Shelter cloths.

Greetings Widfara,

Here is a plan for a generic shelter for those [who came] to Norway in the autumn, or Sweden in the winter. It is only a suggestion - you don't have to make it, of course!

The principle is that if we have exactly the same pattern, we can join 2 or more shelters together to make a larger shelter, thus saving weight. (e.g. 3 such covers can make a shelter for 5 - 6 people). The size is meant to be minimal and should be supplemented with end walls made from tree branches. Pegs and poles should be gathered on site. Extra string should also be carried. If you think the size is too small for your comfort and you want to make a bigger one, contact Oleg. He has made a bigger design.

I have made mine from lightweight but tightly woven linen. It weighed 1160 gms before waterproofing. After waxing, it now weighs 1650 gms. I heated and mixed tar, beeswax and linseed oil in an old tomato tin. Approximately 25% tar, 35% wax and 40% oil. When cool, the consistency should be like cold butter. You probably won't get it right first time - always have more ingredients than you need, to add more of whatever to get the consistency right. Stir it as it cools, otherwise it separates. I then smeared it thoroughly all over the linen, after which I melted it in with a hot iron, until the cloth was really saturated. Now it won't soak up water and get heavier. Then I smeared another greasy layer on top to close the gaps in the weave. This all takes a lot of time and it's messy.

Handsewing and waterproofing takes several days. If you want to take shortcuts with a sewing machine or modern - impregnated cloth, at least make it look right! (No white or bright colours please).

Take care to get the measurements right and to waterproof it thoroughly! Test it before use. If this is all that's between us and several stormy nights in the mountains, you will not be popular if your part of the shelter fits together badly or leaks. I've done my best to make the plan clear - but I know it may not be clear enough. Contact me with any questions. Bear in mind that considerable moisture will rise from the ground, even through pine branches. After a couple of days your bed could get really wet. So I suggest another waxed cloth for the ground. If everybody has a shelter, one can be used as a ground sheet for 3 people.

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May we have golden autumn days, with misty mornings, starry nights and good whisky around the campfire!