Tarp Shelters

Knowing how to build a tarp shelter is very important.

This is because it is cheap, affordable and can be used in almost any way.

You can configure a tarp in anyway you want to, so that you can maximize your comfort or cover.

Why tarp shelters?

Cheap.

It doesn't cost a lot of money to get a tarp. So any one just starting out this is the perfect shelter to hold down the fort while you save up for your tent or hammock.

 Little Weight.

Tarps are lighter than most shelters. particularly tents which have metal or fiberglass parts. It is great for ultralight backpacking or cutting down on weight for any of your kits.

Fire/Cook.

Using a tarp leads for the use of a fire which is usually not possible and dangerous in a tent. The tarp shelter is properly ventilated  and this reduces condensations. Not only is having a fire possible but cooking as well this allows you for to stay dry and eat even on those raining days.

Weather.

You can use a tarp shelter in almost any weather condition. Works even better with a nice warm bedroll and a fire.

Size.

A tarp shelter can be as big as you want or as small as you. So long as you can manage it.

Customization.

You can literally put up a tarp anyway you want, to fit your specific needs and not the one size fits all strategy that we all have to face.

Nature.

With a tarp shelter you are more in tune with nature than in a tent. The tent is like your bubble of civilization completely secured from nature where as a tarp is more open. Although it depends on how you configure it. There are more options on how much you want to let in.

Why not use tarp shelters?

Bugs.

If you are in an area prone to bugs this might not be the type of shelter for you unless you have bug repellent or another means of deterring the bugs.

Breaking the skyline and or treeline.

One tends to disrupt the skyline and go way above the treeline in an effort for comfort or ease of setup. Depending on your desire you will need to learn to do a lower base shelter which can be intimidating to newcomers.

Prone to malfunctions?

A common misconception is that tarps are prone to burst, tears and leaks. Firstly, a tent is also prone to such things. Secondly if you were to buy…….lets say a cheap nylon construction tarp and place it at the bottom of your pack then drop and drag your pack along with you, no doubt you might damage the tarp. Ways to prevent this are simple keep away from sharp objects and if in doubt buy a quality tarp.

Points to note.

Skill.Learning curve. Is there a learning curve?

Well yes and no.

No because everyone already knows how to put one up. As children we put up forts using blankets and as adults we fold those blankets. We even already know how to tie simple knots.

Yes because the make more advance and creative shelters one may need to spend some time looking a pictures and some trail and error to get it right.

Types of tarps.

Cheap heavy duty tarps.

These tarps are great for beginners. Cost next to nothing and is relatively lightweight.

Commercial tarps.

These tarps are made to be the lightest the can as well as out of strong material. The pack small and one has many options. They can be a bit pricey though.

Military tarps like the British Basha.

These tarps are limited in design. Meaning there are not many sizes or colors. The pack down incredible small and weigh virtually nothing. These in my opinion are the best to choose but should only be bought by person who are sure its what they want.

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And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!

Food Box

How to start a food box

Your food box is your short term plan for food. For any reason whether its no money this month or a natural disaster or surprise camping trip. The point is that you cant get to a store and you are low on food.

Important things to consider;

Likes  -  make sure you buy or acquire is food you like and not allergic to. For example, if you don’t like MRE’s don’t stalk up on it because you wont eat it and if you get to a situation where that is all you have you will be miserable. Try out your stuff first.

Time - be sure to have a time limit so that you can determine how much to get. Start small and add. My time limit is one week to two weeks. I will give my kit list.

Use - Try it out. Let’s be honest everything spoils so by using it you keep your stalk fresh and make sure that your taste haven’t changed. Try buying more long lasting foods. As well as knowing how to use and make the most of your supplies.

Storage - Store your supplies in the safe place. I use a simple cardboard shoe box and i keep it on top of my wardrobe. Unfortunately this has prove to be unsafe as my family has gotten into it. So that brings me to the next topic.

Safety - Make sure you keep it safe and that no one can take your supplies. It makes no sense you go through all that troubled only to have when you need it you find that someone has been taking your stuff and now you have none.

Calories - Watch the calories of your items and take into account that you need more calories if you are going to active. So look up how much calories you need and double it per day.

Withdrawal - If you know that you have and addiction you need to pack for it. You can not expect you body to cope with the stress and other factors that that type of situation AND deal with withdrawal symptoms. It could be as simple as put a few packs of cigarettes or packs of coffee. But don’t be fooled it is the same with prescription medicine and over the counter medecine. So pack your medic kit as well.

Remember you are after calories and nutrients.

Carbohydrates and sugar = energy

My plan for the future

Food box-  1. 7 ramen                                                                                  

     2. 7 box mac and cheese                                                           

     3. 2 Powdered milk                                                                     

     4. Salt and sugar                                                                         

     5. Pepper sauce                                                                          

     6. Oats                                                                                         

     7. Tea ( tea bags since they store better than leaves, Powdered chocolate)                

     8. 7 + snack or chocolate bars                                                      

     9. 7 sardines                                                                                

     10. 7 can sausage                                                                       

     11. 7 corn beef                                                                              

     12. 7 crix                                                                                       

     13. powdered juice
14. 2 packet lentils
15. bag of rice

If you want to maximize space try repackaging into ziploc bags

The remains of my last food box before it was consumed by the third party.

             

   big shoe box

From the right;

Red label rose tea (teabags)

Machen ramen noodle soup chicken flavour

Turbo plus grapefruit and passion fruit flavour (powdered juice)

Blue pacific sardines in spicy tomato sauce

People’s choice evaporated milk

Instant miso soup

Nescafe cafe mokaccino

Three star safty matches

MRE condiments package (napkin, spoon, sugar, coffee, milk, salt)

Spork

Metal wire

MRE meals (garlic mashed potato, pork sausage party)

MRE powdered jiuce (lemon lime, orange)

MRE heater

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And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!

Top three army bags

Let’s cover a little more on bags. Particularly amry surplus bags. I would like to say that in St Lucia we have no way of getting army surplus gear besides ordering it online. These are a few of my favourites that i would one day like to have and what i think they are good for.

My top three military surplus bags.

First we have the US classic …………  Alice Bag

A large ALICE pack is ideal for almost any kit. Though I must say it succeeds in the Bug Out Bag and Camp Bag setting. It is too 'army' to be used in an every day setting. It is relatively cheap. Comes in OD green.

Has an external frame which i think by far is the best feature and straps for everything. No zips to break and can stuff almost anything in it.

ALICE (all-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment) is an equipment attachment system and accessory set officially adopted by the military in 1973. The ALICE pack has been phased out of military service though some still prefer to use it.
If you wanna get into a Bug Out bag and you live in the US this is the bag to go for.

Next we the UK classic ………. Bergen

This is my favorite big bag ever. Its is a huge 120 litre bag. Though because of the design it is more of a 80 litre bag since the 20 litre is the plastic covering(?) yea, the draw string part of the bag and I don’t like using it and the two 10 litre rocket pouches or PLCE pouches. Its more for when you reach on camp whatever extra you collect or when you unpack your stuff and you don’t want to pack it back properly.

It features a nice padded waist belt that actually fits and that was surprising since it is a one size fits all.

Has no sternum strap but you can add one easily.

Two rocket pouches. You can add them via zips or buckles or straps, so they are really not going anywhere. Can also add a camel pack in place of one of the rocket pouches. Yes you can use a normal one not necessarily a military issue one.

The two rocket pouches can be put together with a yoke to form a twenty litre day sack. A legit bag. (so cool, I want a yoke.)

 It has multiple pockets and a front utility pouch. Adjustable shoulder straps and side compression straps. Also comes in DPM camouflage.

Next we have my faourite Day Bag……….the Italian (alpini) Mountain Rucksack

Small little bag perfect for a two day hike or minimalist kit. Very waterproof. Features a main pouch and two side pouches with lacing on the outside. A strap running across the centre perfect an axe or sling shot or shovel. Straps at the bottom for latching stuff, maybe a shelter system but the straps are usually too shot, can be easily fixed with some cordage.

I feel like it was made the same time as the alice bag as it has the metal parts that is super durable. As well as its canvas material.

Shoulder straps are not that comfortable but then again it is a small bag not meant for carrying more than 50 lbs, though it could easily.

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And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!

Weight consideration for bags

Any bag that you make should not be more than half your weight. I ideal weight is 25% of your weight. Realistically there is no way a normal person will be able to carry a 100 lbs. especially children.

That being said you should train your body to carry at least half your weight. Most of us here in St Lucia already know the struggle of a carry a bag full of school books that weighs sometimes more than you and that’s from primary to secondary school. Not sure about the rest of the world and you have to carry a heavy bag everyday just make sure you can carry the weight of your pack.

Now some of us have disabilities and other long stories that affect the amount of weight we can carry. Honestly if you can’t you can’t. All I can say is buy lighter gear make use of your space and have mutli use items.

You must also consider your dog if you are using it to carry load. This is not a clear cut question. You should train a dog to pull a cart or carry a bag and gradually increase the weight to see how much it can carry comfortably for long periods.

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And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!

Rule #3 - C's

#3

 10 c’s of survival;

Cutting tool,

Cotton bandana,

Cordage,

Container,

Combustion,

Compass,

Cover,

Candle light,

Cargo tape,

Canvas needle.

#for female

Clean

Comfort

Let’s be honest we have all heard of this and in one way or another will hear or read on this again.

Basically each stands for something your kit should have. Call it the basic guidelines for making all your kits. Some are metaphoric for example, candle light simply meaning a light source such as a headlamp, flashlight and yes candle.

What I really want to talk about is clean and comfort.

I added those because, women, we all know what happens every month, some of us have it worse than others but we can all agree it sucks. Just imagine how much it would suck more if you are in a survival situation. Trust me men, you can stab yourself in the arm and still not touch the pain and discomfort women have to go through. Of course is not the end of the world (maybe). But it pays to be prepared and have methods for long term use just in case for example cotton rags you can wash and reuse. Men should also pack some of this stuff as they are great for first aid as well as helping a woman in need.

Now for comfort.

Personally I would and could carry 100 lbs of load if it meant I am completely covered comfort included. Like I always tell my cadets “if I could carry a bed I would, if it made sense to bring a sleeping bag I would but for now I settle on blanket on the floor so long as I am warm I am good.” I know I know what do I know about cold sleepless nights. Absolutely nothing. I could sleep on cold tiles during a hurricane and still be comfortable so long as my skin isn’t irritated. I usually wear a lot of clothes(not literally as in an extra layer). What I mean is that I am unique in that I can wear a winter jacket and walk up a hill without sweating. My body does a great job at regulating my body temperature so all I do is move my uniform use it as a blanket and night world. All of you who can’t sleep with clothes on can probably relate. The main point is comfort, whatever you need to comfortable bring it. Especially sleep. Because sleep is a beautiful thing indeed.

video from YouTube for further info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsrRRKC29-k

Leave a comment if your enjoyed it.

Share with your friends.

And remember survival is not a choice but a right earned at birth.

Be the Wolf!