I think the # one thing neglected in small PSK is shelter. There is a definite trade off between size/weight and durability regarding shelter. 4 season tent vs space blanket.

This what I have come up with as a minimum.

20' of nylon cord for rigging
5' or so of duct tape folded flat for repair/reinforce
space blanket
.99 cent poncho

Vac packed to reduce size. It is not as big as it looks. The space blanket is on the other side and you cant see it.

ETA: bag it is vac packed in doubles as a water container.

Comments?

Instead of the poncho, would a garbage bag be a better choice? I put one in a small ziploc bag but never thought about the string and duct tape but I am going to work on it as soon as I get done typing.

The poncho is prefolded and thus smaller than I can ever seem to get a garbage bag.

My hammock isn't much bigger than that in it's compression sack. While it doesn't have a top I can easily make one with a tube-tent or plastic bag and cord which could be stuffed into the hammock bag <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Never thought of your idea great one <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I can fold a bag small enough to fit in a Altoids tin.

As an alternative/addition, consider the following:

Swap out the nylon cord for 110 lb dacron. 100 feet of dacron line will take up less space and is more practical. Include a half dozen wire ties and maybe some nails, which shouldn't add to the profile of the package, although the nails may add a little weight. I've found these items useful for shelter construction. You may be surprised how quickly 20 feet of line gets used up.

Clever, simple. I'd be curious to see anyone improve on it without defeating the purpose.

aluminum nails.
-Ligther
-More enviro. safe

I`d also reccomend the thinner nails (steel) but smaller and can still hold things together.

As far as more cord you cuold always add some paracord to your knives(s) and or ligther to get an extra couple feet.


This smaller, nice, shelter 'contest' just popped into my head lol... Time to see what I can come up wtih <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Tacoma Mtn Rescue Tube Tent from REI here

I've read (I think on this forum but I cannot find the posting) of folks adding screw eyes to their kits to twist into trees to make tie-down points for tarps, etc. Small screw eyes could be used in a fishing kit to fashion line guides for an improvised fishing pole.

Great subject! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have been thinking for awhile that Doug Ritter needs to add a small shelter to his collection of survival gear. I see he has the Tacoma Mountain Rescue Storm Shelter as something he carries but on another page he bad mouths tube tents.

I would really like to see your shelters set up to see how practical they are. I carry a HD Space Blanket in my CamelBack. I also have a small plastic bag that has 6 thin steel tent stakes and cord. I also have a large (6.5 feet long) clear trash bag. I use one cord to make an A-frame shelter out of the Space Blanket. I then put the trash bag on the ground as protection from wet and cold. I also have flagging tape to put on the cord to catch rainwater from dripping into the shelter. When it is set up it looks like a wedge.

It seems that a regular Space Blanket or trash bags would be good as cover over a pole or cord to make an A-frame shelter. It seems it would need to be covered with foliage as protection from the wind and heavy rain.

My preference is the TMR Storm Shelter Instant Pocket Tent. Baicall and 8' plastic tube. and packs down a little smaller than two space blankets. It is ofcourse omitted from my pocket kits.

Pete_Kenney,

I carry them too. They come in pretty handy, not a bad thing to throw in PSKs.

I was going to go the exact opposite way: tempered steel wire nails. They don't bend, but watch your eyes.

Go look at what Gene Ward is doing in this regard at www.survivalandoutdoorsafety.com

I just placed an order with him, and I will let you all know.

You know, this thread reminds me of an idea I had a while back. Why is it no one makes an inflatable frameless rigid survival tent? I mean, think about it, what if you could just hook up a CO2 cartridge, pull the pin, and have yourself an instant tube tent with rigid walls and a high insulation value in a matter of a few seconds? Granted, it may not be the smallest thing going, but for an emergency situation, I think it would be pretty cool. Besides, even if you poke a hole in it, you can still use it as a tube tent, albeit then you have to suspend the roof somehow, but isn't that what's needed with a tube tent anyways?

Just a thought.

If it helps, I p/u the Storm Shelter Instant Pocket Tent made in USA by Tacoma Mountain Rescue Unit from our local REI store on Friday. The description on the front of the bag reads 5 oz. 80x96 Plastic Tube Tent. It comes in a zip-lock bag and has a survival pamphlet inside as well as a book of matches. The pamphlet covers mind set, ground to air emergency code, choosing a camp site, finding or making shelter, fire building, dehydration/finding water, finding direction without a compass, and makes some suggestions for a survival kit. The bag is 6"x4.5" and .5" thick. Paul.

Cool idea, but I would imagine the the amount/ size of needed CO2 cartridges and firing mechanism would weigh more than tent poles.

Welcome aboard Paul! I have carried one of the TMRU shelters for decades. I replace it occasionally. I have used it on a few trips when I got stuck out with out a planned overnight and in a storm. It works very well. Much easier to stay covered then with a space blanket, which is just a sheet. I pulled my daypack over my feet, the tube tent over me and threw my poncho over a bush and crawled under. A little condensation was my only moisture. Space blankets are for satellites <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Thw TMCU shelter is really a tube, but not something large enough that you can actually make a tent out of. It is like an open ended bag. The material is a durable, light, thin plastic, that is why I prefer the shelter. I sure would not do a planned campout in it! It is pocket sized and in an emergency it works without any fancy rigging. Only a couple bucks, give it a try!

I dunno, engineered properly it should only take one cartridge. The walls don't have to be that thick (not like an air mattress thickness. The trick would be to baffle it for max rigidity.

Maybe I'll have to do some experimenting some day....

While hunting I also carry the .99 poncho and a space blanket. I have not been able to find a better combo for the weight. Anything that's much more bulky and/or heavier would get left at camp.

Regards, Vince