How to Make a Bum Tent

A bum tent, more commonly referred to as a hobo tent, is a simple yet effective way to form a shelter while on the road or in the wilderness. "Hobo" was the term given in the late 19th century to migratory workers who were often very poor and homeless. These individuals wandered from town to town in search of wages. Along the way, they made do with meager possessions, often fashioning shelters out of scrap cloth or available materials. Making a bum tent while out in the wilderness is often done using a small tarp and rope.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Tarp
  • Sticks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate level ground between two trees. Clear away rocks, leaves or tree limbs from the area.

    • 2

      Tie a rope at least 6 feet high on one tree. Tie the rope to the other tree at the same height.

    • 3

      Drape the tarp over the rope. Ensure that the tarp is hanging evenly on both sides.

    • 4

      Insert sticks through the four corner eyelets (grommets) of the tarp into the ground. Use all available eyelets to stake the tarp to the ground if more are available.

    • 5

      Go back to one tree and untie the rope. Pull the rope as taut as possible to stretch the sides of the tarp and make them taut. Retie the rope on the tree.