Anchor point (shelter)
Overview
An anchor point, in shelter contexts, is a fixed or stable object or location used to secure guy lines, stakes, or other attachment points that support a tent, tarp, or similar structure.
Key points
- Common anchor points include stakes in the ground, rocks, tree trunks, or built anchors such as platforms.
- Effective anchor points help maintain shelter tension and stability in varying wind conditions.
- Selection of anchor points is influenced by surface type, regulations, and local environmental impact considerations.
Details
When pitching shelters such as tents or tarps, hikers rely on anchor points to hold lines and corners in place. On soil, anchors are often tent stakes driven into the ground at suitable angles. In rocky or compacted terrain, rocks, logs, or constructed features may serve as anchors when used in ways that respect local regulations and minimize impact. Adequate anchor points help the shelter maintain shape, resist wind, and shed precipitation. Choosing and arranging anchors is part of campcraft and does not imply any particular shelter model or brand; it simply refers to where and how the structure is secured.
Related topics
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