This week we are going to cover the poncho shelter slanted lean-to which is quickly becoming one of my favorite tarp configurations. It provides two sides of protection from the elements and is perfect for setting up next to a long fire. I have found that having the extra wall will cause the tarp to retain more heat than a regular lean-to and it offers more protection from side winds and rain which is great for those cold wet nights.
Slanted Lean-to Regular (Ridge Line)
There are two ways to set up this shelter, the regular way and the long way. Either way you choose will give you the same space and results. To set it up you will need a ridge line and three stakes. Pick a ridge line and set it up in-between two trees. Loosely attach the center of the tarp and one corner to the ridge line. Pull out the tarp and stake down the two rear lower corners, and finish it off by staking down the front corner that was not attached to the ridge line giving you that second wall. You can create more space by pulling out the hood. Lash a line onto the hood, clove hitch it on an elevated pole, and anchor it to the ground with your preferred rigging.
Slanted Lean-to Long (Ridge Line)
Setting up the long version is identical to the first method. Loosely attach the center and one corner of the tarp to the ridge line, pull out the tarp and stake down the two rear lower corners, and finish it off by staking down the front corner that was not attached to the ridge line. Add a hood pull if desired.
Slanted Lean-to Regular (Poles)
Now let’s take a look at the pole set up. You will need two poles, two guy lines, and five stakes. Begin by staking down the two rear corners. On the peak side of the tarp, attach a pole and guy line to the center of the tarp, and pull the line straight out from the center. Then add another pole and guy line to whichever side of the tarp you want, run out the guy line from the corner pole at a slight angle, and stake down the front corner. If you can improvise an extra pole then pull out the hood for more space.
Slanted Lean-to Long (Poles)
Again, the long version is set up the same way. Stake down the two rear corners, on the opposite side of the tarp attach a pole and guy line to the center of the tarp and another pole rig on whichever side of the tarp you want, run out the guy lines, and stake down the front corner. And again, if possible, add the hod pull for more room.
Links:
Setting up a tarp with poles
http://plighttofreedom.com/trekking-pole-tarp-setup/
A Comprehensive Guide to Tarp and Tent Guy Lines
http://plighttofreedom.com/guy-lines/
Tent Stakes & How to Use Them
http://plighttofreedom.com/tent-stakes/
3 Tarp Ridgelines: Tied, Toggled & Hardware
http://plighttofreedom.com/3-tarp-ridgeline…toggled-hardware/
5 Knots You Need to Know