Introduction: Trekking Pole Blue Tarp Tent

Whether you need a tent quick, want to lighten your pack or forgot your tent at home this Instructable is for you. The tarp tent is not my invention but hopefully this new pitching method will make lightweight tarp camping possible for more outdoorsmen.  This tent can be constructed using objects most backpackers already are carrying on the trail. This multi use of gear cuts down pack weight allowing hikers to go father quicker or just have an easier hike. Enjoy and please feel free to leave any personal stories of tarp camping in the comments, I would love to hear!

Step 1: Supplies

As I said in the intro most of the supplies needed to construct this shelter are already in your hiking pack. 

You will need:
A tarp: The bigger the tarp the bigger the tent. Also, longer tarps will allow for the construction of a tent floor.
Trekking poles: The best way to pitch a tarp tent is with trekking poles. If you don't hike with them and you are camping near trees you can alternatively tie a rope between two trees.
A rope: Used if no trekking poles are available.
Utility stakes: Any type of tent stake will work.  

Step 2: Laying Out the Tarp and Initial Pitching

First lay out your tarp over your chosen tent spot with one longer side facing twoards your desidered exit area, make sure that no dead tree branches hang over the area. 
Next place a trekking pole about 2/3 of the way back under the tarp If the rear of the tarp does not touch the ground pull it gently until it does so. 
Then pull all of the tent sides taught and begin to stake out the tent. At this time you may adjust the location of the tent or trekking pole. 

Step 3: Final Touches

Now that we have a basic tent shape let's erect the rest of the tarp.
To do this place the other trekking pole in the center of the front edge of the tarp. At this time make any further necessary adjustments to the tent stakes. 

Step 4: Rope Tent

If you have no trekking poles but do have a rope you can construct this tarp tent. 
Steps
1: Tie a rope between two trees (or one tree and a stake)
2: Lay the tarp over the line, with the rope intersecting the long side for more space and the shorter side for a tent floor.
3: Stake out the tent and fold the extra tarp under the tent for a floor. (see pictures)


For the tent floor stake out only the corners but from the inside, then fold the tarp under. 

Step 5: All Done!!

Now you can take your tarp tent every where from the mountains to the beach! I hope you enjoyed this Instructable. Please leave any comments or critiques bellow. Happy camping!

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