daimond shelter setup

[Black Hand]

In all reality, canvas is used for a shelter at organized events (though I prefer my wedge tent for longer events).

While in the woods, rarely is canvas used overhead, though I have a small (unpainted) tarp (8x8) that gets used as a groundcloth (either folded in half with blankets inside or just underneath). I carried my oilcloth into the woods once, and that was a winter camp where we dragged in all our gear on 2 handmade toboggans. Otherwise, it is just too heavy as are the 10x12 and 12x15 tarps.

 

[kingsax26]

ok well then step one it is.....sprinkler test first.....and see how it does. WHY are some peoplevso set against a daimond? the way i see it, they can be just as comfortable as a wedge...although having not actually used it yet i could be wrong...was at a local shoot and mentioned the daimond and was inundated with a 5 minute tirade about hiw bthey are...

 

[Black Hand]

Byron,
You've hit upon a sensitive topic.
Unfortunately, there is no historical evidence (paintings/illustrations/journals) that canvas was set up as a "diamond". Usually, the canvas is used as some sort of lean-to. Realistically, the use of oilcloths/canvas (historically) appears limited. It was used as an outer wrapping for bales of goods susceptible to water damage, and primarily available around waterways and lakes/coastline.

Most of the refences I've found for shelters are improvised from natural materials, blankets and hides. Tents are also frequently mentioned. Rarely is a "tarpaulin" mentioned.

Look here for more info: http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/257946/fromsearch/1/tp/1/

 

[crockett]

When I was about 15 I started out with a tarp, it was to be used as a lean to but one day it looks like a real down pour so I set it up like a pup tent without any doors- to better protect in a downpour. In any the pup tent didn't have much overhead space so I decided I could tilt it up at the front and VOILA without realizing it I had a diamond type shelter. It seems that something similar would have occurred during any time period.

 

[Black Hand]

When I was about 15 I started out with a tarp, it was to be used as a lean to but one day it looks like a real down pour so I set it up like a pup tent without any doors- to better protect in a downpour. In any the pup tent didn't have much overhead space so I decided I could tilt it up at the front and VOILA without realizing it I had a diamond type shelter. It seems that something similar would have occurred during any time period.

...If we could get around the fact that not everyone would have had a piece of canvas/oilcloth sitting around for use as a shelter...and that canvas/oilcloth (as a shelter) is hardly mentioned in period sources (tents excluded).

 

[tenngun]

Tents are mentioned in frontier writings. Today in a camp or reenactment we set up some sort of lodge. Military ofttimes set up camps ,putting most of the men in wedges. Civilians were most likely in some sort of brush shelter, or under the stars. If they were wintering over frontiersmen would set up some sort of half faced camp. We can't say how an old timer used a tarp. Today when we go to camp the land owner might object to us building a brush shelter, other people in camp might object to us not using a tent. I know on the trail Ive set up a tarp any old way the spot I was camping in demanded. But prefer overhangs, caves and sky.

 

[jethro224]

WHY are some people so set against a daimond?

Because they are jealous of the fact that your diamond is set up in 5 minutes and their 16x16 wall tent with the fly, 8 candle lanterns, 100 pounds of cast iron and fire irons, camp kitchen, table, 6 folding chairs, bed with air mattress, and propane heater, etc. takes a trailer to haul and 3 hours to set up. :stir: :haha:

 

[kingsax26]

well i think at this point....ive learned this....its more about having fun than being your own jebediah... so as long as i have fun ...im all good...but ecen between the bickering...ive already learned alot!

 

[kingsax26]

So I received a message about the vweight of my canvas.... I believe it is 8 oz...is that too light? In the message it saiD I should get 10oz minimum

 

[Loyalist Dave]

8 oz. might be a bit too thin and prone to tear, but you are the one carrying it. Depends on how much wind you get.

LD

 

[kingsax26]

so then it should be able to to be waterproofed?
am heading over to the farm to set it up in a little bit....gonna hit it with a sprinkler and see what happens

 

[crockett]

The availability of canvas material in the mountain man era; in the early period probably rare but once more wedge tents went west and wagons with covers were used, canvas was there. If worn out tepees got cut up and used for smaller tents it seems logical an old wedge might get cut into a small tarp for a lone man to use. No documentation but seems reasonable.

 

[sumoj275]

Bryon, any updates?
I got a 10 oz drop cloth from Lowes, and it seems to be pretty good quality. I am sewing loops on right now to be followed by straps. I figured for the price it is worth a chance. I plan on using it mostly as a lean-to type but if needed I can drop it down into an enclosed type shelter pretty easy. One thing that seems not mentioned is that a lean-to allows you to have heat from your fire where as a tent that is closed doesn't.

Being in OK may have me jaded but the need from the elements is not too bad at night as long as a fire is going.

 

[running horse]

Out of curiosity how did they attach pack loads to horses? Today many use panniers but an older and ferry convenient way is to put you're load in a manti cloth ( tarp ) tie it into a bale and then tie it on a horse so if that was the case they could have had those tarps and being such a basic item may not have been mentioned. How they would set them up is a another story

 

[crockett]

Good question. I can't remember seeing any inventory list that had panniers so I don't think they were used but I could be wrong. I am wondering if the tents did a double duty, if a lot of the gear was rolled up in the tents and a diamond hitch used. Unfortunately, I have no idea.

 

[fusil de chase]

I believe it is 8 oz...is that too light?

My tent is untreated 7 oz. Does not leak and has stood in honest 40 mph winds for days. I reef the tie outs to the point they sing in a slight breeze.

 

[old ugly]

I like the diamond, I have used one for years, I prefer to set it up with 3 poles but one pole will work, a tree works good. quick to set up and take down. easy to dry out at home if wet.
it will fit 2 but is a nice one person shelter with protection on the sides.
you probably have it all figured by now but here is a photo of all my gear for a weekend shoot.

ou