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How to Create Your Own Tent

You may be on a hike and some bad weather hits, or you simply want to rough it amid the glories of nature, but you don't want to hump a heavy tent or spend money on expensive camping gear. You first have to know how to construct your own tent, using items you can stow away in a hiker pack.

Things You'll Need

Plastic tarp
16 feet of rope
4 clasps
String

Instructions

- 1
  Tie a rope to two trees at least 6 feet apart. Make sure the rope is tight and at least 3 feet off the ground. Use a secure knot that won't loosen in extreme weather, such as a Tautline Hitch.
- 2
  Slide your waterproof covering over the rope, making sure the tarp is hanging evenly on both sides of the rope line.
- 3
  Pull the waterproof covering tight and clamp each corner with boulders at least three pounds in weight, sharp branches or stakes at least 30 centimeters long. Place two more clamps in the middle of the tent walls, making sure the waterproof covering is secure. If you use stakes or sticks to secure your tent walls, thread string --- such as butcher's string --- through the holes you made with your stakes, and tie them securely around the stakes.
- 4
  Lay a protective covering underneath the tent, such as foliage or a waterproof tarp. Make sure the edges of your ground covering do not protrude from the tent walls, which will help prevent rain or moisture from running off the tent walls onto your tent floor.

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