The ultralight shelter that fits in your pocket (and can get you out of trouble).

Imagine this: you're on a three-day trek, the sky suddenly darkens, and your light sleeping bag is no longer enough to combat the freezing wind. You have no tent. Plan B? A makeshift shelter with a 240-gram tubular thermal blanket, a rope and whatever you can find in the environment. It sounds crazy, but it's a technique that's gaining popularity among fast packing and survival. Let's look at how it works and the possible scenarios that make it interesting.

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The basic kit: less is more

In the video we look at how with three key elements you can create a functional shelter:

1. Tubular thermal blanket: Reflective, waterproof and ultra-light (about 200 g).
2. 3-4 mm and 6-8 metres rope: strong and light.
3. Natural resourcesStones, logs or branches for anchoring and adjustment.

2-person survival tent, waterproof and windproof shelter, reflective thermal tent, compact life-saving equipment, ideal for hiking, camping, and

11,40 EUR

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The magic is in the versatility: the blanket serves as a thermal insulator, a moisture barrier and a makeshift roof. But its effectiveness depends on how you use it. It's the ideal plan B for those trekking or fastpacking in good conditions... but with their head in the right place.

The basic assembly consists of stretching a rope between two trees and suspending the tubular blanket over it. It's as simple as that. The advantage of this design is that it provides insulation from both above and below - an important solution when cold or dampness comes from the ground.

The structure can be completed by closing one end to protect it from wind or rain, using stones and ribbons if you don't want to complicate things.

Step-by-step assembly: Tubular Shelter

The video shows two key configurations:

• Land preparationThe first thing to do is to prepare the area where you are going to sleep. Remove branches and stones. It is a basic step, but I assure you that you can spend a night "to forget" by skipping this step.
• Insulate the groundPlace dry sheets or a foam mat under your body (40% of the heat is lost by conduction with the ground).
• Anchor between treesUse the rope to create a horizontal line between two logs, 1-1.5 m high.
• Essential knots:
  • Prusik: To adjust the tension without slippage (locks under load, but slips when released).
  • Double larkTo secure the ends of the rope (see the detail of the stone in the video).
• Open the blanketA: With stones or logs in the corners, create an "A" profile to maximise the space. You can also anchor these ends with pegs.
• Close one endUse large stones wrapped in the blanket to block wind or rain from the side.

Point: You can go straight into the "tube", use it as an open tent or partially close it. And if you're like me (1.84m), be careful with space: not all these models are designed for long bodies, so choose the right product.

Mistakes you can make (and how to avoid them)

• Poor orientationIf the wind enters from the open side, the shelter becomes a freezer. SolutionUse natural elements that provide protection.
• Insufficient insulationIf you don't have a mat, you can spend the night shivering. CouncilEven a layer of leaves under the blanket helps.
• Environmental footprintAvoid damaging the vegetation when preparing the soil. It is one thing to remove stones and branches and another to prepare the soil as if you were using a rotavator.

What scenarios is it really for? Is it useful or just posturing?

For me, this is not just a "survival trick". It's a real, practical solution for one to three day routes in predictable conditions. It's not a substitute for a tent if you're going to exposed areas or in bad weather, but it can get you out of trouble if you wanted to sleep out in the open and suddenly the weather changes.

And above all, I like what it hints at: it's not just about the equipment we carry, but how we use it. With knowledge and a little imagination, 240g can make a difference.

Technical data: A thermal blanket reflects up to 90% of body heat, but its effectiveness drops if there is direct contact with the body (so air space in tent mode is key).

In short: this system does not replace a tent in winter, but it is ideal for:

• Emergencies: Sudden storms or lost luggage.
• Fastpacking in summerRoutes of 2-3 days with a stable forecast.
• Secondary shelterAs a complement to a light sleeping bag.