In some places the weight of a tent can be dispensed with by building shelters from natural materials. However, in most places this is impractical either because it takes too long or the lack of suitable materials without damaging the local environment.

A good compromise in both weight and that feeling of “connection” to the natural world is a tarp sheet.

A tarp, basha or hootchi as they are sometimes called, consists of a waterproof sheet that can be rigged in a variety of ways to give shelter from wind and rain.

Most tarps have fixing points around the edge for pegging and tying down. Many are both lighter and cheaper than the lightest of tents and in many cases they offer advantages as well.

Tarp materials vary from plastic and proofed nylon to traditional materials like cotton canvas. Synthetics tend to be lighter and more water resistant. Natural fibres are quieter and slightly more fire resistant.

To work at their best the tarp material should be tight, as slack areas tend to collect water which can stress the whole construction.

The cord used to rig the tarp must be taut and this can be achieved either with commercial tensioners or good knot use. Another approach is to use elastic shock cord which can be stretched to give good tension but will give slightly in the wind.

This can be an advantage and a disadvantage as it will protect the tarp material from tearing but it may sometimes compromise the shelter in strong winds.Personally, I favour a combination of these methods according to the conditions.

Another big advantage of a tarp is that it can be used in combination with a hammock in woodland where level ground can often be difficult to find.

My favourite way of rigging a tarp for sleeping on the ground is done by attaching the middle of two adjacent edges to a ridge line and pegging the middle of the other two edges to the ground.

This leaves two corners that can be pegged down to make wind breaks at each side and a triangular flap that stretches forward to provide extra protection from rain.

I usually roll up the spare corner at the back of the shelter and guy out the centre point of the tarp as well to improve the internal space a little.

Using a 3x3m tarp this provides a cosy little shelter just about the right size for my bedding and gear but still leaves a side open to enjoy the evening air or even a small cooking fire.

Of course tarps are not the only kind of portable shelter available Tents of all kinds are popular but amongst indigenous peoples of the North one design has stood the test of time. The Tepee / Tipi or Laavu.

The advantages of this classic design are all round wind resistance and the ability to shed snow from it’s steep pitched sides making it idea for winter use in Northern latitudes.

The old design was based around a small central fireplace but more modern versions often use a collapsable stove and chimney for heating. Again a central metal pole now tends to replace the multiple wooden poles of traditional types.

I still prefer the outdoor feel of a tarp, but bushcrafting does not mean having to go without all luxuries.

The idea was almost copied in the design of the classic Bell tent of course.

With the bell tent the lower parts are replaced with a vertical wall which raises the roof for much the same footprint.

Depending on how the space is used this can be more efficient but it does catch the wind a little more.