp setup [HowTo]

There are many options for a simple tarp setup. And even more for less simple ones. In most situations you don’t need to go totally overboard and overdo it with complex setups. In fact, you usually choose a tarp because you want to save weight and have something plain and simple.

In this article I want to show you what I use to build a shelter with a tarp. And it will be such a simple tarp setup that you can train it again and again, even when you don’t want to actually stay the night. If you read some of my posts, you already know that I’m a big fan of training simple steps over and over again until you built enough confidence that you can focus on other tasks when you actually need to rely on your skills.

A kit for a simple tarp setup

To build a shelter with a tarp you need a few things:

• A tarp (obviously)
• Tent stakes
• Some cord

While, in a survival situation, you can improvise stakes and even some cord, this post is about keeping it simple. So I prefer to prepare a kit which allows me to build and take down my shelter in a very short amount of time.

The tarp

There are lots of tarps available and it may be hard to choose which one to get. Obviously you should get a decent selection of various models 😉 .

There’s the standard 3m by 3m variant. It’s versatile, big enough to build a decent camp and not too big to carry. If you plan to actually go on a trip and use a tarp for your camp, this is definitely the one to get.

Then there are smaller ones. They have names like “Small”, “Scout” or “Recce”. The idea is that when you’re traveling light and maybe need to stay invisible, a smaller tarp might be less comfortable but it’s still enough.

And then there’s the tested and proven “G.I. poncho“. That’s a poncho for rainy weather but you can open it and lay it flat so that you get a very small tarp. It’s enough to cuddle underneath and stay dry during a rainy night. Or to have a shelter for a short break while on the go.

Depending on the model, you can fold bigger versions so they allow for smaller setups. But they need to have loops all over and not just on the edges for this to work.

I like to mix between the different sizes when I train. While a poncho is definitely easier to handle but still allows to train everything regarding knots and line setup, it’s definitely something different to handle a full size tarp!

Tent stakes / tent pegs

Most important get some that work in your environment. The Helikon Tarp Stakes work in most places. The more basic ones that resemble nails only work in places with very dense soil. There are special stakes for sand but they don’t work anywhere else.

You will need at least 4. I usually carry 10 so I have more options.

Cord and lines

I’ve seen many different approaches to dealing with the webbing for a simple tarp setup. Which one you take can make a huge difference in time and complexity. So here’s my approach:

I got a pack of Paracord in camo, because everything’s better in camo. Then I cut it in 8 evenly long parts. It’s not that important, how long they are. About 1.5m is plenty. In every end of one part I made a bowline knot. Every static loop works but I first learned knots as part of a sailing certificate and that sticks. And a bowline has the benefit of being smaller than some other knots for static loops. On the other end I mounted a “Line Lok“. This creates a loop you can easily open or tighten. Of course you can also use a prusik knot or similar but these small things are really easy to handle.

In addition I have two longer loops of paracord, each with a small carabiner.

Extras for a simple tarp setup

There are more things you can pack to have an even easier life when training shelter building.

• Loops made of shock cord. While tightening your lines with line loks is easy, it’s even better to have some mounts made of elastics. So you can focus on single lines to tighten and the others will just go with it.
• Some spare Paracord. Sometimes you just get that weird idea and want to try it. Be prepared to get more or longer lines, just in case.
• Extra carabiners. While I use them rarely they sometimes help with mounting lines around other hard points and not use tent stakes
• Double sided hook and loop tape. You can cut it into short pieces and wrap it around rolled up cords to keep them put.
• A pouch to hold all of your mounting stuff. If you want to train regularly, make it a habit to toss the pouch into your backpack so you have it all with you and can’t miss anyhting. A few loops on the inside will help with organization but it’s ample free space you’re looking for.

A very simple tarp setup

Choose one of the following and try it. Then try another. Then get creative.

A-Frame

Possibly the easiest and most intuitive set up.

• Search for two trees which are a bit wider afar than your tarp is long.
• Route one of the loops with carabiner around a tree. The height of the placement will determine the height of the setup.
• Route one of the loops at the end of your cords through a grommet/loop/hole at the center of one edge of your tarp. Then route the rest of the cord through the loop. Use this method in all upcoming “connect cord to tarp” situations.
• Move the line lok so that the cord is in it’s longest position and hook the loop the line lok creates into the carabiner.
• Do the same on the other end of the tarp.
• Then pull the line loks close so that your tarp has a straight ridge
• Mount cords on all 4 corners of the tarp, make the cords as long as possible, hook them on tent stakes, then tighten the line loks.
• Done

Modified A-Frame

This is my personal favorite. You can build this very low so that you can only crawl inside. Very low setups might not be very comfortable but they are very storm proof and can be nearly invisible when you use tarps in great camo patterns.

• You only need one tree or similar this time. If you don’t have trees around, you can use any sort of pole. Even a walking stick, some cut to size branch or a dedicated “tarp pole”.
• Mount the carabiner loop again. But this time go a bit higher than what you need for your shelter.
• Connect the tarp and the loop like with the A-frame.
• On the other end just use one of your mounting cords and hook it to a tent stake in the ground. When you tighten both line loks you’ll get a ridge that’s pointing diagonally to the ground.
• Now use cords, or better yet, shock cord loops to fixate the two lower corners of your tarp
• Then fixate the other two corners like you did with the A-frame.
• If you have a big tarp you can use more cords with tent pegs and loops along the edges

Modified modified A-Frame

To get even more coverage you can connect the first cord not with a loop at the edge of your tarp. Some have loops all over. If you choose one that’s still along the ridge but somewhere between the edge and the center you end up with some slack of the tarp. You can then use another cord and a tent peg to tie that part down to create a beak. This way you will have cover even from the side that’s usually completely open.

Lean to

This is an extremely easy set up but it will only work in certain conditions. It has it’s name from the fact that it’s usually built against a wall. Like rock on a mountain. If you don’t have a wall, you can still use it but it will only be good to shield you from the elements from a single side. If you just want a sun shade a lean to is a great idea.

• Start like with the A-frame. Two poles or tree a bit more afar than your tarp is wide.
• Mount your loops with carabiners on both poles about as high as your setup should get.
• But this time don’t connect loops at the center of the edges but at the corner instead. When you tighten the line loks, you have the tarp just hanging down as a single sheet.
• Now fixate the lower corners with tent stakes so that you create a diagonal roof. It’s better to use loops of shock cord so you just have to tighten the upper cords. If you use long cords at the bottom, you can make the roof less steep and even create some space between the lower edge and earth.