In some places the weight of a tent can be dispensed with by building shelters from natural materials. However, in most places this is impractical either because it takes too long or the lack of suitable materials without damaging the local environment.

A good compromise in both weight and that feeling of “connection” to the natural world is a tarp sheet.

A tarp, basha or hootchi as they are sometimes called, consists of a waterproof sheet that can be rigged in a variety of ways to give shelter from wind and rain.

Most tarps have fixing points around the edge for pegging and tying down. Many are both lighter and cheaper than the lightest of tents and in many cases they offer advantages as well.

Tarp materials vary from plastic and proofed nylon to traditional materials like cotton canvas. Synthetics tend to be lighter and more water resistant. Natural fibres are quieter and slightly more fire resistant.

To work at their best the tarp material should be tight, as slack areas tend to collect water which can stress the whole construction.

The cord used to rig the tarp must be taut and this can be achieved either with commercial tensioners or good knot use. Another approach is to use elastic shock cord which can be stretched to give good tension but will give slightly in the wind.

This can be an advantage and a disadvantage as it will protect the tarp material from tearing but it may sometimes compromise the shelter in strong winds.

Personally, I favour a combination of these methods according to the conditions.

Here on the right you can see a variety of methods for using the tarp for shelter. I usually use a 3x3 metre cotton tarp which suits me for most applications but many people prefer nylon because it is lighter and dries much faster.

On occasions when I am travelling light I use a ripstop nylon poncho for shelter which allows me to dispense with carrying a waterproof jacket as well.

A poncho is quite small for a tarp camp but with careful placement it does provide just enough coverage for sleeping under as you can see below.

Just remember to tie up the hood to prevent leaks.

Of course tarps are not the only kind of portable shelter available Tents of all kinds are popular but amongst indigenous peoples of the North one design has stood the test of time. The Tepee / Tipi or Laavu.

The advantages of this classic design are all round wind resistance and the ability to shed snow from it’s steep pitched sides making it idea for winter use in Northern latitudes.

The old design was based around a small central fireplace but more modern versions often use a collapsable stove and chimney for heating. Again a central metal pole now tends to replace the multiple wooden poles of traditional types.

I still prefer the outdoor feel of a tarp, but bushcrafting does not mean having to go without all luxuries.

Ravenlore is a site promoting Bushcraft and Wilderness skills as a way of working, living and enjoying the wilderness with minimal impact on it’s resources. Bushcraft should be practised in a responsible manner with consideration for the environment and other people who seek to enjoy the outdoors.

Bushcraft skills complement many outdoor living pursuits such as walking, mountaineering, canoeing, hunting, fishing and in my case at least landscape photography. In fact I find the equipment suited to bushcraft often far exceeds the specification and usefulness of other high tech outdoor equipment.