Pondering on a poncho tent design

Properly tensioning the ridgeline with two 'tarps' could be problematic. I like the idea though.

I agree on the stress areas. Pulling on both with the same line should do the trick, particularly if they have an equal overlap. Another way to seal the joint might be to roll it up like a waterproof stuff sack.

There are several army issued ponchos that can be used like that, an interesting one is the Polish Army as you end up with a tipi.
The problem to me is that if you set it up in the rain, because you need to assemble it , you would end up even wetter than with a solo poncho or setting up a tarp without rain gear.
Franco

I saw a video on YouTube where a guy uses two tarps for a single shelter like you describe. Essentially, the pitch was of two modified lean-to pitches facing one another and sharing the ridgeline. He pitched the first one with about a foot over the ridgeline and then tied off to the ground via guylines, with the back flush to the ground. The second tarp he then pitched exactly the same, but with the opening towards the other tarp. The result was an a-frame with the ridgeline constituting a double layer of fabric. My first thought was two people both using poncho tarps.

I'll see if I can find it.

-Jeff

"Group Tarp Shelter:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH_zpBISQZQ

And I agree with Franco; if you need that extra protection, the odds seem good that the extra setup time will get you pretty wet before you get in. But I guess that's the thrill of poncho setups!

The extent of that would depend on how you design and use it. If a bug net isn't used or is set up from beneath, it should be possible to get this type of shelter set up and hardly get wet. A poncho shelter can be set up without getting very wet, or wet at all, although cinching the hood shut can be challenging.

Yes, I remember doing this with Army issue ponchos — the snaps on the edges could be used to create "sleeves" while wearing it as a poncho, or to snap two (or more) together to make a shelter. Not the greatest shelter in the world, but it was better than nothing.

You might want to take a look at the shelter-quarters that the Wehrmacht issued in WWII. Four guys could snap their ponchos together to make a 4-person tent.