15 Shelters with a Tarp | Camping & Bushcraft

15 shelters you can make with a tarp and use for bushcraft and camping in the wilderness. The first 1000 people who click the link will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/taoutdoors0820 There are tips on what tarp I am using, how to put up a tarp, what knots to use for the ridgeline and tarp tie out points as well as guy lines. Many of these tarp setups represent bushcraft shelters. I have tried and tested many of these on solo overnight camping trips in winter and summer. Below is a link to the tarp I use:
My Tarp (US): amzn.to/3kf63Pt
My Tarp (UK): amzn.to/30stY6g
Paracord (US): amzn.to/3gFkcTO
Paracord (UK): amzn.to/3kc3Kgd
Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
02:13 - Ridgeline Knots
03:31 - Adirondack Shelter
04:07 - Prussic Knot
06:26 - Basic Lean-to
07:28 - Lean-to with Roof
07:50 - Guy Line Hitch
08:50 - A-frame Shelter
09:13 - Flying A-frame
10:02 - Diamond Fly
11:06 - C-Fly
12:15 - C-Fly Wedge
12:31 - Bodybag
13:23 - Extended A-frame
13:44 - Stealth Shelter
14:48 - Ground Bivi
15:34 - Tarp Tipi
16:30 - Tarp Tent
18:15 - Plow Point Shelter
TA OUTDOORS BUSHCRAFT & CAMPING GEAR SHOP: www.taoutdoors.com/shop/
TA OUTDOORS MERCHANDISE: taofficial.com
My Bushcraft, Survival and Filming Gear (Amazon): www.amazon.com/shop/taoutdoors
These are amazon affiliate links
INSTAGRAM: / taoutdoorofficial
FACEBOOK: / totallyawesomeoutdoors
TWITTER: / outdoorsta
#shelters #bushcraft #tarp #camping #wilderness

[@TAOutdoors]

Which is your favourite setup?

[@Craigscabin]

I prefer the A-frame and flying A frame as its great for short trips and days out

[@paulthompson8613]

Tarp tent

[@ogthemendomonster707]

The tent style set up would have to be my favorite. But all 15 are great. Why haven't you applied for the American History Channels show Alone? You would win for sure.

[@ollepearce3116]

The one were u let us have notifications

[@cameronabblitt9727]

I've watch every video I'm an og

[@dustylivingston1151]

The stealth setups aren't very stealthy. Wife caught me in the living room 😂 great video man 🤙🏼

[@TabethaAurochs]

Awesomeness 🤣🤣 Thanks so much for the laugh today, I needed it!

[@gallopingg1]

BRILLIANT, LOL,LOL,

[@joshuawarren4951]

Maybe it wasn't set up low enough

[@jasontindell6734]

God Bless you!!!

[@TabethaAurochs]

@@joshuawarren4951 Either that, or his tarp did NOT match the drapes or the couch...

[@hh-vp9lz]

Hi I just want to say a huge thank you, I watched this one and I'm using the technique you are showing, for me it's not about wild camping or anything else, I'm actually homeless and this really is saving my life. For that I'm extremely grateful to you

[@awestuvid]

If you have access to the internet and a recording device, it would be really interesting to see how you live

[@wouldulikesomescons]

Good luck with life brother, hope your situation improves 🙏

[@philipbuckley759]

just staying dry, and a little warmth and you are ....good, to go......

[@warehousejo007]

same boat, brother, this is major info! 👍🏽🖖🏽

[@warehousejo007]

@@awestuvid not really a spectator sport, sport.

[@richardmacyczko1580]

You are one of the few bush crafters that still teach the basics as well as advanced. Your following has grown but not your ego. Thank you teacher! Rich from Florida.

[@niks_healthy_lifestyle1691]

My god, who knew there are so many ways to put up a tarp. I took my 11 & 13 year old to the peak District for camping & hiking. We're used to a massive tent with all the home comforts & all the amenities on campsites but have become interested in wild camping so bought a lightweight small tent & only took what we needed & what fitted in our backpacks, although the 1st night I booked a basic campsite with just basic toilets we planned to wild camp the 2nd night, but it heavy rained 12 hours solid & cooking outside the tent wasn't too fun after 3 changes of clothes & our waterproofs were drenched. It's not put us off but made me realise a tarp would have made all the difference so a quick search & I find you. Guess what we are doing today?? Practicing knots & some of the simpler ones you've mentioned. Thank you. Also subbed & saving other videos I come across that'll help us in future x

[@TAOutdoors]

Just seen this comment, thanks for subscribing and hope it helped you and your kids! - Mike

[@miltonaliff3316]

Hey man, I joined the primitive rendezvous association years ago, it is really great times ,family included, . Take a minute and look it up, kids axe and knife throwing, fire building skills and competition, and more. I live in West Virginia and go to the eastern primitive, here along the eastern mountains. The thing about it is you can only camp with the items they had before 1840. But if you want to go to visit there is a day for the public to come in and see everything before spending money on buckskins and canvas tents. Hope this is informative.

[@beanstealer1712]

Me: I need to go to sleep KZbin:no learn how to tie tarps

[@baszt]

This is so true!! :)))

[@loganseebach]

Relatable

[@josephtorres-sanchez9368]

true

[@sprocastersprocaster]

It’s 8:54 I’m considering just staying up all day at this point

[@arnodelange4600]

Me2

[@ofsabir]

It is the practicality and usefulness of your videos that attracted this many people up to this day. I am quite amazed how you keep your content's quality high in each video!

[@sonnysampson9165]

This video has a different style and more quality filming. Looking forward to the future of this channel 🌲

[@TAOutdoors]

Much more to come!

[@danielarias9099]

Love to see it I am a og

[@bena3341]

It's very similar to some of his older videos. A nice change up.

[@techandhandballwithsixth8344]

I am looking for loads of tips I am an Irish scout

[@relikcg]

Just getting into bushcraft and my 4 year old has been watching your videos with me. He now wants to get into the woods with me and we will try some of these out! Great video bud - Ian

[@TAOutdoors]

Awesome! Glad to hear

[@rkf2746]

Your comment touched me. If your 4 year old is showing an interest, by all means, take that interest and build on it. Run with it! I have two grown daughters, and in particular the youngest, I was so damn worried with my "career", I didn't take advantage of her interest in all things wild, or to the extent I should have. I'm now a retired "old fart" with few regrets. However, I do regret not taking more one on one time in the mountains with her. Doing things with your little-one is all about making memories that will last a life time. Be safe. Happy trails!🛶🪓

[@MW-nr5er]

the one thing that makes your content better than others is that you're so much more detailed. it helps to understand what your acturally saying. Love the content!

[@Holysnowboard]

That trucker hitch knot was a goddamn magic trick the way you presented it and I had to look up how to do it

[@robreesor5011]

It can be done even quicker...just bend a loop in the rope or cord and loop it back and around the base of the loop then pull the tip of the loop through the smaller loop and sinch it tight. Warning the loop is also hard to untie if you've really pulled it tight.

[@50shadesofcerakote]

@@robreesor5011 Take a shot everytime you say "loop" haha

[@BillOweninOttawa]

@@robreesor5011 The type of cord used really matters when it comes time to untie a knot too. The cheap line he is using here is just the worst!

[@communityprepper6153]

all preppers must watch this video! I keep an abundant amount of preps in my car. If Im ever caught away from home and I need to camp, I have a few tarp configurations I'll use! Everyone should know basic knots if they are in need of a temporary shelter! Great video!

[@LokyMusik]

7:45 is my fav in clear weather 9:05 - and this for bad conditions 12:30 - C fly wedge is interessting I didnt know that oô 15:15 i definitly have to try this Great compilaion should be get shared

[@shaekrieger3430]

Love the video, thank you for teaching my 4 year ago how to tie a knot and she is so proud of her achievement. She loves watching your videos with me.

[@drumrgrrrl4319]

1. You were the one I learned about this tarp from - THANK YOU! 2. Your videos are SO educational and fun to watch. 3. Your ridgeline demo was by far the easiest I've seen! I have a hard time remembering knots when I'm out there and this was perfect. Thank you for this video, all the 10 in 10 videos, and all your videos! You rock!

[@Mounhann]

No one's doing the bushcraft job better than you right now . If someone does it better, he's one of you

[@serhat.I]

Agreed

[@robertfox1401]

Thank you so much for this video. So many different styles of setting up a tarp and in a very concise manner is exactly the kind of thing many of us who are new to tarp camping need to know. I wanted to use just a tarp to camp but I have been very afraid to do so because I don't know what to do with the tarp. This video makes it look possible and versatile. Thank you.

[@Jaden48108]

Impressive list of tarp set ups. The tarp tent appeals to me the most followed by the Diamond Fly (because I have a hammock). This is something anyone can practice anywhere with a bunch of trees.

[@michaelstufflebean5726]

I'm going camping next weekend, maybe I can use some of these methods while I'm there. Love the videos!

[@TAOutdoors]

Good luck on your trip!

[@Bayan1905]

As someone who lives in the Adirondack Mountains, I will tell you this about that shelter, once you get to about mid December if it gets really cold here, you can forget about pounding stakes into the ground. By then, this year it was late November, the ground was frozen and you won't be pounding stakes at all. There are a lot of historical photos out there of hunters using that type of shelter, and a lot of them used canvas. There's another interesting variation where they would set up a shelter like inside a canoe or guide boat so that they would sleep off the ground and the canoe would be the bed. It resembled almost the tents you would see from the nomad tribes in the Arabian desert only smaller. There's an example in the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, NY of one like that and other shelters. Having lived in the Adirondacks almost my entire life, I can tell you having hunted and camped here, the biggest thing to worry about here is the weather. It can go from 60 degrees in the day during the fall to below zero very quickly. Everything done here if you're going to hike or camp, you better be prepared, more than one person seems to die every year up here in the woods from exposure or has to be rescued by Forest Rangers because they get up somewhere and the weather turns on them.

[@patrickcagney8060]

Was always hesitant about going from tent to tarp, but finally made the decision to begin researching it. Your video just gave me full confidence to get out there and try this. Extremely well-made and easy to follow. Thanks man, you got yourself a new subscriber

[@mikefogle5874]

I can't tell you how much I have learned from your videos. Thanks for taking the time to make these.

[@PiscatorLager]

The Stealth Shelter looks like a floored version of the double-pole Holden tent. Double-pole because it's usually created with two sticks under the two high points of the setup. The basic version without a floor needs a quite small (rectangular) tarp for a decent amount of protection from the elements.

[@baszt]

I've seen a lot if not all videos on youtube regarding tarps but this one is by far the most comprehensive and intuitive one and mixed with a great video edit and your calm voice makes at least for me my favourite tarp tutorial. Cheers and keep up the magic work!

[@whatsnottohike]

I've just purchased this tarp and so am now looking at different ways to set it up, for both as ground sleeping shelter and for my Hammock and this is EXACTLY what i was looking for! Thank you. I've been putting the practice in on my knots too so all being well, I'll be out very soon. Thanks again.

[@mammiemania893]

Thank you for the structuring of this video. I have enjoyed comparing one structure to another. Thank you also for the sharing of your knowledge; it's really appreciated.

[@survival4za851]

I love the stealth shelter, learnt it from one of your earlier videos and have used it a couple of times. Really good protection.

[@TheFatalHalo]

This might be one of my favorite videos on KZbin, sir! Your voice was soothing throughout, your instruction was detailed and easy to follow. Your demonstrations were well-filmed and comprehensive. I appreciate you dividing this video into chapters for easy reference and for providing links to the materials that you used. Impeccable production and informational quality and very proud to be a subscriber.

[@bjornalansonoutdoors1270]

I love this one as I am leaning more away from the tent / hammock camping and going more minimalistic ... all of these are great ideas ! thanks for posting !

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Really enjoyed this. Great presentation.

[@charleshoward448]

Thanks for the video! I've started showing my kids how to build shelters this past spring. We're going to watch this together and try out some new designs :) I usually use a bowline on the static end of the ridge line because they're a little easier to untie after they've been under tension. I like the use of toggles to lock in the prusik knots though, I'm going to try that! As far as tarps, that one you're using looks big and versatile. In my pack, I have a US military poncho, which has grommets around the edges so it can be tied to a ridge line and staked down. It's smaller than the tarp you're using, and hard to set up something you could stand in. But it also means I'm carrying one piece of gear that can be worn as a poncho that drapes over my pack, as well as being used as a basic shelter. So for light-weight backpacking in the mountains it's pretty good.

[@Crypticexpert]

This might just be the best DD tarp setup video available. Awesome instruction and quality!

[@throbin2856]

One of the best instructional vids on a massive selection of differing tarp setups...excellent work

[@gartenstuhl2396]

I don't have any experience setting up tarp shelters but in general I would prefer shelters like the A-frame shelter where I can attach an mosquito net to the ridge line. Thanks for the video!

[@TheDevonOutdoorsman]

Great video, I really enjoyed this. I bought the DD Tarp and Frontline hammock today to use when I’m out filming and photographing wildlife for my channel down here in Devon. I can already see ways I can use the Tarp as a hide. I think a refresher course in knot tying is needed though. Thanks for making this, I know a lot of time and effort went into making it. 👍

[@vicmansep1097]

This is pure gold! Thank you.

[@philfreda358]

One of the best tarp survival videos I've seen yet,, dry and warm means everything. 👍

[@In_MT]

Great information, Thanks!

[@kingrafa3938]

Like before watching 👍 watching from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@kyliewynne638]

Awesome to see bushcraft interest is international. How are things over there atm btw heard from a mate in Ireland who did some human rights work that its rough with all the killing

[@carlobatin1249]

Do you know a place where we can freely camp here in the Philippines?

[@blister4walken]

Bug net essential over there, unless you like ants in your pants 😀

[@mraarone]

You’re a kind person to make this video and set it up for others to use as a reference. Thanks!

[@griffyndragunov1170]

I have watched many videos on tarp set up, I have to say this is one of the best l have seen and like the way you show them...not one by one but how one can be changed into another depending on the situation or weather you may encounter. Excellent content as always!

[@adamoutdoorbushcraft8164]

Thank you, love your channel I'm learning a lot from you!

[@Felix-nt4bm]

heyy!! these are all so awesome i can't wait to try them out!! just a small advice for the tarp tent : putting a cover on your stick will protect the tarp from the friction of the pole caused by wind or movement. (you can put something like a water bottle, acup, pretty much anything that fits into the top of the stick! :)) amazing video again thank you very much!!

[@taumeltierchen]

Hey! I'm just getting into the whole bushcraft thing and your videos help me immensely. So I wanted to say thank you!

[@Helleuphoria]

Easily the best tarp set-up videos on YT right now, and you're other set up videos are excellent too. Underrated!

[@jeremyharris246]

The different tarp setups are inspiring, thanks! I recently saw a cool trick where you can push a stone up from underneath and tie it up from above to make it into an improvised anchor point for the tarp for a guy line. Looking forward to trying that out next time.

[@TAOutdoors]

Yes I do that sort of thing with my canvas Lavvu too. Thank you for watching!

[@FreezyAbitKT7A]

@@TAOutdoors you should show them a "sheet bend" for when cheap tarp grommets get ripped out.

[@diegorthumann8504]

Tanks man, really helpful!

[@TAOutdoors]

No problem

[@ly0nslife]

Perfect video for a sleepy morning, loved the second to last one with a support pole. Need to get out and use my tarp

[@samuelsparling878]

Excellent video. I really liked your knot descriptions and demos, you explained them quickly and showed them at a good pace.

[@SimonOutdoors]

Really helpful Mike, thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@TAOutdoors]

No problem, glad to help

[@zumaproductions7702]

Wow, you should do some mindfulness podcasts... that calming voice...

[@davidsuchy3581]

Amazing, thank you for the calm and clear walkthrough!

[@LauraRodriguez-nf7vo]

Love your videos, I am a single mother with two sons. I always tried to do the outdoors with them. All our outings always came to a very sad mess.. Never able to have the good fun memories. 😕. They are now alot older. I wish with all my heart That I would of found you 20 yrs ago. Either way I am learning now. I think I will start to practice setting up in my back yard for now.. Thank you for sharing all your skills. Be blessed!!!

[@boomartin3495]

This was a very interesting video.

[@NicMG]

Holy smokes, over 1.5mil subs. Well done dude!

[@sarlaccstapeworm990]

YOU my friend, are just a, a,, an AWESOME person!!😁 I LOVE people that are actually selfless enough, to take the time to help teach someone ELSE valuable lessons and "life skills", that will ultimately help them to take care of THEMSELVES in the long run!! Not to mention, that it's IMMENSELY ENTERTAINING!! Keep it up (because you're great at it)!! And I sincerely hope that you catch every dream you chase!!✌️👍💯

[@reececanode8909]

I like how you have the video organized with the chapters. Thank you for making a good quality video with useful information.

[@jon210478]

Probably the most useful thing I have watched in years. Great filming, concise, well explained. Nice one pal!

[@OoavastoO]

Brilliant video! Definitely a good resource on getting the most out of this versatile piece of kit. I've bookmarked it so I can refer to it often. Many thanks and ATB from Nova Scotia, 🇨🇦👍

[@andersalmstrom77]

always comes back to this video for a reminder of tarp setups thanks for it. looking forward to the summers trips

[@lollerskatez1]

The tarp tent setup can be improved upon a bit. If you face your center line so that it lines up with your entrance, you'll have tie off points to use for making more space and the back of the tarp tent by using the same method as shown in the plow point. Also, the tie off points have a double layer of tarp material and you can utilize this by placing your stick or trekking pole there. This also requires lining of the entrance and center line of the tarp. It's hard to convey this in written language and english isn't my first language so I hope I am making sense.

[@LeroyJGibbs]

Gee, with the way you presented these methods of using a tarp for camping, you could be a teacher. Wink wink, knudge knudge. 🤣🤣🤣

[@denakelley4363]

I really enjoy your tarp setup videos. This one was really comprehensive. Thanks.

[@dsartain3404]

Really like your videos - clear , quiet and easy to follow. Well explained and perfect pace. One of the best. Thank you.

[@russelljenkins7428]

This is the most professional and coherent bushcraft/camping series I have come across to date. No waffling just useful information, subscribed. Oh and very impressed you managed to get Jason Statham to do the narration ; )

[@NotALizardPerson81]

I use plastic pen tubes for toggles. They're light and slide in and out without tearing up my line.

[@mattmarzula]

I use natural wood debris. It's not potential plastic litter.

[@NotALizardPerson81]

@@mattmarzula the plastic pen tubes are from used and discarded pens. They are just being recycled instead of ending up in a landfill.

[@bbranett2188]

More to carry? Are you using cotton twine? What would cause that kind of wear?

[@NotALizardPerson81]

@@bbranett2188 living half the year under my tarps. I'm not playing Bushcraft like most people.

[@bencowles2105]

Nice. I have used all of these. I used the body bag shelter a lot during winter because it helps trap body heat especially if you modify it slightly to close up the ends half way.

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks Mike! Very good instructional video. 👍😁

[@kevinisbell1867]

I have one, lay tarp out flat, lay down on one end grab the tarp and roll your body while holding tarp. Burrito tarp shelter.

[@Kilo_Skunk]

Prusik knot is looped three times, not twice. The third loop allows for a stronger "lock" when the loop is under tension. Edit: The Guyline hitch is also known as the Taughtline hitch or Midshipman's hitch. The version shown is a slipped version (with the #36 tarred bankline though both will hold fine).

[@graceygrumble]

I think what you meant to say was, "some Prusik knots are looped three times".

[@tony7106]

Good to see you doing tarp work again. This is what got me onto your channel.

[@brianzwiger3515]

Just excellent. I learned a ton from this. Even the utilitarian tarp I carry with my daypack is now a very viable shelter option. Thanks for sharing.

[@grumpycaver1123]

Great overview! My goto is probably a lean to with the roof angled down/ wedge, because I'm lazy and it covers most situations for me. All good unless the wind changes on you in the middle of the night. Where's the stinky sock though? ;) Not sure if that video is still around or has disappeared into the depths of the internet.

[@TAOutdoors]

Haha that vid is still about! Well remembered. Still got the socks...

[@therealronswanson]

@@TAOutdoors i too wondered where your stinky socks had gone when you put up the tarp tent

[@DonHavjuan]

Every time I see someone make a floor with their tarp, I can see they've never tried doing this when it's raining. it just funnels rain in along the ground, straight onto you.

[@evilchaperone]

Ahhhh.. guilty. Learned the hard way. Lol.

[@ivotouart]

Brilliant guide, thanks for this!

[@rmsargent24]

Thanks a lot for this video. its genuinely o e of the best things I've seen on KZbin. Its so useful for someone starting out in Bivying. very informative and not at all patronising, you've got yourself a new subscriber 👍

[@countryside_guy]

The tarp tent, you could make a tripod from branches so there is no pole inside, suspend the tarp from it giving maximum room inside.

[@zsimon9427]

And still further option, if above branch available, tie the tip from branch above

[@Shaden0040]

Tarp Teepee = Tarpee? And yes Teepee is spelled without any I's and is spelled with double E's.

[@Diego-ud3nb]

English what can I say the hardest language ever!!

[@chelseab5467]

That was very interesting to watch. I'm glad you added one that didn't have any tree assistants. Thank you TA Outdoors!

[@kerrybay7995]

Brother, your videos are great. Your clear and concise explanations for every little thing keeps me coming back for more. Keep it up, and enjoy all that nature. Prost!

[@cpine9062]

I could listen to this guy read a dictionary.

[@PROG-MAN]

Mee too. He narrates so well.

[@FK-GOOGLE]

1:45 to skip the BS

[@KianBuildsStuff]

Thanks u

[@sigmalife9625]

You doing what you're not supposed to do, got me finished this awesome tips

[@stephanieworrall5751]

Just ordered a tarp and this is great, can't wait to have a go

[@edlandry9257]

Very informative! Thank you!👍🏻👍🏻

[@DarrenHW89]

Absolutely great video,just what I have been looking for,thanks Mike TA (Awesome) as usual!

[@DougPalumbo]

Excellent instruction and well filmed. No-nonsense and easy to follow...well done!

[@Major.Tom.1973]

I've been binge-watching many tarpology vids from many channels & this one is BY FAR the best!!! Well done and thank you 👏👏👏

[@Major.Tom.1973]

Came for the tarps, stayed for the rope-work. Those toggles are brilliant! 👍

[@stevenreid2969]

great video...tarp camping is so much nicer than tent camping. with a tarp you have the option of many different setups such is evident in your video. thanks for all the great information.

[@girock915]

Thanks for share your experiences. A big thanks from Italy!

[@aaronhunt1634]

Love it! Thanks for creating this.

[@austensperry4163]

Excellent info! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@philconey11]

My favorite setup is hammock/foam-air mat and tarp. Super flexible. Honestly have no need for anything else when solo. When I'm with my wife, my favorite setup is the spring-bar and air mattress.

[@diggie9598]

Awesome Job Man! Thank you for your efforts, much appreciated.

[@apprazer]

This is a great setup, can’t wait to try it out, thanks!

[@zolaburgess8344]

The BEST video displaying and using a tarp cover!! Awesome~

[@MA_theone]

Great setups and I like how you made making knots look so easy!

[@deanpricepestboss]

Great variety, thanks for sharing 👍🏼🙏

[@daveH786]

Really informative and clear. Never fail to impress, well done.

[@mldowjr08]

Absolutely marvelous!!!