Quick and Easy Camping Shelter: The Alpha Poncho Tent Setup

 

When it comes to setting up a camping shelter, you can go totally Bear Grylls and build a shelter from sticks, branches and sheep that are just lying around. But if you're looking for something quicker and more efficient, try using tent poles with your poncho to create an improvised tent. While traditional woodcraft shelters might take hours to construct, this method is much faster and drier.

For the setup, I recommend getting tent poles that are about 8-9% bigger than the poncho diagonals. I opted for a larger pole set and removed one section to get the perfect fit. Keep in mind that the pole sections usually overlap by about 2 inches, so factor that into your measurements.

To attach the poles to the poncho, I use P3 Fast Wire Connectors. I drill a hole for the cord to go through. The size of the connectors will depend on the size of your grommets, so be sure to check for compatibility before you head out.

This setup is based on the "Alpha Poncho Tent" design from Alpharubicon.com. It's a simple, effective shelter that works well in a pinch, offering solid protection and minimal setup time.

If you are sleeping in a hammock, you can keep your kit under your poncho at night to keep it dry.

Hardware used:

Aliexpress:

Pioneer Outdoor Store Store

Tent Rod Glass Fiber Replacement Tent Pole Kit

1 person Tent 3.26m

C$17.18

x1

Amazon:

Senmortar Rain Poncho Multifunctional Raincoat Waterproof with Hood for Men Women Adult Hiking Fishing Festivals Camping

$14.70 with 20 percent savings-20% $14.70

Expand a small hammock tarp with a poncho.

 

A little bit exposed

You can get a fairly cheap hammock with a tarp that is comfortable and suitable for withstanding mild rain. In stormy horizontal rain, you will obviously get wet. But you can use your poncho to make one end waterproof. You can use the snap fasteners to seal up one end of the poncho. Use cord and tent pegs to secure the other end. 

The poncho keeps one end dry

If you have 2 ponchos you can cover both ends. If your poncho is big enough, you won't even need a tarp. Connect 2 identical ponchos with the snap fasteners. With British army ponchos that would give you a 9x6.7 foot sheet with grommets for person lines. That is slightly small though.

If you have 1 tarp and one poncho, you can use a garbage bag on the other end, perhaps cutting 1 corner off the bag to thread the webbing strap through.

You could probably use 2 garbage bags with no poncho, but I always bring a poncho.