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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

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

[@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😉

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@deborahpadgett2417]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@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.

[@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;

[@puddin94]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@keitharoo1962]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@josephtucciarone6878]

Fantastic tent layout.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@tom7o18]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much!

[@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!

[@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!

[@scottconlon5124]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@atlenwoods7566]

That guy sure knows his stuff god bless him

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much and God bless you too!

[@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.

[@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?

[@davidthelander1299]

I’ll use this in Sturgis next summer!

[@richavery5431]

Definitely adding this one to the toolbox. Thanks James!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching!

[@BrosephRussell]

I like that tarp set up one of my favorites

[@WayPointSurvival]

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

[@LaVaqueraMarin]

THIS IS GREAT!!! THANK YOU.......

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@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.

[@josephascroft4774]

Really good video, so easy to follow along

[@WayPointSurvival]

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!

[@garywood702]

one of my favorite tarp shelters!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, it's really a great setup!

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@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!

[@geoffallert1921]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@salsepulveda494]

A good one - clear and comprehensive. Thanks.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching!

[@karlsomers1145]

Perfect set-up👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@chrish8818]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@stevenperez8157]

Well done sir, this is very helpful.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@joelevsen5873]

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

[@regor8274]

Excellent teaching!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@MailableTuba666]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you! Glad you liked it!

[@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!

[@NOSEBLOB]

Them's vampire killin' stakes.

[@WayPointSurvival]

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

[@TheFLOMAN76]

Love this setup. It looks good too.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks!

[@SK-qc6fb]

Nice set up!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@markgilchrist1448]

That is a great setup. Could you do a demonstration of a Wealen (?) lean-to?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much! I may look into that.

[@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!

[@pepejuan2924]

Always great info from your channel thanks for posting 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@james_lessick892]

Very nice set up. Thanks for the video.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@tazman8271]

Another outstanding video. How much weight would ya think "Gum" treating it? I'm assuming doing so would increase the water deftection.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks so much! This tarp is made from sunforger canvas which is permanently treated.

[@williammccaslin8527]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@chevelless1428]

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

[@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!

[@russstentiford2252]

Thanks for the video. As you say at 6,1" this is cosy, too cosy for me. Will try the 4by4metre tarp to see if any better, however I don't think walking pole will work with the height... 👍

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk9055]

Nice setup good concept.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@godfreydebouillon8807]

Awesome instructions, thanks. What about the loop at the top, did that come om the tarp?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, glad you liked it! Yes, the loop came sewed into the tarp.

[@jimlacy9963]

Really good idea.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Glad you liked it!

[@outdoorniederrhein6724]

Hi, I use this kind of tarp from DD, new for me was your Performance with the X on the back Side. Thank you from Germany. B/R Dietmar

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching and commenting!

[@francoisdreesen9684]

How about putting a second X support on the opposite side and removing the center pole?

[@WayPointSurvival]

That might work. Thanks for watching.

[@thriftyoutdoorsman7860]

Keep up the great videos!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks, will do!

[@lancepeacock3753]

Nice work as always sir!

[@crystalramey3206]

If you can't stake the rope in the ground. Let's say for instance you need a tent indoors can you use sandbags to make it sturdy?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes. You could also do that.

[@crystalramey3206]

I'm working on a current diy project and this helps answer my question thank you. God Bless You!

[@bryanepp5340]

That's a pretty neat setup. Years ago I started camping with a canvas tent and keeping the rain from making its way into the tent was the biggest challenge. We used to trench but it didn't solve the problem completely. What is your experience dealing with water, and a canvas tent like this?

[@WayPointSurvival]

The best thing you can do is find a small mound to put the tarp on. The most difficult thing about sleeping with a canvas tent is finding the right location to pitch it. Otherwise, it is almost impossible to keep the water from running underneath it if the rain is heavy enough.

[@thomasthrift349]

Have you try going corner to corner as a tent design from a tarp?

[@WayPointSurvival]

Yes, that design is known as a plow point. Thank you for watching and for your question.

[@kitchenratt]

Cool tent!!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@walterjunovich6180]

😳 Impressed & Subscribed !

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much, and welcome aboard!

[@Apchestangenightout]

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!

[@KariulungGangmei]

Thank you for teaching me. God bless and Jesus loves you.

[@WayPointSurvival]

Indeed, God bless you too!

[@sifusasdo2314]

Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching.

[@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!

[@robertl4]

You could install a leather cup in the location for the pole

[@WayPointSurvival]

Good idea!

[@atlenwoods7566]

That's great love it god bless good tent

[@wild_running]

Great information. Very well explained vid!!

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Excellent Video of how to...

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you for watching!

[@Johonavich49]

Awesome James thanks! So you can buy that tarp at Walmart? I bought a tarp, but it didn’t have the straps on it.

[@WayPointSurvival]

No, that tarp is only available from a canvas supplier or someone who will make them custom for you.

[@Johonavich49]

@@WayPointSurvival ok

[@jaycimbak7781]

What a great tutorial! I have seen this tarp set up but have never had a clear understanding on how it is actually set up...until your video! Thank you for that. If I have a tarp with loops on the sides but not one in the middle, how would you attach a loop that is waterproof?

[@WayPointSurvival]

You would simply gather a smooth stone in the center of the tarp and then tie a slipknot around it instead of using a loop. Then you would lash that out to hold it up.

[@jaycimbak7781]

@@WayPointSurvival Thank you! Easy enough and no damage to the tarp!

[@alexhalsana988]

Good job 👍

[@rgr798]

Thats pretty sweet dude

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you!

[@juliomendoza4482]

Great video lots of good information

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

Can one make it a hot tent? I'm thinking the tarp could be set up and a place marked on it to cut out a hole and place a fire patch on it.

[@WayPointSurvival]

You could do that for sure. Thank you for watching.

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

@@WayPointSurvival Thank you for answering my question!

[@WayPointSurvival]

You're welcome!

[@twilightgardenspresentatio6384]

This was fantastic

[@niconel6288]

Awesome tent gona rry it out myself

[@WayPointSurvival]

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

[@davidthelander1299]

Cool! But I think I would use it with an external pole, instead of internal. Using maybe another ‘A-frame’ type setup, lashed the way you did it. I think that internal pole would be a pain. I’d use my ‘lightweight back-packer’ cot, to get off wet ground. Thanks for posting the video!

[@nwrasch]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thanks for watching!

[@shabbatman370]

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

[@WayPointSurvival]

Definitely a comfy place!

[@barrykelly2722]

It is a neat idea. I wonder how you would compare it to a simple a-frame as for ease of setup and space. I'm a large critter so space (dry usable space) is critical. Thanks again. Be alert and safe.

[@WayPointSurvival]

It's much more weatherproof than an a-frame. Also, if you are a bigger person I would recommend going with a 10x10 tarp. There is a lot of usable dry space inside of this shelter configuration, and it definitely has a higher ceiling than the A-frame configuration using this particular tarp which translates into more headroom.Thank you for watching and for your question!

[@krishoogstraat6866]

Well done Two thumbs up.👍🏻 👍🏻

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@garygraham4571]

Hi bro where did you get the tarp

[@WayPointSurvival]

I had it made for me at the Blockade Runner in Tennessee.

[@aubertlachance6076]

Does it have to be square or you can use a rectangular tarp?

[@WayPointSurvival]

A square tarp works best but I'm sure you could probably make a rectangular one work.

[@TACHILL]

Great setup bro. Lots of coverage

[@WayPointSurvival]

Thank you so much my friend!

[@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!