How to Make a Tarp Shelter | The $20 Tent

In this video, I'm showing you how to make a tarp shelter, (also known as the $20 tent). I love this style of camping, and I hope this video inspires you to get out and try it yourself!

Have you slept under a tarp shelter? Let me know in the comments below!

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[chrigimattmann]

That's exactly what I was looking for! The trick with the rocks, the knots, just perfect! Thanks!

[papajeff]

I am a tarp guy. I’m a retired Army vet. I have used tarps for me and my family for a long time ~ 40 years. Your instructions were great. I have used multiple tarps, big enough to cover my tent, truck and picnic table. I raise them on their diagonal corners, high, using a fishing rod and sinker, a rock, a stick, a bow and arrow, to get the lines way up in the trees. I have used a ridge line and bungee cords, small rock “ghosties”, and had those grommets tear out at the worst possible time (a cold, rain storm and gale at 2 AM). The pros being: they’re lighter, they shuck water much easier, they fold and roll up easy, they’re cheaper, they let one see the surrounding forest, walking in and out of their shelter is easier, and they have multiple custom configurations, sizes and uses. Con? Well, they don’t cuddle or tickle your ass with a feather. Kentucky

[eaanderson]

Such a reasonable option…well demonstrated & explained, too. Thanks, young man.

[DaibheadSeamas]

Hey thanks for the video! I used to camp that way all the time. Actually used a military surplus poncho for a while, switched to a larger tarp, and then eventually used a tent when I could afford a nice one. Recently, though, I’ve gone back to tarp camping. I love it so much! I use much lighter materials now and a few trinkets to make it easier, but it’s basically what you just demonstrated.

[markheming]

Great video!
I actually worked in reverse starting with a expensive UL tent moved to a good UL hammock & then decided I wanted to go full on UL minimalist backpacking with a tarp and have never looked back. Like you stated there’s just such a great connection with nature which is why I head out to the woods in the first place….. I would 100% recommend it to anyone

[bflochip]

I went on a 50 mile week long camping trip at Philmont Scout camp and all we used was tarp shelters for the whole trip. Its a very effective and simple system.

[itdk]

The mind is the greatest technology. This is genius!

[daveshirley]

I'm off out this coming Friday ( it's Wednesday evening here in the UK) for my first ever solo wild camp, with a tarp exactly like this. I can't wait. Found myself a mixed wood that's been coppiced in places, it has pines AND ancient deciduous. Your videos have been so helpful. I just need to put it into practice now. Thank you 👍

[boblamb]

I've done that a few times and carry a painters drop plastic sheet to use as the floor. Mkes for a light weight weight system. Also I've "zipped" up the back and front using the rock method to make holds to fully enclose it (need a little longer tarp to do that). I always dig a little trench around it also to carry water off if it rains. I really like his puttin the rock over the ancher he dug in the ground I've not done that and thought that was a great idea (I've done it without the rock but not as reliable as his idea with the rock). Great video!

[jeffreyarnold]

Great video. More and more I'm leaning towards getting an 8x10 foot tarp at Home Depot for my pack rather than a bushcraft tarp kit.

[jacobmorrison]

Always used tarp. I'm a hitchhiker in the USA and I still using one right now.

[thriftysurvivor]

I am also a fan of tarp camping. I also enjoy hammock camping and the two go well together. I just use stakes rather dead man anchors and usually don't even have to worry about tensioning them; I just drive them in at a distance that gives me the tension I'm looking for (Keep it simple). There is a situation where I may use a dead man anchor however. If I find myself on sandy soil, or another variation of it can also work in deep snow. Really enjoyed your video. Thanks for sharing.

[cantthinkof]

I've done tarp camping a bunch of times. The good thing is that you can lower the tarp to stop side winds. You can also pin the back end directly to the ground and put a short stick at the back to let the water drain off instead of making a puddle gather .tarps are really versatile. Its also true that you feel closer to nature. As long as you don't mind slugs n bugs and use a bivvy for your sleep system its really liberating

[strykeforce]

I really like your videos, especially the tip videos! Something I would also like to see is some more raw footage from some of your trips. I really like the uncut type of videos.

[joedemott]

Love the $20 shelter idea. I’ve done a lot of backpacking with the AMC and ultra lite gear is quite expensive. This is a good way to get started. And, in a heavy rainstorm it provides a shelter for group cooking. One question - what do you use for bug protection? In some places bug nets are a necessity

[raw-earth-exploits]

“Wilderness Therapy Guide” living in a tarp for 3 years.
Sounds like a simple term for an Elite Combat Special Forces Member.
Perfect instructional video!!!

[arlensmith]

A tarp pitch can be the best 4 season shelter.
It has to go tight to the ground on all sides and have a wood stove inside if it is going to be any good in a winter blizzard. The whole outfit cannot weigh more than 4 lbs. if backpackers are going to use it. A 10’x10’ tarp only needs to be pegged on the 4 corners with as many pegs as it takes to be secure in any wind. No grommets are needed. It has space for 2 cooking or 4 sleeping.
The chimney can serve as 1 of the 40” long corner poles. Sticks that have a small nail driven in both ends (head pinched off). One end stays put on the ground, the other end through a reinforced point exactly in the corner 40” from the edge of the tarp.
All sides can be raised forming an umbrella to cool off, heat from the stove or summer sun.

[narrator-timothymckean]

I’m excited to try out this technique. I camp often in the desert. How do you protect yourself from insects or other critters that might harm you when you sleep like this?

[RAINSMAN]

My usual is a 9x9 in a diamond configuration. It’s a palace and great in rain.

[F_F_C-]

This is great for Low budget camping or bugout bags!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!