Middle Earth Ranger Forum

For those of you who might not have seen it on the FB page, it was recommended I re-post it here. I have been out of sight for some time so there are plenty of you I don't know, but some recent research has re-kindled my love for the ME Ranger life. I took some time last week while I was off of work (for the first time in I can't remember when) to try setting my tarp in a new (to me) shelter style. I cut the poles from here on my property while clearing a few small saplings and decided to keep them for use in those places where they get mad if you cut trees. Since I actually set this up on a spot on my property where it would have put a hill in the middle of my back, I did not sleep in it, but I could have; there was plenty of room for my 6'5" self and gear. I went ahead and tried my hand at starting a fire with flint and steel and then cooking a beef and barley stew in the fire pit you can see in the pics. I use the area for relaxing and practicing skills before trying them in the wild. I will definitely be trying to get out more often.

EMK

That's a very cool set-up, and it's great that you have a "test" area in which to practice! If you don't mind my asking, what size tarp are you using? Do you think it would be possible to do a set-up similar to that by tying a line to the peak, throwing it over a branch, and lifting it that way instead of cutting poles?

The tarp is a 9'x9' piece of 12 oz painter's tarp. One of the things I like about it is the various ways I could set it up. With a nearby tree I could run a rope from the tarp to the tree or over a branch to support the front. I could use my hiking stick (or spear) as a single front pole. If I was planning to spend only one night, I would not bother with the three poles, but if I know I might be there for a couple of days before moving on, the three pole system seemed more stable without the need for guy lines which would allow me to put this up very near a fire with a reflector wall which would give me plenty of warmth in winter. I really hate cold weather.

EMK

I hate the cold too.

The tripod is the stablest of structures. Full marks.

Looks like this design also provides a place to hang your gear for quick and easy access. For those of us in a relaxed and civilized setting, we tend to leave our kit laying about; in a real combat situation, you need to have your $#!+ in one sock, as it were, easy to grab and use or pick up and leave.

I also like how it provides wind protection and allows heat from the fire to come in. Very efficient I think.