How to make the 9x9 Tarp Tent (Step by Step)

Using a 9x9 canvas tarp, this is a complete step-by-step tutorial on how to make a tarp tent. It uses one tarp, seven stakes, one pole and three lengths of cord or rope. The tarp I used for the video is made from Sunforger Canvas and was manufactured to my specifications by The Blockade Runner in Tennessee. They can make them to any size and specs you desire and are great people to work with. As a disclaimer, I purchased the tarp with my own money and receive no compensation for using it. Here is a link to their site:
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[@WayPointSurvival]

In my opinion, this is one of the best all-weather tarp tent set ups. While this can be done with a smaller tarp, I believe a 9x9 is the smallest you would want to use and a 10x10 would be even better. It can sleep up to two people with gear storage and the front flaps can be closed if the weather is really pouring down. Thanks for watching and please leave me a comment in the section below!

[@stuartsteele9984]

Nice solution creating a tent w/a tarp. I just completed a 4.5 oz, diamond shaped floorless tent 5 ft x 9 ft x 3.5 ft high fully enclosable w/a waterproof zipper and a waterproof zippered vent w/mosquito netting and hood. The tent was created from 2 sheets of dynemma 4.5 ft x 7 ft 3 in. I have an 85 lb sprectra loop at the top center for hanging from above, but a center pole is also practical. Folded it sits in the palm of my hand, 3 in x 6.5 in x 1.5 in thick. Weight and volume are significantly reduced but the cost is high. The dynemma, adhesive tape, spectra fishing line and zippers set me back about $220. My initial plan was to make a tarp that could convert into the tent I created, but more dynemma would be required and I didn't have the proper zippers to succeed and my curiosity led me to define the finished weight of the tent alone. The combination of a tarp/tent provides exceptional set-up flexibility depending on the environment and weather - perhaps my next venture.

[@WayPointSurvival]

That sounds very cool! I would love to see a picture of the finished product. Perhaps you could send me a picture on Instagram.

[@stuartsteele9984]

@@WayPointSurvival Not a member of instagram. Please provide me an email address and I'll attach two photos that I've previously shared with my family abroad and friend locally.

[@WayPointSurvival]

You can send it to [e-mail]. thanks a lot!

[@MrSheckstr]

I have to wonder if there isn’t a way to adjust something in the design to get rid of that center post that really gets in the way . If there was a second strap along the center line to run a second lien up and to the back, or use two sticks either lashed together into an /\ or a | | or get real fancy and make an H and then a spare T-shirt give you a pretty decent weather door

[@TheBikerDodge]

Did this many years ago with a mate. We were camping in field next to the pub. We got everything sorted, then went to pub. I discovered malt whisky that night. We just about made it back to the tarp and flopped on the ground. Somehow the pole got dislodged and we woke up the next day laying on the grass with the tarp on top of us. I'm in my 70s now and I still remember that headache every time I go for the whisky.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, you definitely don't want to kick that pole down, lol!

[@celticbushcraft89]

Probably the best video that explains this set up step by step in real time, rather than being rushed. Very nice brilliant video. Thank you.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much and I'm glad that you enjoyed the video and found it useful!

[@timhayes45]

This is such a simple and affordable shelter, elegant in its own way. Making one out of a 20x20 today should be fun.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent!

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Outstanding, this is an excellent setup! Great demonstration brother!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much, my friend! Glad you liked it!

[@gobwalker]

So I finally finished my tarp tent. This thing is the best for car/truck step up. I waxed the canvas to help with rain here in the pnw. This was a super fun project to figure out with my kids. I couldn't find plans anywhere. I had to break down your tent in the video. Took me 2 and a half years. Thanks for the content. Be safe out there, everyone, and have fun.

[@michaeldemetriou1399]

He made that look easy just goes to show how good he is. The tarp/tent looked immaculate he genuinely loves what he does.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much!

[@mattgregory1739]

This is one of my favorite tarp setups, thanks for sharing! Used it while teaching wilderness survival merit badge years ago. Unfortunately no more hard ground sleeping for this old man. Thanks James!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you! It's also one of my favorites, as well. Thank you for watching!

[@NaeMuckle]

Get yourself a quality inflatable sleep pad and you could manage. Could always double it up with a thin foam Mat underneath your whole sleep system.

[@laurencetilley9194]

Hi James, instead of using one pole in the middle front. I lash two poles together very close to the top of the poles, I then place a small dry bag over the top of the poles to protect the tarp, similar to what you did at the centre back. This makes moving and setting up inside the tent much easier. Great tutorial on the best tarp tent set-up.👍

[@rasmuspedersen3563]

Or you could use a tennis ball on top of your poles😉

[@johnelder4273]

Excellent instructions. I vaguely remembered this set up from my Cubscout/Boyscout days. You explained it a lot better than my Scoutmaster did over 50 years ago but in his defense that poor fellow had to keep track of a lot of boys while doing it and we were quite a handful. 😂

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@davidleasure9138]

Great teaching video James. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. A tarp is a versatitle piece of kit for sure. A tent is a tent but a tarp can be whatever you need

[@WayPointSurvival]

I agree, thank you!

[@paulmilsaps4476]

This is a great ideal for a tarp tent. This ideal makes more sense to me then most of the others I’ve seen, especially for mild to moderate weather.

[@josephascroft4774]

Really good video, so easy to follow along

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@JEFLeb35712]

Best described and detailed video on that tarp setup. I have been watching many for a week now.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate it!

[@jasholden9741]

I think this setup is the #1 most popular for tarps in the 9-10 foot range of sizes. It is a variation of the traditional Holden Tent. In the traditional Holden tent, the pole is at the front edge of the tarp instead of moved back inward to make a beak. I have never understood why people waste tarp material by putting the stakes one step in at the back. I stake out the back corners at the corner and then use two tieouts to pop out the back side for headroom. You could also use two short poles installed from the inside. It makes the tarp look squared off from the rear and gives a lot more headroom inside. Also, I cut and install the pole before I stake out the front corners. I want the pole to be just high enough so I can sit cross legged at the front to brew coffee on my alk stove. After the pole is installed and staked out, I put in the corner stakes (at 2nd tieout) at the natural position they pull down to. I add tieouts on my tarps to be in my favorite positions. Sitting inside the door of the tent and brewing up hot tea or coffee is a great pleasure when it's raining. :)

[@WayPointSurvival]

Excellent. Thanks for adding this info to the comments and thank you for watching!

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

Jas, can you demonstrate that with your own video?

[@christophercox5566]

Thank you for taking the time to listening to your viewers and putting forth a great informational video based on our curiosity. I'd find it valuable if you could share other "not so popular" or "historically lost" tarp tent configurations. I've watched other channels which are good as well but they don't show what the inside looks like. Thanks for taking a short minute to include that shot as well. Very helpful.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you and glad you liked it and found it useful!

[@shannmartin9361]

My son is almost 17 and loves doing survival/bushcraft projects, just sent this to him to construct for himself. Looking forward to doing this with him using a 10x10 or 12x12 tarp.

[@WayPointSurvival]

That's excellent! Glad you liked it and that you plan to use it;

[@tom7o18]

I would definitely use this. Well done best I've seen for functionality.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@BrosephRussell]

I like that tarp set up one of my favorites

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, it's really effective! Thank you for watching!

[@ballisticcoefficientdepend9811]

I've been wanting to make my own oilcloth, and I believe that this setup would be perfect for it. It doesn't just look very effective for all seasons, it looks very tidy and neat, so I need to start practicing this setup! Thanks for the video, it's very appreciated! Stay safe out there and God bless!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, my friend! Glad you enjoyed it and God bless you too!

[@deborahpadgett2417]

You never fail to teach, instruct and have fun with bush crafting.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@regor8274]

Excellent teaching!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

A lot like the living room sheet tents we all did as a kid. So much adventure. Then by the time adulthood comes, we're (I) trained believe we have to have All kinds of expensive stuff. A tent that runs into a house complete with bubble blow up furniture. Thanks the video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching.

[@Jaden48108]

Of all the tarp configurations this one intrigues me the most. A 9x9 is the smallest I would work with. A 10x10 would probably serve better. Also have to consider weather conditions and how it applies to time for set up. Nice demo!

[@dpsycamore4159]

I'm in the process of designing a tarp and seeing this set up has made me decide on the square. Great vid and set up, thanks

[@WayPointSurvival]

Great! So glad you liked it and that you found it useful!

[@williammccaslin8527]

Cool bro, a vid with "TENT ORIGAMI" LOL, thx for the vid.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@stevenperez8157]

Well done sir, this is very helpful.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@richavery5431]

Definitely adding this one to the toolbox. Thanks James!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching!

[@danielhathaway8042]

I have a 12’ tarp that I use the sky is the limit on how I set it up. It depends on the site I select and the materials that are available. I’ve been Camping primitive since the early 1980’s I haven’t set it up the same way twice in a row. This is a nice set up.

[@scottconlon5124]

One of most useful instructions I've had. Outstanding. Thank you

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@puddin94]

I Can always use another tarp set up. Will give this a try. Thank you. Great video 👍😊❤️

[@atlenwoods7566]

That guy sure knows his stuff god bless him

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much and God bless you too!

[@keitharoo1962]

Best lesson I've seen yet on how to set up this pitch. Thanks!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@RealAmericanSanta]

Between this channel, which largely reinforces a lot of my own first hand knowledge and sometimes adds little pops and bits of extra usefulness i never thought of, and Skill Tree, i am learning so.much and keeping my hard won skills up to snuff or even improving them. Thank you for all this great and extremely useful co tent

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for all the kind words! I really appreciate it!

[@geoffallert1921]

Might give this a try as a biker tent/shelter. Cheers, mate.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheWesttexasbr549]

excellent setup James. Perfect for my area due to lack of trees. Thanks for sharing

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, glad I could be of some help!

[@victorbenner539]

This reminds me of the BSA tent that was called the "Adventure " tent. This was "back in the day" so to speak. I achieved the rank of Eagle scout May 5th 1976, the bicentennial year. So yuppers, it's been awhile. I preferred the tarp shelter that was the simple lean to design. Open in the front, about 5 feet of top,about 3 foot height in back with about 2 feet of floor on bottom. Nice small fire in front close to front that would reflect heat onto you as you slept and close enough you could add small pieces of wood through the night from. Anyway have a great day 🌤

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, you too!

[@MailableTuba666]

Thank you! I can't wait to try this on my next camping trip!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@SpamMusubi308]

Really like the shape of that tent, not sure but I think it could be done with a pair of adjustable hiking/walking poles. A bandana folded into quarters could be placed at top of the center pole between the tip and skin of the tarp to reduce stress on the peak. I really want to try this with a 9' x 12' painter's drop cloth 🤔🤪😁👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, it can be done with a hiking pole or two. You would definitely want to use a bandana at the top of the pole especially if it was made of nylon or other lighter material.

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Fantastic tent layout.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@garywood702]

one of my favorite tarp shelters!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, it's really a great setup!

[@thriftyoutdoorsman7860]

Keep up the great videos!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, will do!

[@joelevsen5873]

You always give good advice in your videos, thank you.

[@salsepulveda494]

A good one - clear and comprehensive. Thanks.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@karlsomers1145]

Perfect set-up👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@shabbatman370]

A night at the Four Seasons is camping ⛺️ for me.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Definitely a comfy place!

[@nwrasch]

Great explanation... Thank you for sharing this. :)

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@offthecouch1999]

Badasserie at its finest

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@reneelosie2644]

I think I fell in a bucket of knowledge on your channel.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you. Glad you're enjoying it.

[@reneelosie2644]

@@WayPointSurvival: You got me Hook line and sinker I'm subscribed.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much, and welcome aboard!

[@reneelosie2644]

@@WayPointSurvival: I've been watching all day between chores.

[@rgr798]

Thats pretty sweet dude

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@walterjunovich6180]

😳 Impressed & Subscribed !

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much, and welcome aboard!

[@melanieschroeder47]

Fantabulous!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@roberthead3930]

Excellent!! Thank you!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@bushleague3472]

Pretty slick, I usually just peg 3 corners and raise the 3rd. I kind of like watching my fire burn down and the stars come out, but if the wind is switchy it can get a bit cool. Too, it looks like some mosquito netting could be used to make this setup relatively bug free.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@chrish8818]

Nice content. Good volume, simple and to the point, very clear instructions.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@salcaptsal8165]

Really Great! Thanks

[@PREPFORIT]

I like how you created the Faceted sides. It must really cut the wind.

[@WayPointSurvival]

It works quite well. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@SK-qc6fb]

Nice set up!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@alf3553]

I’ve always liked that setup but just never tried it. I need to get out more 😂

[@WayPointSurvival]

It's really a great setup. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@kenwebster5053]

I'd be putting a loop in at the pole apex point. Then string a ridge line between trees and pull both tarp apex points up to that line. No poles required at all. Of course, you don't really need to add more loops, just slip in a small smooth rock under the tarp and wrap a line around the rock from the other side of the tarp to create a temporary tie point wherever you need one. Excellent & simple light tarp setup BTW.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, there are multiple ways that you could set this up. Thanks for watching!

[@kitchenratt]

Cool tent!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Excellent Video of how to...

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Love this setup. It looks good too.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@troyfullerton889]

How cool ty keep up the good work

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

I've got two 10'x8' camouflage tarps for this spring, I got a lot to learn!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@niconel6288]

Awesome tent gona rry it out myself

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad you liked it!

[@davidthelander1299]

I’ll use this in Sturgis next summer!

[@alexhalsana988]

Good job 👍

[@MrZippoHead13468]

Yeah that was really good.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrZippoHead13468]

@@WayPointSurvival Yes my thoughts are with you. I like your productions.

[@Strangernightg]

Hi James 👋 let me say that this video might be a year old but it's still great content and as for that tarp tent it is dynomic. This Is the best tarp tent ⛺ that I've seen today !!! 👏 👍👊👌👌💯 OUTSTANDING James.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much, I'm glad that you like it!

[@Rico-Suave_]

Watched all of it

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@pepejuan2924]

Always great info from your channel thanks for posting 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@NOSEBLOB]

Them's vampire killin' stakes.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Or, you could just eat a lot of garlic...lol!

[@captainjoesanglingadventur4894]

Pretty slick

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

This was fantastic

[@juliomendoza4482]

Great video lots of good information

[@wild_running]

Great information. Very well explained vid!!

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk9055]

Nice setup good concept.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@chevelless1428]

Awesome setup...really cool way to use the tarp...thank you...

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@james_lessick892]

Very nice set up. Thanks for the video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@lancepeacock3753]

Nice work as always sir!

[@troybranaman316]

Amazing!! I love that . Thank you so much for posting this video !! Take care and stay safe my friend !!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

Great layout!! Would love to try this with one of my larger tarps!

[@WayPointSurvival]

It would work well, I'm sure!

[@waynedyer3475]

Thanks for the info.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@stevemick6569]

Good info. Thanks!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@pradeeprawat4018]

So nice

[@atlenwoods7566]

That's great love it god bless good tent

[@chiefkirk]

Good one brother. That's a nice setup on the tarp James. Very handy pal. God Bless.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, Chief, I appreciate it! God bless you too!

[@johnnybushman651]

First time seeing this kind of tent , Looks like it would be fun to use. Thanks for the video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@jimstewart5739]

Good stuff! Thankee!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed. I most appreciate the kind words!

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Such a great looking tarp tent! Can't wait to use it. Great presentation.

[@wabinagi]

Thank You!!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Well done Two thumbs up.👍🏻 👍🏻

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@erinhellebuyck7527]

Thank you

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@wish1were]

Ya dude Great tix furr da lesson..

[@edwardclivedullah8019]

Gd one myfren, tq so much for sharing this gd info shalter.. Hello from sabah broneo island

[@Hoonozit]

Thanks man for the video, cool set up.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@johnburgin7478]

Really good set . I need to get a good tarp . I’m fairly tall so I’d prefer a ten by ten. Think I saw something similar on Far North from several years ago. Thanks for posting. Love seeing more options than just A frames

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, a 10x10 tarp would definitely give you more room. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@johnburgin7478]

@@WayPointSurvival looking forward to seeing some winter videos up there assuming y’all get a winter. Looks like you might have a Texas winter 😁

[@WayPointSurvival]

@@johnburgin7478 Yes, I also hope that we get a decent winter and some snow too!

[@titanostrongman]

Hey you have a great channel. I just wanted to say that in your presentation that the great qualities of your show and your personality in presentation will benefit the whole production if you slow down a little bit and present your content in that way. thinking of your breathing/breath while talking and presenting.i was a family performer ,host among other things for over a decade and i know slowing down can be hard to do. also please don't take this as an insult and not meant to hurt your feelings.truly there is never failure only feedback. keep the great channel going!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for the suggestion. Part of the problem is that my mic picks up really well and if I'm close to the camera it picks up my breathing a little too good. However, thanks for the suggestion, it's definitely something I need to work on as I tend to hold my breath when I'm doing something which makes me huff and puff to try to regain my breathing when I'm filming, lol.

[@mattthunder529]

Very interesting.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!