How to Sling an Offset Load

Wilderness skills are an essential part of survival when out in the great outdoors. Often, outdoor enthusiasts are faced with a survival situation and must adapt using available materials to survive and get back home. If you find available materials to help you along your way and you collect too many to carry, make a sling to carry the load. Often, loads can be offset or cumbersome, making them difficult to carry. Properly slinging the load will make your trek more comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric ( tarp, poncho, sleeping bag or any available material)
  • Cordage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spread out a piece of fabric--a sleeping bag, poncho, tarp or any available flat fabric material--flat on the ground to make the sling body. An ideal piece of material should be about 4 feet square.

    • 2

      Place the items that you need to carry about one foot from one end of the fabric in a horizontal line. As you place the items, disperse the weight evenly along the line as much as possible. Heaviest items, which will offset the load, need to be placed at opposing ends of the line. Place medium and lightweight items along the middle of the line. Leave a one to two foot space from the ends of the fabric on both sides of the item line so that when you're ready to fold up the sling, you can fold the ends in to create a pocket and keep items from falling out.

    • 3

      Pad any bulky or sharp edged items with clothing or soft material, such as leaves. Stand facing the fabric so that the item line is horizontal as you look at it. Fold the left and right sides of the fabric up and over the items.

    • 4

      Lay cordage across the folded fabric, parallel to the line of items. Ensure that you place the cordage right next to the items. Fold the excess fabric--behind the item line--up over the items. Roll the fabric and items toward the opposite end of the fabric. Ensure that you keep the roll tight as you progress.

    • 5

      Lash the roll together tightly on both ends and in the center using cordage. Tie the ends of cordage that you placed across the fabric previously in a secure knot.

    • 6

      Sling the load across your shoulder, positioning the load either at your side or directly behind you. Whichever position is the most comfortable is ideal.