Canvas Tent Instructions

Canvas Tent Instructions

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dining_fly_(tent).png

A cheap way to get a basic tent is to pick up a surplus canvas two-man pup tent. These tents are widely available in Army surplus shops and on the Internet. While no backpacker would ever carry such a heavy tent, it has the virtue of being tough and an excellent shelter in bad weather.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Surplus canvas pup tent kit (includes support poles, stakes and line) Hammer
  • Surplus canvas pup tent kit (includes support poles, stakes and line)
  • Hammer
Step 1
Evaluate your proposed campsite. It should have enough soil for driving stakes and should not be in a drainage area--the bottom of a slope or between a slope and a watercourse, for example. It should also be roughly level. Clear the ground of any rocks, branches or other debris.
Step 2
Lay out the tent floor and top on the ground. Make sure the canvas isn't bunched and the guy line isn't tangled in the folds.
Step 3
Hammer the first metal support pole into place.
Step 4
Pull the guy line taut over the support pole, then stake the line into the ground using its loop. This is a lot easier if someone helps you, but it can be done solo.
Step 5
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the other support pole and finish anchoring the guy line. This will raise the spine of the tent.
Step 6
Pull the tent corners taut and stake them to the ground through their loops.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Write for Trails.com
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