Homemade Shoulder-Pack Tent - Build Your Perfect Camping Shelter

Having experimented with various canvas coverings and finding none entirely satisfactory, I decided to create my own tent, as illustrated, which proved to be highly effective. This lightweight tent is easily set up and taken down, providing excellent protection against rain, wind, and bugs when securely fastened.

The materials required for making this tent are relatively inexpensive. Not only does it serve as a sleeping tent, but it also doubles as a versatile carry-all for packing camping equipment.

The canvas is supported by frames constructed from pliable branches found in the woods. Refer to the detailed drawings for the layout of the canvas. The end sections consist of three pieces, one for the ground and two vertically divided parts for the end covering. The main portion of the tent combines the ground section and the covering, creating a single 6 ft. wide piece joined at the center.

Start by sewing together the adjacent "A" sections, followed by sewing the "B" edges, which are positioned at the ridge of the tent, after all the other pieces are joined. Brass grommets are fitted into the canvas as indicated, allowing the supporting frames' points to pass through them when inserting the supports into the ground.

The shoulder straps "C" are strategically placed so that they are in position when the tent is folded and rolled into a pack. Additionally, you can store other equipment inside the tent. The tent supports "D" have pointed ends "E" and are twisted together at the top. The ridge pole "F" stabilizes them and holds the canvas in the middle.

To set up the tent, lay the canvas flat on the ground and insert the twisted-together supports through the grommets. Extend them into the ends of the canvas, and then insert the ridge pole by carefully springing it between the supports. The canvas itself is made of 8-ounce duck fabric, and you can use snap buttons, buttonholes, buckles, or harness snaps as fastenings.

Build your ideal shelter with this homemade shoulder-pack tent, providing you with a reliable and versatile camping accommodation solution. Experience the satisfaction of a tent tailored to your preferences and enjoy the great outdoors with enhanced comfort and convenience.

Click on image above for a larger view.