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How-To: Make an Ultralight Tent Deadman

A cheap, simple solution for secure tent-pitching on snow or sand. Note: The dowels work better for snow. However, by using a small disk (something like kid's play dishes), you can get the same effect for sand.
Photos by Jennifer Howe / howephoto.us
  • 1) Cut a 3/4-inch wooden dowel or other non-temperature-conducting material into six-inch-long sections. Sand the ends smooth so they don't tear tent fabric.
  • 2) Drill a hole through the center of the dowel, and tie an 18- to 20-inch piece of nylon cord through it. This deadman, as shown, weighs a mere 0.6 ounces.
  • 3) Slip the cord end through the stake-out loops or guylines of your tent.
  • 4) Slip the dowel through the cord loop.
  • 5) It ends up attached like this. Repeat for all stake-out loops and guylines. The deadmen are easily added or removed when necessary.
1) Cut a 3/4-inch wooden dowel or other non-temperature-conducting material into six-inch-long sections. Sand the ends smooth so they don't tear tent fabric.
Image 1 of 5

1) Cut a 3/4-inch wooden dowel or other non-temperature-conducting material into six-inch-long sections. Sand the ends smooth so they don't tear tent fabric.

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