Shelter
Anchor a tarp or tent for a storm
Standard stakes fail in wind and wet ground. Storm anchors keep your shelter down when weather turns.
Topic summary
Standard stakes fail in wind and wet ground. Storm anchors keep your shelter down when weather turns.
Intended uses
Shelter skill (all levels, ~15 min practice)
Step-by-step
Replace stakes with deadman anchors — bury a stick, rock, or stuff sack full of gravel horizontally with the guyline tied around it.
In snow, dig a T-slot: cut a channel across the guy direction, lay a stake or stuff sack horizontally, and pack snow over it.
Add secondary guylines from mid-panel tie-outs on every wall — not just corners.
Angle guylines at 45° from the tarp to the anchor for the strongest pull-through-shear geometry.
Re-tension every 2–4 hours during a long storm as ground softens and cords stretch when wet.
Tip: Cut short (4-inch) toggles from sticks and larks-head your cord around them — they hold better than tied loops when guys need to be adjusted repeatedly.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.