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Canvas Tent Instructions

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By Richard Thomas
Pup tent schematic

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.

About The Author

Richard Thomas has been writing since 1997. A travel blogger, editor and writer, he has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam. He specializes in boxing, hiking, scuba diving, food and wine. Thomas holds a Master of Arts in international affairs.
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