Shelter and knives-pic heavy

enix

enix

Joined
Mar 21, 2007
Messages
455
Well it was a nice day outside today do i decided to practice a few skills.
While not the most primitive of shelters, or the most difficult of situations it was fun to get out and do.

I saw a video on this site: BuschracftNorthwest.com on rigging a tarp so I thought that would be a place to start. I didn't think to take any photos while I putting it up but if you watch the video I did everything like in the video.

Here is a shot from the side


and front.

I'm not really sold on the idea of the prussik type knots that slide one way and grab another for this type of application. It seems like constant tightening is required. Either my methods are wrong, wrong type of rope/string, or the winds are just too much in my area. Although with this setup things can get very taught, the area is tidey, and if the winds are low then everything should be ok, I think.

Two photos of my sleeping setup, ENO Double Hammok, with new straps and buckles instead of caribeaners. I also have the ENO BugNet but there was no reason to hang that up this time, little cool for tons of critters.


I have two of the army surplus OD green sleeping pads, they work great for keeping the cool air off your back. My sleeping bag (hanging form the ridgeline in its stuff sack) is a Colman mummy style, not sure of the exact model but it is extremely light and warm.

I had a couple of knives out testing them more or less. I really like the kellam wolverine for the woodcraft chores, like making the tent pegs. I think it stayed sharper than the mora and the TAK1 is just to big for woodcarving, if you have the choice, otherwise it will make do just fine and has the added plus of being able to baton logs, if need be.


Also my EDC is the Vic SAK, which I used the saw to make quick work of turning long sticks into short ones in a neat fashion. The mini-rukus is my folder of choice going into the woods, so I had it, even though I was just in my backyard. :)


Thanks for looking.
​
 
I use tarps a lot myself and I've found that bungy cording is far better for guying a tarp than a more static line. Your setup will survive just about any kind of wind you'd use a tarp for in the first place and return to its original shape. Not great for the ridgeline though and it doesn't last as long as other lines.

You can get 3/16 and 1/4 bulk rolls at hardware and outdoor stores.
 
Very cool. I need to get into tarps. I have a couple just use them as ground cover mostly.
 
I finally broke down and ordered an Integral Designs Sil Poncho and ground cloth for my kit. I have an MSR Hubba Hubba, but it's too big for my "survival kit" bag. I'm interested to see how it works out.
 
Instead of prussik knots, try using the 'trucker's hitch.' It's adjustable but doesn't slip as much as a prussik. You can find it in "Ashley's Book of Knots."

Stitchawl
 
A correctly tied Prussik will not slip. make sure you're tying it properly. Comfy looking shelter you have there. Thanks for the pics.
 
good looking setup. i am itching after a nice 10x12' siltarp someday soon i hope...

the tarps i have now are too small really, when setup for stormy weather they have barely enough room for me to rollover under and when setup for nice weather they leave me totally exposed in case of a freak rain storm. they are also not too light.

i typically use an "taut line hitch" which is similar to a prusik. i can get these very tight, haven't had any issues so far.
tautline hitch

i also recieved recently a neat shelter that goes under a tarp in the buggy season that also has a waterproof floor. i'm excited to try it out next summer, hopefully with a new tarp.

i like tarps alot, for the versatility and the super light weight (compared to a tent).

i also might try playing with a hammock in the future, but mine isn't bugproof, just a basic hammock, so the only advantage (potentially) would be comfort...gotta play with it. that looks like a nice hammock there.
 
Hey enix, maybe you already know this but the Prusik sling should be significantly smaller in diameter than the rope you're attaching it to. That could be your problem.

Doc
 
DeadeyeLefty said:
I use tarps a lot myself and I've found that bungy cording is far better for guying a tarp than a more static line. Your setup will survive just about any kind of wind you'd use a tarp for in the first place and return to its original shape. Not great for the ridgeline though and it doesn't last as long as other lines.

You can get 3/16 and 1/4 bulk rolls at hardware and outdoor stores.
Click to expand...

Hey Deadeye Lefty, are you using hardware at the ends of the bungies or are you tying bungee knots?

Doc
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Hey enix, maybe you already know this but the Prusik sling should be significantly smaller in diameter than the rope you're attaching it to. That could be your problem.

Doc
Click to expand...


I understand what you are saying, the only way I can think of to do that is to splice in a smaller rope with a knot.
Also I may be reading your post wrong, but this knot involves only one piece. I'm sure you already know this, just trying to stay on the same page. :)

Thanks to all for the responses, much appreciated.

Evan

P.S. This, among other sources, is my info for knots, the prussic type knot I was using on the guy lines is called the tensioning hitch. http://www.bushcraftnorthwest.com/articles/Knots.htm
 
I second siguy's recommendation of a tautline hitch for this application. It looks to me like the knot you're using is difficult to get sufficiently tight for the knot to "lock up" in part because the bitter end doubles back on itself for quick release. Effectively that distributes the knot tension across the surface area of an extra strand of rope, thus lowering the internal friction. At least, that's what the voices tell me...:)
 
enix said:
I understand what you are saying, the only way I can think of to do that is to splice in a smaller rope with a knot.
Also I may be reading your post wrong, but this knot involves only one piece. I'm sure you already know this, just trying to stay on the same page. :)
Click to expand...

Hey enix, I'm not commenting on the knot you're using, but this is a Prusik knot - 2 ropes.

Prusikknot.jpg


Doc
 
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