SGUK Outdoor Skills Challenge 29: Build a Shelter Using Only One Tarp and One Rope

A tarp and a length of rope can provide a surprisingly useful shelter without the weight or complexity of a tent. The trick is knowing where to position the tarp, how to tension the rope and how to make the most of the materials that you have available.

For this challenge, you are going to learn to build a tarp shelter. you’ll build a simple shelter using just one tarp and one length of rope. The aim is to create a stable structure that offers some protection from the weather.

Your Challenge

Build a basic tarp shelter using one tarp and one rope, without adding any extra camping equipment. Choose a suitable location, make the best use of the available materials and check that your shelter is stable.

What You’ll Need

• One tarpaulin with suitable attachment loops or eyelets.
• One length of rope long enough for your chosen setup.
• Two suitable, sturdy anchor points, such as healthy trees, where you have permission to use them.

Take the Challenge

1. Choose your location. Find a reasonably level, well-drained spot away from dead branches, unstable ground and areas that could flood. Check the forecast and avoid exposed locations in strong winds.
2. Set up the ridge line. Tie your rope securely between two suitable anchor points, leaving enough height for the shelter. Keep it taut, but don’t damage tree bark or use fragile branches.
3. Position the tarp. Drape the tarp over the rope so that it forms an A-frame, with fabric sloping down on both sides. Adjust it so that the ridge runs along the centre and there is enough space beneath to sit or shelter.
4. Secure the edges. Use the tarp’s existing loops and suitable natural anchor points to keep the corners from lifting. You must not add another rope, pegs or poles. If you cannot secure the tarp safely with the available setup, change the design or location rather than forcing it.
5. Check the shelter. Look along the ridge and both sides. The tarp should be reasonably taut, the edges should be secure and rain should be able to run off rather than collect in a sagging section.

Safety

Never pitch beneath dead or damaged branches, and don’t use a tree that looks unstable. A tarp can catch the wind like a sail, so don’t attempt this in strong or gusty conditions. Keep the rope at a height where people are unlikely to walk into it, and dismantle the shelter if conditions deteriorate.

Use only locations where you have permission, and leave the area as you found it. Do not climb trees or cut branches to create anchor points.

Check Your Results

Before completing the challenge, check that you can:

• Build a shelter using one tarp and one rope.
• Explain why you chose the location and anchor points.
• Keep the tarp reasonably taut and stable.
• Identify how the shelter would cope with wind and rain.

Complete the Challenge

Take a photograph showing your finished shelter, ideally from an angle that makes the ridge line and sloping sides easy to see. Explain briefly how you secured it using only the tarp and rope.

How to Submit Your Challenge

1. Go to your SGUK member profile.
2. Open the Social Activity area.
3. Upload a photograph of your shelter to your activity wall.
4. Add the hashtag #SGUKChallenge29.
5. Share your post for evidence verification.

Once you’ve shared your evidence and it has been verified, the SGUK Outdoor Skills Challenge 29 is complete and the completed challenges figure will be updated on your profile.

Challenge 29 Checklist

Want to Push Yourself?

Try adjusting the angle of the tarp and see how the changes affect the space beneath it and its protection from the wind. Think about which direction the rain is likely to come from and how you could position the shelter to offer better protection.

For more advice on camping in difficult conditions, read the Met Office guidance on camping in wind and rain.

What’s Next?

For your previous challenge, revisit SGUK Outdoor Skills Challenge 28: Find Five Signs That Tell You Which Way the Wind Has Been Blowing. Use what you learned about wind direction to help you choose the best orientation for your tarp shelter.

Each SGUK Outdoor Skills Challenge can be completed in any order, so keep practising and building your outdoor skills.

Learn. Practise. Master.

That’s what the SGUK Outdoor Skills Challenge is all about.