DIY Canvas Shelter

A simple shelter known as a wedge tent is a quick, lean-to-type shelter that can be set up in minutes in an emergency situation using little more than a canvas tarp and a length of paracord. While wedge tents are open on each end, they nonetheless provide a stranded camper, hiker or soldier with a much needed, simple shelter that will trap in radiant heat from a campfire, block light winds and even protect against moderate rain.

Things You'll Need

  • Canvas tarp with grommets
  • 6 to 12 feet of paracord
  • 2 sturdy trees or trekking poles
  • Tent stakes or thick sticks
  • Grommet kit (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Locate two sturdy trees between which the tent will be set. Should you be in a place where there are no trees or where the trees are not strong enough to support the shelter, use trekking poles.

    • 2

      String the paracord between the trees or trekking poles at chest level. Be sure to secure the paracord with strong knots, like rolling hitch knots, so that the cord stays in place.

    • 3

      Drape the canvas tarp over the paracord so that the cord is in the middle of the tarp. Most canvas tarps include brass rings or "grommets" every 2 feet or so along the sides and at every corner, as well as double stitched seams and hems to make them more durable. These grommets are essential and, should they not already be in place, may be added beforehand using a grommet kit.

    • 4

      Pull the canvas down to form an "A" and stake the canvas to the ground by inserting the tent stakes or thick sticks through the grommets in the canvas and pushing them into the ground using the end of a hatchet or a large rock.