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How to Build Poncho Shelters

Ponchos are used to protect you from rain when you are hiking or camping. However, they are a versatile piece of equipment when you are adventuring outdoors. You can make a lean-to style shelter from a poncho and a small length of rope, suspending it from two trees and stretching it down to the ground at a slope. A poncho shelter can be constructed quickly when you need shelter in a hurry. For example, you may be out in the woods at nightfall and need to make a shelter for the night.

Things You'll Need

Poncho
Rope, 96 inches long
Roll of string
Knife
Hatchet

Instructions

- 1
  Locate two trees that are slightly farther apart than the length of your poncho. Make sure that the trees are on high ground and in a sheltered area.
- 2
  Attach the rope between the two trees, approximately 36 to 48 inches up from the ground. The height of the rope will be the height of the lean-to shelter opening. Tie the rope off at each end with a double knot.
- 3
  Cut off four 6-inch lengths of string with a knife. Tie one end of each length of string to each corner of the poncho with a double knot.
- 4
  Hold the poncho up by the strings on one long side. Center the side lengthwise along the rope. Tie each corner string to the rope so that the poncho is stretched out lengthwise along the rope to create the top edge of the lean-to shelter. Tie the strings to the rope with double knots.
- 5
  Cut two 18-inch lengths of a tree branch, using a hatchet. Chop a point on one end of each length of branch.
- 6
  Pull the bottom corner strings at an angle to the ground. Mark the ground at the bottom corners of the poncho with your foot.
- 7
  Hammer one stake into the ground at each corner mark with the back side of the hatchet head. Pull the strings out tight and tie each string to a corner stake using a double knot. This is the bottom edge of the lean-to shelter.

Nature