3x3 Tarp Tent Door Panel. Make an ultra-light door panel for your tarp.

In this video I will be making a super lightweight door panel for my 3x3 DD tarp. It closes off the opening at the front of the tarp when set up as a pyramid tarp tent and keeps out the wind and rain. Made from lightweight PU coated ripstop nylon, it packs down to the size of a tube of toothpaste and weights a mere 100g! I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
Rockytop by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons attribution license (creativecommons...) Artist audionautix.com/
Crowdad Stomp by Josh Kirsch. Media Right Productions.

[@jadynnhernandez4950]

What were the measurements you used?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hi, If you imagine the door as a diamond or kite shape - the measurement from the top to the bottom is 1700mm, the top point to each side point is 1300mm and the measurement from the bottom point to each side point is 1000mm. 👍

[@tuftywhite9628]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Thanks for that. I've an old tent I'm currently asset stripping. I'll have one of these doors soon.

[@billyaitken1713]

I know you've stopped replying on old your old vids now but, just in case, well done Simon, this is a 'no brainer' if you want to set up the tarp tent in inclement weather with a wind that's changing direction 👍

[@Ziethenausdembusch]

Thank you! 🙏 a really good idea.

[@blue105e]

Just made this now. Thanks so much

[@MrChrisPietrzak]

I've been looking at a bunch of videos using tarp tents, and I just wanted to point out that literally every single one I've seen, except for this one, mentions the drawback of having a vertical pole in the center taking up space. This is the only one I saw pointing out you can use two supports and make it an A-frame, completely fixing the problem. It's ALSO the only video pointing out you can shorten the back a bit, tuck in the excess tarp, and have more of a ground sheet than two small triangles in the corners. So, this isn't just a video on making a door panel for a tarp tent, it's also just the smartest video about the tarp tent in general. :)

[@1990Co]

If you run a ridgeline over the top of the tent, you can also support it that way. Jump to 5:35 in this video I forgot I had this actually. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHTOe2eNhsirj5I

[@peterlehmannl5972]

That pole in the middle was a bug bear to me,what an absolutely brilliant setup with the paddles. This could be done with poles as well,never seen anyone else doing this. Brilliant

[@Laubasss]

Very nice construction! Must try that with two sticks ( no canoe, no paddles😉). Cheers, from the Netherlands

[@CDPOutdoors]

Great Idea. Thank you for sharing. All the best Clive 🤠

[@Occupuyourspine]

Well done mister 🤠 Tempoary shelter will not get much better than this.

[@putrid_swamp_juice]

Looking forward to trying this with skiis in the winter.

[@GrillinandChillinwithColeman]

Great idea! You could even put in a zipper down the middle if you wanted to. Thanks for the idea.

[@matthewvelo]

Love the paddles set up; genius innovation. I'm going to try that with two hiking poles as the centre pole set up is a bit of a pain. I have used a rain poncho as a front door flap on my tarp tent before and with a couple of tie outs it works a lot like your tent flap set up. Cheers Simon.

[@juryrigging]

Have you gotten around to trying it with hiking poles yet? If so, did you need to do anything differently to get it to work?

[@matthewvelo]

@@juryrigging Hi mate, worked pretty well, but tripped over the guy line in the dark after emptying the hip flask.

[@kjartanottarsson3715]

Simon, a smart bloke in the woods ;)

[@PhilCherry3]

I started using the DD Magic Carpet tarps as accessory panels for my DD 3x3 & 4x4 tarps. They serve the same function as the panel you created in this video.

[@InimitaPaul]

I made a mesh panel for mine and attach it to the tarp with sticky back A/B strip magnets and the panel is cut down the middle with another set of strip magnets creating a door. It keeps the flying bugs out and condensation is kept to a minimum. I will be using that A frame method, nice one!

[@TheNomadicTrader]

Some good ideas there Simon. I like the A frame idea using your paddles and the use of the tarp at the back for a groundsheet - top job

[@ourtechwriter]

Most excellent! Very clever, and much needed.

[@MarkVenn66]

what simple but useful ideas. the back space can be a but dead so I like the peg out the second point. as for the a frame idea for paddles what a great idea. thanks matey

[@Bubba4168]

I’ve seen a lot of folks use a tarp to set up a tent in that configuration and always wondered when somebody would get smart enough to make a door for it. Congratulations, nice touch.

[@thebivouacexperience]

If you made and sold these I'd be hitting buy now. Excellent stuff. 👍

[@maximumeffort808]

Excellent bit of kit!

[@monig7870]

Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!!! This is totally what I needed to see!!! There are waaay too many mosquitoes [& other bugs here in Michigan to tent w/out a door or screen, Thank you @Simon, a bloke in the woods!!!

[@robg521]

Brilliant idea. I think you have found a niche in the market. (I would Buy one 👍)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Rob! DD do a tiny tarp called the magic carpet - a ready made door panel, just add your cord! Atb, Simon

[@AndyMacaskill]

@@simonablokeinthewoods does the magic carpet fit as well as this though?

[@moonlitedaze5688]

Great to see you sew your own gear!! Nice video!

[@Rufusthehound]

Great design 👍

[@rafaelroman3867]

Brother that is so brilliant!!!!

[@HomesteadFrance]

REALLY practical setup 👍

[@mattlast4093]

very very good !... i am rapidly becoming a tent-to-tarp convert after watching this

[@Pushyhog]

hell, now simons got me wanting a sewing machine:), Already ordered 3 pieces from uberleben. Lol. in the back yard now w/a striker, stove, & tindar wick.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Great Idea! I was never a 'go-LIGHTEST' backpacker. I went light enough since I had to carry it all...but COMFORT at the end of a weary day (well, many weary days) led me to appreciate how 'hacks' (they used to be called 'kinks' in American trailcraft at the turn of the 19th/20th Century) can improve the experience. We were not SURVIVING; we were a family on an arduous trail in lovely Northeastern USA woodlands. Those days last in our memories!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers James - anything for a bit more comfort after a hard days slog! Somewhere comfortable to sit and relax, some good food and a place to sleep restfully. Simple necessities! Atb, Simon.

[@simonwoodward438]

Brilliantly simple solution ' why didn't I think of that moment '! Thank you . I have a small DD Magic carpet which do the same job so I shall have a play in the garden later. I have been facing my set up towards a hedgerow for privacy when I can but its not always a guarantee you can get that sort of pitch when using a site.

[@wolf1066]

Now that's just showing off! Brilliant idea.

[@lynneagle4348]

Got to love a bloke who does his own sewing! Well done mate! Lynn XXX

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Lynn! I only do it because it sounds like an old machine gun hahaha! Atb, Simon.

[@Pushyhog]

wow! keep inventing and stitching your designs Simon.

[@thebritishbookworm2649]

Brilliant video. Great ideas.

[@banshee107]

Awesome!! When the bugs go away ditch the tent and switch to a tarp. I have used the plough/ diamond style but never seen it done with a floor. I’ll be doing this mod in the fall, thanks for the video!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! Yes, there’s certainly no defence against the bugs, not such an issue here in England, perhaps some sort of no-see-um zipped inner tent, but like you say, you might just as well use yer tent then haha! Atb, Simon.

[@banshee107]

Hey Simon, I just tried your tarp design. I used the A-frame set up with 2 trekking poles. Makes a lot more room and use of space instead of posting 1 pole in the middle of the tarp. I’ll be using this method from now on! Cheers!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

banshee107 - Brilliant! glad it worked well for you! 🏕 Atb, Simon.

[@taffdavies35]

Brilliant idea.

[@pedromoreiradafonseca7888]

Excellent video! The ground sheet tip is quite smart.

[@mfnd502]

This pitch is great! I haven't seen anyone do it quite this way. Love the kite door too.

[@jonbroadsword7572]

Great video with lots of interesting information. I wonder if you could also make another version of your 'door' out of bug netting to let the fresh air and sunshine in while keeping the insect life out.

[@chux72vette]

You could in essence make a multi faceted door with a zipped panel that contains the bug mesh behind it so you could still have the privacy when needed but yet pass thru ventilation as well. Good idea there as well and post a video if you do make one. Cheers~

[@mattreid859]

All the best clever ideas are simple. You've just nailed it!🙂. I've been deliberating tarp v v lightweight tent for a while - and this has just helped me decide. I like the A frame with paddles as well. I'm thinking you could also do this with walking poles?

[@slimpickins3425]

Awesome addition to your 3x3 DD tarp set up you crafty bugger!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😁

[@hansschmid3937]

good Job Simon, i had tryed a lot of other parts for this use.. an umbrella for example.. i took the front flaps inside together and blocked the rest with my water resistant canoepack... my next step will be an simple cheap ripstop poncho.. i am not trained in sewing.. 😁.... your solution is for sure the better one!!! Well done Simon... last Trip i used the 4x4 Tarp this way.. not bad at all... yesterday i saw.. there is a Tarp 5x5 available at the DD Shop.. with a big bipod... Hazel...... there is spooking a new simple Tipitent allround in my head... for a bad weather tour with a few guys... maybe dogs... we will see... 😂🤔😁😎 have fun outside Simon.. i am far away from your tasks... but it s also always a lot of fun.. kepp it simple.. ride on..

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Hans! The DD magic carpet tarp works well as a door too - and not too expensive either! 👍

[@hansschmid3937]

@@simonablokeinthewoods thats right! i also think so.. also as a Groundsheet unter a Tarp! Less weight than a Basha

[@richardbinstead9368]

Thanks Simon - you’ve solved a problem

[@Gabblerwba1]

Good idea for the tarp on that setup which you demonstrate, an extra annexe is always welcome and as you say it worked for you out in the field, so it’s earned its stripes. Thanks for the video Simon 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Mark, yes, I was impressed with it on the trip, I like to have a view from my shelter, but sometimes it’s also nice to feel closed in from the weather! Atb, Simon.

[@shamusstunts1168]

brilliant! Using the peg bag and carabiner to put tension on your paddles is ingenious.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Shamus. The carabiner tensioner was essential, without it, the paddles kept slipping. Glad you like it! Atb, Simon.

[@randywithofapt2660]

Just came across this and enjoyed the info. I'm thinking of trying the same with a hammock fly for doorway. Thanks for sharing.

[@slamfist_8855]

Yes Simon!!! Definitely on my shopping and project list!!!

[@rolandsalazar9562]

Simon, please do a tutorial on bushcraft knots. That would be great 👍🏼. Thanks for the great Tarp Tent lesson. I need to learn more camping ⛺️ origami. Best wishes and stay well. 🙏🏼⛺️😎

[@tonybrown7847]

I’m impressed. Great job 🎉

[@tentage26]

Very clever Simon well done

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Alan! Atb, Simon.

[@jeremynorman5329]

What a star you are. Simple and effective.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Jeremy! It works really well, as much mind got carried away, I curved the temptation to go technical haha - keeps it light too!

[@tomasmalmros6091]

Wow you are a very source full bloke. Very impressed.

[@GraysOutdoors]

Cheers mate. Just finished mine with a spare piece of Nylon and the loan of my wife’s Very expensive sewing machine. Can’t wait to use it.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Nice one! It makes a big difference to inside warmth (and privacy) 👍

[@GraysOutdoors]

👍

[@pakleader4]

Your still a genius in invented ways to utilize gear. You keep my mind working on ways to set up survival gear to be sustainable in case of an emergency 🆘. Hear in the states it’s hard to do what you do and still keep items within range to be carried in a backpack. I’m working on finding tarps that withstand long term plus made finished stoves manufactured and keep weight down. So far thanks to you I have now made a light weight SHFT backpack that can carry water and food as well as two types of shelters…, tarp and tents depending on what combo or time of the year!!!? You should start an instructor course or school in ways of taking regular materials and making them into better shelters. I took a defender tarp ( heavy duty) and used a tent rainfly as a door. Want to make a wood stove socket but can’t quite figure it out on how to make or cut it out without making a mess. And you know Aquaquest defender tarps are not cheep. This way I can take a wood stove used with the thicker material and stay warmer if its a winter time scenario plus with my rainfly door (improvised) it’s completely enclosed. Your a GENIUS Man. I love…Not in love of course lmmbo 🤣 but love all your videos in improvising gear for recreation and survival. KEEP’em coming my man if I have send money to you to help educate then so be it. Just let me know how! SEMPER FI

[@whatsnottohike]

This is brilliant. I think also a groundsheet could be made that you could then attach to the peg oout points, as the loops for them are pretty big. With a groundsheet just helps protect a sleeping pad etc, although your tent set up is clever with the folded in tarp acting as a sleeping area. Brilliant. Thanks!

[@WelshGallivanter]

Great Idea, still like my bug free tent though 😀 thanks for sharing

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - Yes, it definitely doesn’t stop the bugs!! Atb, Simon.

[@jmvreest]

Brilliant!!! Great video Simon. Thanks for sharing

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! Glad you liked it, Atb, Simon.

[@clarencespady9009]

Hey Simon. I have been watching you "channel" for some time now. I enjoy your content very much. Just watched this video, as I use the DD 2x3 meter (6x9 foot here in the States) and do configure it in the tent stye you have shown, the tips shown here will make a much better setup than I have been using. I will use the crossed paddle support, more likely trekking poles, going forward. A much better support solution. I will also be making the "door" very soon. Thank you for the tips, keep up with the content please. Thanks CB

[@mr.fisher3973]

Very creative and functional - I use the same setup with a bug net - this door idea will really make a complete setup!!!! Great video - God bless and take care.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks - I like the idea of a bug net - next mod right there hahaha! Cheers, Simon.

[@mr.fisher3973]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016BX3P6A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This is the one I use.

[@nasanction]

I use the DD XL 3 x 4.5, Fold it in half with this same setup and you have a floor. Now with a bit of 550 tie the center attachment point of the front floor and loop it up through the front center attachment point of the hood. The final step is to add the floor side attachment points to the side pegging of the top half. Now when you pull up the floor with the 550, it closes the whole door perfectly. I also added a screen panel that connects and operates the same way. Both work together too! This video I did showing the door, but pre-screened. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKbIlX2FeNeUfMk

[@oldbatwit5102]

Really good.

[@laurensplompen]

The door is a brilliant idea but I'm revisiting this just to see how you set up your DD 3x3. I've tried mine out in the garden last night, set up with a central trekking pole and pegged like 99% of the youtube videos suggest, and I was slightly disappointed at the sharp angles and unused space that you have when using that setup. Going to try your method (2 diagonal poles and other peg points) next, looks much better!

[@loonypics6938]

Very good for bike trips too Simon top class tip mate,many thanks TTFN.

[@dandeleona4760]

Good DIY

[@russstentiford2252]

Great video. Been wondering if there was a solution to the 'door' issue of the tarp tent. You seem to have nailed it. Liking the other pitching tips also. Thank you. 👏

[@gunterbecker8528]

Dead simple and very effective mate, 12 out of 10 😉

[@chardblack]

Great idea! Looking forward to your next video......hope to see one soon :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers! It’ll be a couple of weeks til the next one, I’m away at the moment! Atb, Simon.

[@davej7458]

A very good addition. I think an additional loop or tie eight inches or so down from the top of the door would give you ventilation under the bit of canopy that sticks out and still keep the rain out. We have lots of rain here and after a few days every thing is damp and most tents don't have enough rainproof ventilation.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Good idea! There is quite a bit of ventilation as it is - there is a good gap where you described- the top of the door panel and the under side of the tarp porch don’t quite meet, allowing for air flow, but still keeping the rain out. I haven’t tried it in a heavy downpour yet, but I think it would be okay - time will tell! 😁

[@chrismillington6839]

Great idea, I have set my tarp up as a tent using my walking poles , this would have been a welcome addition. Cheers!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Chris, especially when it’s pi**ing it down with rain! It turns a simple tarp shelter into an enclosed sanctuary! Atb, Simon.

[@johnnybushman651]

Hey Simon ,just happened to find this video and that is a good idea . I love to watch you make things , you’re so good at it. I can’t make a bird house without it leaning. 😆 thanks for the video , you’re awesome ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jasonwilliams9663]

Great Idea Simon. Thanks for sharing

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Jason! Atb, Simon.

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

Nice Idea

[@mradamdavies]

I love the idea of using paddles.... I don't want to get a walking pole to just use for my tarp... I never use walking poles, but I do use a fishing rod... Going to try an a-frame with my fishing rod as I hate the middle pole being there. Great video :)

[@seantheboy64]

Brilliant Simon, love the videos keep up the good work

[@unastasia]

Brilliant idea and so easy to make.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks, sometimes the simpler the idea, the better - it’s certainly lightweight - just shy of 100g. Cheers, Simon.

[@davnadz]

Brilliant use of oars.

[@Ashysand]

A realy great idea. I could do this as I use to walking sticks.

[@DannyWalker1949]

That Is Awesome, Simon. I like it. 👍👍👍👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers, simple but effective 😉 Atb, Simon.

[@jeffmcgrath8718]

Great idea thanks

[@GunsKnivesandBeer]

Wow. Nice work on that!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks! Atb, Simon,

[@LarsRibe]

Brilliant setup!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you, simple is best sometimes- it’s certainly lighter!! Atb, Simon.

[@TommieG63]

O.M.G What a GREAT Idea!!!! Love it!!!!!

[@mikebradshaw1851]

Very cool.

[@rrcaniglia]

Brilliant.

[@1967AJB]

Who would give it a thumbs down? Christ Simon you need to put some of your ideas into production. Lovely set up, very neat solution (no “see um” net version for dry solo nights? Another beautifully made film pal.

[@dirtyronald]

1967AJB Prob someone with fat fingers watching it on a phone accidentally pressing the thumbs down. On videos like this I imagine this to be the only explanation...........or just a knob head.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Andy! Love the idea of a bug net version!! As for the thumbs downers, people just will because they can - it doesn’t bother me in the slightest 😁 cheers mate and Atb, Simon.

[@1967AJB]

Simon, a bloke in the woods I just keep throwing these ideas to make you a million out there. I’ll take 10% in cash ;)

[@plofkraak6536]

It's really a great idea. I would like to see a video on that. Maybe some pictures of mosquitos desperately try to come in, while enjoying the moonlight outside. (I'm not a fan of mosquitos, but a lover of moonlight..)

[@GraysOutdoors]

Great idea, I have some ripstop at home this is my next project. Thanks. Grays

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Grays! Good luck with the project! 👍

[@billygoatfilms7531]

Hi Simon and as you know I’m totally impressed by your skills at EVERYTHING, but I have to say just give me my one-man Hilleberg tent and I’m a happy camper. No need for all this sewing and faffing, just keep it simple. 😉😂👍🤣😎

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Mike, yes, if I had a nice light Hilleberg, I’d just use that too hahaha! But then again, any excuse to fire up the old Vickers gun! Atb, Simon.

[@yellowmoontonkawanative8920]

Your videos are very informative. Good job like them very much and hi from texas ( native blood )

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoy them! All the very best from sunny England! Simon.

[@Woodsman_wildcamper]

Great idea, Simon, nice and simple. You could maybe put together your own internal bug net for the times the bugs get to much. Thanks for sharing, mate take care.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Andy, the bug net Is a great idea! Thanks mate, Atb.

[@spanishunboxinromero6595]

As always you offer to us a really nice interestin'video.thanks for sharing.best regards to you and your Beloved Maggie!Chévere,Paco

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Paco, glad you enjoyed it! Atb, Simon.

[@dianejacklin4338]

Yet another useful idea x

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Simple and effective 👍 nice one.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Martin! Atb,Simon.

[@09mrdon]

Brilliant! This was really inspiring. Thank you, Simon!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Donald, simple but works very well! Atb, Simon.

[@wubba_chicken]

Simon I’m a new sub as of today from Andy’s channel Kent survival i love your uploads and I’m extremely impressed with this upload I’m now on a mission to make one of these doors. What an amazing idea thank you. Can’t wait to want all of your uploads. Cheers. Chris

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Chris and thanks for the sub! Glad you enjoyed the video, the door makes a big difference and weighs so little, it’s worth taking with you whether you think you’ll need it or not. 👍 Atb, Simon.

[@jasonobee9067]

Great idea!! Well done mate

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you, it’s an adaptation of an existing idea really, I’ve just tweeked it a bit. Atb, Simon.

[@1436leonie]

Hi Simon always nice to see your diy projects. Perhaps this will also works with the de magic carpets. Keep up the good work

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Edward, yes, I think it would, I haven’t tried it, but look my at the dimensions, it should. Atb, Simon.

[@1436leonie]

Simon, a bloke in the woods thx for your respons. I will definitely try this setup in the near future

[@malcolmsmith9232]

Brilliantly simple!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Malcolm, Atb, Simon.

[@Tom_Bee_]

Brilliant

[@amyfletcher4749]

Love it! Now a bug net!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Haha - Yes, a bug net would be a good addition! Next project maybe! Atb, Simon

[@CraftyLittleMaker]

Fantastic stuff mate!! Makes me wanna get the tarp out right now!!

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers - the door is a great addition - especially at this time of year!

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Fantastic idea that Simon will get my sister in law to make me one 😂😂😂atvb jimmy 😎 😎

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Jimmy, I hope she doesn’t charge you too much haha! Atb mate, Simon.

[@c5173]

another great diy video.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks! Atb, Simon.