Solo Tarp Shelter, Star Configuration, Bushcraft

[@JayhooOutdoors]

I’ve spent well over 10,000 on tents and yet sleeping under a tarp is still my favourite. So many options for different situations and you can be one with your surroundings. In the right conditions sleeping with out any shelter is even better.

[@dadgad68]

Ran a similar setup today myself. If you run a ridgeline and prusik knots and toggles you can avoid the hiking pole and branch. Worked great for me. Great setup and video thanks.

[@UglyTent]

Great suggestions. Thank you for the comment!

[@johnking8789]

That is some nice bush able to walk between the trees. No mosquito's, no ticks, no poisonous biting ants, no deadly snakes or spiders. Very lucky.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you, I am very blessed.

[@johnmichaels4330]

Right? In San Antonio we would be sleeping with scorpions and snakes against our bodies and tarantulas crawling over us. Really appreciate when we camp other places. Lol

[@bruceclark5627]

Recent bought this tarp after finding you and seeing this video, after 2 months of hard use,my Free Soldier tarp has made me very happy!

[@leonardpaxton2869]

Thanks to you,I got the 16 ×16 Kelty tarp.And Im ecstatic that I did..This tarp has boundless possibilities, and tough as nails too!! I recently thought that I wouls maybe start tent camping, but thsnks to you and several other channels, I'm sticking to my tarp. I saw that you haf a reflective ground cover,and I've recently bought the Acturaus reflective 10 ×10 tarp.This along with by Nemo 25R inflatable pad,and my bivy bag,patrol bag,will ensure an EXTREMELY warm ,comfortable sleep sytem.Thanks so much,for this video,much obliged. Thanks,L.C.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you for the kind words and wonderful comment. Enjoy the tarp camping!

[@patricelacroix8049]

Yeap ! Really enjoy, the music score, the first night shot with your stove lith up, everything perfect,like the star configuration , and always your good spirit .

[@UglyTent]

Thank you for the positive comment 🙏

[@WayneTheSeine]

Very nice. Looks like a ton of fun.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you, yes it was!

[@fwright4772]

That tarp was cool I will try to set up my tarp in my yard

[@LGSkywalker82]

Truly one of the best channels in the outdoor genre on KZbin good sir. I’ve got my aquaquest 10x7 but really want a 10x10 as well so thanks for sharing! These tarp configurations are really helpful! Cheers good sir

[@UglyTent]

Thank you my friend! I always appreciate the encouragement.

[@Occupuyourspine]

I think ten by ten feet would be the next size I get.

[@williehaddock8181]

I love this tarp I have had mine for almost 2 years now so many configurations you can put it in I bought it for my amok hammock because it has more tie out points and I'm glad I did it's well built and worth the money plus I love tarp camping also nice video...

[@GottaFly]

loved the music at the end - so goes with/expresses camping

[@UglyTent]

Thank you 🙏

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Looks awesome! Gonna have to get one of these!

[@rrcaniglia]

Kudos on the Firebox.

[@slickwillie3376]

I have a request that you try this sometime: Requires 3 average-sized cheap tarps, and one small one: Find 2 trees and set up head-high ridgeline. Connect 2 tarps along a common side with cord through the grommets, but with a 1 foot spacing; that is, the two tarps when all stretched out will be about 1 foot apart, connected to each other by the cord (or cords). Throw this over the ridgeline with the "gap" centered on the ridgeline and running the length of it. This is the "chimney". Pitch tarp #3 centered over the top of all this, angled out a bit so that there is some air gap between the roof tarp and the two lower (chimney) tarps. Thus air will freely flow from inside up to the ridgeline and out. Cover one or both shelter ends with small tarps. Build a normal camp fire right in the middle. Smoke will be drawn up and out. If a hammock is desired, thoroughly kill the fire and set up a hammock. When using as a cold tent, without a camp fire, you may pitch the roof tarp down against the other two so they are touching, thus lessening any air flow, if desired. Several campers can pool their tarps for a common shelter. Etc...

[@UglyTent]

That’s a lot to think about. But it sounds like a good idea, I might try it one of these days.

[@blissbliss3531]

over the top fabulous.......gotta have that firebox stove, this would work on the beach here at night without hassles.....love it...I could dig this ~

[@UglyTent]

Thanks! Believe it or not I've used it on the beach and it did great, with easy clean-up too.

[@JavierClaussell]

Nice!! i can imagine how much more room you'll have if you tied out the side tabs!! very kool indeed..thanx 4 sharing.

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for watching

[@HikingFeral]

I have just discovered this configuration moving from a tent to a tarp and I really like it ! I am 6'6 and where tents are crampt but weigh more and take up more room, you could fit 2 or 3 of Me on the star setup 😋 for less weight and space. Going to be switching between this and a simple A Frame depending on the weather for the rest of this year as I continue to learn knots and practice tarp origami lol. Thanks for sharing ATB from England.

[@UglyTent]

That’s awesome, I’m glad it’s working out for you. I have never heard “Tarp origami” before, that’s a good one. Thanks for the comment and for watching! ATB from Kentucky.

[@neilsdahlberg1323]

Thinking out of the box==Love this

[@UglyTent]

Thank you very much!

[@roberttosa2560]

Pretty great, and looks like a lot of fun. And so simple. Thanks for sharing.

[@trooper2221]

enjoying my tarp , that ive had for 2 years and only just opened it a week ago, thing is its a 16'x16' a bit large

[@UglyTent]

Good deal!

[@RC-qf3mp]

Nice set up. Seems like it would be easier with a ridgeline. I think I’ll try it that way and attach the tarp to prusik loops from the ridgeline.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you! Good luck and I hope it works out, sounds like a good idea.

[@Occupuyourspine]

That shape is also called a hooch.

[@Occupuyourspine]

I use a longish buck bowie knife sharpen it with a file leaving the burr on the left side. I can cut the mustard.

[@darrellbesser3606]

I had the Mt. House Lasagna with meat sauce last weekend down on the Chattooga River in Oconee County, SC. Very tasty!

[@UglyTent]

Good stuff!

[@loser-by-choice1269]

Nice setup, and that firebox is really cool.

[@UglyTent]

Thanks! Yeah I really like my Firebox stove.

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

Add back firewall ,rock or loglimbs, behind stove,,with wingwalls,provides big increase In felt heat. Also you can get a top shade for the candle lantern.provides plenty of light to function by,just need to hang it from tarp loop w/carabiner. Easier fire starter ,1/2 cotton ball saturated in Vaseline, can put many in small container or inside 2" piece of staw, pinch ends with needlenose pliers ,melt ends.make great emergency firestarters also,carry many,light much easier than esbit or twigs,will burn about 5 min. ..can even save more cost to use dryer lint.Tarp setups are a lot of practical fun,designs are endless. Good video,,practical ,useful knowledge. ....Stay safe and God Bless...

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for the feedback my friend! The top shade for the candle lantern is a good idea, I’ll look into that. God bless you too. Kenny

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Nice tarp setup and camp. Thanks and take care.

[@kayakcobber524]

Nice video . Tarp is best way to go .

[@UglyTent]

Thank you!

[@kayakcobber524]

@@UglyTent happy travels FB kayak cobber

[@johnf7017]

Kenny, just got a tarp last week , an 8x10 Etowah . Can't wait to use it . I have the moral patch "In God We Trust" on just about everything with Velcro I own. Like you I am also a Star Wars nut! May the Force be with you !

[@UglyTent]

Enjoy the tarp! Yes In God We Trust is one of my favorites. May the force be with you my friend!

[@johnf7017]

Thanks for the reply . Have you done the Canterbury class yet ? Look forward to some post class videos .

[@UglyTent]

No problem. Yes I have, but I’ve been playing catch up at home and work. I should have the video done by the end of next week. It was a great course. I’ve put a bunch of pics up on Instagram, check those out if you haven’t already.

[@sda5150]

Have done a similar config, but with a second hike pole instead of the rope to prop the middle up. works well for windy nights

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good. Thank you very much

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's a nice set up. Nice land too!

[@UglyTent]

Thank you!

[@HARDCHARGER6578]

Free soldier tarp 126in x 118in.. I have the same tarp it's a few years old and has never failed me.👍 Nice video by the way sorry Im late to it.

[@johnf7017]

Just rewatched this looks like it may be my choice for cold weather so I can drop the "door" . Nice video as always love the music too.

[@UglyTent]

Thanks John, I always appreciate your encouragement.

[@mariaotero5601]

Awesome tent!

[@UglyTent]

Thanks!

[@shawnnewsome4778]

My new go to setup.

[@bobbysurvivalandoutdoors2167]

Nice video. I like the trap setup.

[@UglyTent]

Thanks buddy!

[@kidbach]

nice scenery. a very versatile tarp configuration. thanks for sharing. if you ever replace your lantern, ill buy it.

[@UglyTent]

Thanks! I’ll let you know if I ever sell it. Lol

[@Javageo6]

I get to go spend a week in the woods hunting rabbits starting the 9th. I'm thinking of flying the tarp as a wind break for my Scorpion 3 tent. As a note, in bad weather if you bring the front corners together, from the star, you get a tepee with a door, than stake out the sides for runoff.

[@UglyTent]

Cool, good luck with the hunt. Thanks for the tip too!!

[@MokuNui808]

It looks like you could set up a Ridgeline and tie off the center tie off point and the one end you used the trekking pole for and just have it sideways? And if you back it up to one end of the Ridgeline it woul create more space in front. Also with another tarp in a lean to configuration with an overhang for awning would make a sort of front porch area! I think

[@emanuelperry6461]

Great video. Thx man.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you!

[@faithrada]

Oh yea... a bug net come spring would be a real game changer. In snake territory however I'll still retreat to my bath floor tent. That's a great looking tarp. Could you show us a tent / tarp set up for camping/cooking in a rain type situation???

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for watching and for the comment! Check out my video with the Adirondack Tarp congratulation.

[@mariaotero5601]

Awesome thanks so much for your video!!

[@tag1462]

A solid vid which made me subscribe. To be honest, I don't like tarp camping because I don't like sitting or lying on the ground. I hammock camp. I do have a tarp, well actually several tarps, that I use in case the weather get's bad. Other than the standard A frame there a few other tarp set ups you can use with a hammock. I do like the idea of this set up, especially because it's tied off in the center rather using a center pole as shown in a lot of other vids. I have a tendency to flop around a lot and end up knocking down the center pole. So bonus points for this set up!

[@UglyTent]

Thank you for the sub! I’m learning to appreciate hammock camping. Thanks for the great comment too.

[@desmo5514]

Here in 🇭🇲Oz I don't think one of those fire boxes would be ok in the bush during Summer with our fire restrictions. I might ask at our local RFS ( Rural Fire Service ) I love the idea of them. I think I'd get my firewood organised before dark, then just kick back with a J.D 😀 Cheers from Oz Neil

[@GearReviewDepot]

Far better than the Hilton! lol Thanks for sharing my friend.

[@UglyTent]

I’d rather be there then the Hilton any day. Lol

[@roypaulcarter4654]

Very nice

[@Skills2survive]

Another great outing !! Keep up the good work brother !!

[@UglyTent]

Thank buddy, I always appreciate it!

[@nopemupil8032]

Nice fire box

[@39camper]

Great videos

[@UglyTent]

Thank you!

[@douglasmayhew2487]

That would be a wonderful way for me to go camping if I did that

[@UglyTent]

Yes I love Tarp camping!

[@amyfletcher4749]

Just watched spirit forest tent take down video and the yours. Small world...lol

[@SpiritForest]

amy fletcher Kenny has a great channel, happy you watch him too. 😊

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for watching us both! ❤️

[@UglyTent]

Thanks 😊❤️

[@edsnaturebushcraft6985]

Very nice video good job well done. 🇨🇦⛺️🔥🍺

[@UglyTent]

Thank you! 🙏

[@trooper2221]

well you've probably seen some tarp configurations with floor, i tried one i saw far north bushcraft lonnie do, i liked it, u might too

[@UglyTent]

Lonnie is awesome! I’ve been following him for a while.

[@HudsonOutdoors]

Trooper2221 Lonnie is the man when it comes to tarp set-ups 💯 that man knows his stuff.

[@mariaotero5601]

You are adorable and I love your videos and handsome smile respectfully!!

[@HoosierRallyMaster]

Would it make any sense to stake out the midpoints, too? Seems it would tighten up the walls and help shed wind and rain if you get any weather.

[@UglyTent]

I did stake three of them, didn’t notice a big difference. But I could have not done it correctly. This was my first time with this configuration. Thanks for the comment!

[@mariaotero5601]

You can use the leafs in a big black plastic bag as a sleeping bag!!

[@ricardass3266]

nice. respect

[@davidhardegree5707]

Can you tell a little more about the ground cover you use? I came across this video while looking up information about tarp camping. I got out of tent camping when I bought a camper. I've since sold it and haven't bought a tent, yet. I'm eager to get back to the basics. But, I still haven't bought a tent. I do have a nice tarp, sleeping bag and pad. But, I think a little extra something to reflect heat is still needed before I go out. I enjoyed this video and will be looking at others you have!

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching! The ground tarp is a 5x7 “sportsman’s blanket”, an el-cheapo from an outdoor store. But it’s held up well. Just remember reflective side up in winter and reflective side down in summer.

[@gimmedahhcookies4341]

10:41...the reason why I have 7 inch flint rods

[@TheYoshi]

Thank you. Very good video! I will refer to future camps ^ ^ It was a video that I liked very much. I am not good at English, so I am sorry if I made a mistake.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you very much! You did just fine with your English.

[@bobgrove316]

Yes, I'm jealous. :) I've gotta get out there!

[@UglyTent]

Heck yeah, get outside! Thanks for the comment.

[@hermit6208]

I wonder if shock cord would be better for the peak tie out, in case of wind.

[@UglyTent]

Good point! I have used small bungee cords when it windy, that helps a lot.

[@ScottishWanderer]

Great set up mate i have set my tarp up in the configuration did not know the name know i do its a star atb stuart

[@UglyTent]

Thank you. I think there are different variations of the star, but the basics are the same.

[@freddymarcel-marcum6831]

Subscribed

[@jbutzi]

Great video. Nice setup. Hey, can you tell me if the ground under the firebox gets scorched? In other words could you use it on a picnic table for instance.

[@UglyTent]

That’s a good question. It doesn’t scorch the earth but I’m not sure I’d trust it on someone else’s picnic table. The Firebox Nano has a great ground protector, and the Firebox Stove has a catch tray. Hope that helps.

[@skids62]

A toboggan is a sled, a toque is a hat. How do you southern boys get that wrong?

[@UglyTent]

Lol. My bad, I’ll have to work on my vernacular. Thanks again for watching!

[@skids62]

I'm really enjoying your video's btw.

[@UglyTent]

I appreciate that.

[@bobgrove316]

I grew up saying toboggan for the knit cap and I'm from MD. But I say pop instead of soda too, so...

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

@@bobgrove316 :- The Mi'kmaq of the east coast of Canada introduced the word (tobaggan) for sled to the French, probably in the 1600's. It never was a word for a hat or toque. Americans often call the toque, a watchcap.

[@SpiritForest]

You did it! 😊 I truly love your videos.. totally smiled when I saw it in my feed. “Play like we’re kids!” Yes that is how I see you.. a kid playing in the woods. Now that’s a knife! I like that little stove, need to get me one of those too, I like how it contains the fire.. easy setup and safer than building one on the ground. I was tarp camping last weekend 😊 thanks for showing off this configuration.. I was waiting. Haha! Cheers my friend!

[@UglyTent]

Thanks! Of course I was thinking of you while doing this one, we have a lot in common and I think our styles are similar. But different enough to compliment each other...does that makes sense? Anyway, thanks as always. ❤️

[@SpiritForest]

Totally makes sense... we are definitely like minded. In 2018.. let's plan to collaborate, I could learn a lot from you. :) I think you rock!! ;)

[@UglyTent]

I feel the same 😉

[@johngergen1215]

Looks like fun. What brand is that ground tarp.

[@UglyTent]

It’s just a cheap box store variety. Nothing fancy.

[@KaylynnStrain]

I recently bought a 12 Survivors stove that comes with a grill, it's big enough for me to put my homemade alcohol stove in. is your tarp big enough to do a modified leanto where you have a ridge line and part of the tarp is horizontal? I recently ordered a tarp that is just shy of 10x10 (which I can also use as a ground sheet for my tent)

[@UglyTent]

The stove sounds good. Yes I’ve done a lot of different configurations and I believe the one you’re talking about is on my Bug Out Raft video.

[@davidvaughn7752]

Glad it wasn't raining.

[@jaac12000]

Awesome setup! Any word on how well it would perform in less favorable conditions?

[@UglyTent]

Thank you! I think it would do great, because of all the stake points and the low profile.

[@robertrussell1141]

What brand is that floor liner you used for your sleeping bag?

[@clippertalk]

Great vid! I missed it but what’s the size of it?

[@UglyTent]

It’s approximately 10x10.

[@Eezyriderr1]

I run a Ridgeline throu my peak tie out for a similar pitch. I think that's easiest (when you have two properly distanced trees). But I like the tree limb method if that's all I got. Sadly it's usually a stupid pole in the middle of everything.

[@UglyTent]

I understand about the pole. Thanks for the comment!

[@Riverdm]

What tarp is this? Thanks great video

[@UglyTent]

I believe it a Free Soldier, or maybe a OneTigris. I’ll have to go back and look

[@tannenherz]

High, i think, you use a bigger tarp than a 3 X 3 . If not, please tell me. Kindly Fiete

[@ramadaxl]

Instead of kicking all the leaves OUT...why not pile more of them IN...and use them to make an even more comfortable bed for the night...extra insulation as well!

[@UglyTent]

Mainly I do that to remove the sticks, rocks and nuts for they are uncomfortable to camp on. However I’ve used leaves for insulation many times, but is pays to remove the hard stuff. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Good job on the tarp setup. Not as easy as it seems like it would be. I use an MLD Speedmid 3 tarp. Liked the video and subscribed to your channel.

[@UglyTent]

Thanks for watching and for the sub! Most appreciated. I’ve never heard of MLD Speedmid 3, I’ll have to look that one up.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

MLD is Mountain Laurel Designs a company that makes several ultra light products. The Speed Mid is a pyramid style 3 person tarp that uses one trekking pole in the center and is very wind resistant. I would love to have you on board as a subscriber at my channel for some hiking and music, as well.

[@UglyTent]

Thank you again Tom! I will check your channel out.

[@TomandJulieMineExploring]

Sounds good.

[@ZZoutdoors]

Kenny my Internet has been down fer three weeks so I'm real slow watchin'! i'm at my boys house stealin' his!! HA! real good one Brother, I like that set up! We think a lot a like cause my video comin' this weekend I went back myself! I think you'll like it! Have a Happy Holiday Season with your Family. Thanks. Really enjoyed!! ZZ.

[@UglyTent]

Hey ZZ! That stinks about your internet. Yes I do believe we are like minded. I’ll be looking for your video. Thanks brother!

[@axerxes3981]

Kenny.... good video. Lots of good information. Thanks for sharing!! Ax BTW.... how long you been using your FireBox??

[@chrispierce2942]

Since he got it lol

[@UglyTent]

I’ve been using it for about 4 years now. It’s a very nice piece of kit.

[@axerxes3981]

Kenny.... thanks for the follow up and info. Muchly appreciated. Best wishes..... Ax

[@45s262]

What do you do about spiders? I went camping and my tent door was open for 1, maybe 2 hours and it was loaded with spiders all over the walls. Everywhere! 50 spiders at least. I'm thinking a can of repellant around perimeter. What do u do

[@UglyTent]

Yeah spiders can be a problem and they creep me out too. It does help to spray your gear, including your tent with Permethrin. I highly recommend it.

[@phatoutdoors306]

Great video! I have the aqua quest defender but was looking for something for day camps that was a little lighter. That tarp looks great and can’t beat the price!!! Also how are you liking that saw after using for a while? It’s affordable as well.

[@UglyTent]

Love the saw, after I put the Bahco blade on it. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

What kind of reflective material was that ground made of?

[@UglyTent]

“Emergency” or “Sportsman’s” blanket

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

Have any issues with the stitching at all?? I have small holes in my where they sewed the loops on for the ridge line. They are sending me a replacement.

[@UglyTent]

I've not had any issues yet, but it's cool they're sending you another one.

[@Matt-to1bi]

I probably missed it but what size tires are using and what kind of type thank you

[@derbybushcraftandoutdoors3176]

I just ordered me a uco candle lantern. Thought I’d give one a try for nostalgia reasons. Does it help heat at all in a shelter like this. I have a polish lavvu and I’ve heard in a thick canvas tent like that it helps.

[@UglyTent]

Yes it helps more then you might think. I’ve got to get a new candle lantern, mine is over 20 years old and needs retired. I may go with the UCO. Thanks for the comment!

[@mycocoaone]

What is your tarp? Where did you get it? Size?

[@trooper2221]

Wonder if you’d be interested in doing a platform in a tree camp? I’ve seen a few on you tube, you know the climbing gear and all that, just a thought, I’m interested in it , and wanna try it maybe, be nice to be up off th ground in some spots I know

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Here in Ontario, Canada, the bugs would drive you crazy when sleeping under any tarp. The ONLY time bugs don't make tarp shelters impossible to sleep under is in WINTER, or under high wind conditions. I always wonder where these friendly, bug free places are for camping?

[@andrewkeeton3627]

Being a Texan, bugs are constant. We use Bug nets for bugs when tarp or hammock camping. I live in Colorado now and there is no need for a bug net because there’s no bugs

[@伊藝教進]

🤗👏🏝Okinawa🇯🇵

[@tomohawkravenmoon4518]

where do ya get that stove?

[@UglyTent]

www.fireboxstove.com

[@dpobroinn2565]

Great video! Where did you get you reflective groundsheet? Or what company makes it?

[@UglyTent]

Thank you! It’s nothing special, came from a sporting goods store. About $15, I believe you can find them on Amazon under Sportsman’s blanket, reflective tarp.

[@FactMan8]

Respect to you, I guess I'm a sissy but I'd be sketched out about all the bugs.

[@UglyTent]

I understand, sometimes they freak me out too. Thanks for watching!

[@albertosalgueiro9883]

excuse me this coment: why a so large tarp for solo person'; with that area i can make almeost a tent, with floor(2x1 m), a free ares more inside and close the tarp, using one tree a door; and i can rotate the shelter near the tree, according the wind, and make a fire outside, with a wood wal... good luc.l

[@UglyTent]

I’m showing different configurations with a tarp, it can be done a hundred different ways. Your way is another example, like mine was. Thanks for the comment and for watching! Kenny

[@mariaotero5601]

Why not make a rake to clear up area instead of your foot!! Just saying!

[@leecoffman2594]

TARPS ARE FOR LAZY CAMPERS !

[@michaelthigpen7677]

Way to many ads!!!