The Backbone of Camping Shelter: All About the Ridgepole
When it comes to bushcraft and minimalist camping, few elements are as critical to a sturdy, functional shelter as the ridgepole. This single piece of timber can make the difference between a reliable haven from the elements and a soggy night out in the wild. Whether you’re crafting a lean-to, an A-frame, or a more complex debris hut, the ridgepole is your best friend.
Below, we’ll explore why the ridgepole is so important, how to source and prepare the right piece of wood, and a few tips on setting it up securely. Let’s dive right in.
1. The Role of the Ridgepole
At its core, the ridgepole is the support beam—the backbone—running horizontally along the peak of your shelter. Everything else branches off or hangs from it, from roofing materials and cross-supports to the tarp or debris that keeps you dry. A robust ridgepole ensures structural stability, preventing your shelter from sagging in the middle or collapsing under rain, wind, or the weight of foliage.
Key Functions:
Foundation for roofing material – It’s the main beam on which you rest your rafters or roof covering.
Even weight distribution – Ensures the load is spread out, reducing stress on your shelter’s side supports.
Shelter shape – Sets the pitch and style of your bushcraft shelter, whether it’s a steep A-frame or a gentle lean-to.
2. Selecting the Right Ridgepole
Finding a suitable ridgepole is as much an art as a science. Here’s what to consider:
Length and Diameter
Choose a pole long enough to accommodate your desired shelter size. For an A-frame or lean-to that comfortably sleeps one or two people, you might need a ridgepole that’s around 8–10 feet (2.4–3 meters) or longer.
Aim for a diameter of about 3–5 inches (7.5–12.5 cm) so it’s sturdy enough to handle weight but not so thick that it’s unwieldy.
Material
Dead, but sturdy – Try to source wood from a standing dead tree or a fallen branch that’s still strong. Using green (fresh) wood can cause warping or shrinkage later.
Local species – Many prefer conifers (like pine or spruce) because the branches are more straightforward to trim, and the wood is reasonably strong for its weight.
Straightness
While a slight curve can still work, a fairly straight pole makes constructing the rest of the shelter simpler.
Avoid overly knotty, twisted, or cracked branches that could snap under stress.
3. Prepping the Ridgepole
Once you find a suitable branch or log:
Remove Branches and Knots
Trim off side branches with a saw or hatchet, but take care not to damage the ridgepole by chopping too deeply.
Smooth out any sharp remnants to prevent accidental scrapes or tears in your tarp.
Check for Cracks
Give the pole a quick once-over to make sure there are no major splits that might grow under tension.
Positioning
If you’re building a lean-to, lean your ridgepole between two forked tree trunks or lash it between sturdy supports.
For an A-frame, you may drive two support stakes or use natural supports like a horizontal branch between two trees, then lay the ridgepole along them.
4. Setting Up the Shelter
Now that your ridgepole is ready, it’s time to construct the rest of your bushcraft shelter:
Supports or Forked Posts
Rest the ends of the ridgepole on forked branches or tied supports at a comfortable height for the shelter.
Secure with rope, cordage, or even natural bindings (like vines or withies if you’re going fully primitive).
Attach Rafters or Crosspieces
For an A-frame, gather enough sturdy branches to lean on either side of the ridgepole at regular intervals—creating your “ribs.”
For a lean-to, angle branches against the ridgepole to form the roof slope.
Covering Materials
Once your framework is in place, lay a tarp over it or weave in brush, leaves, or bark for a more natural covering.
Ensure there’s sufficient overlap if you’re working with natural materials to keep rain from seeping through.
5. Tips for Durability and Comfort
Elevate the Shelter Floor
If your environment is damp, lay a bed of boughs, leaves, or pine needles on the ground to insulate and keep you off cold, wet soil.
Check Stability Often
Before finalizing the shelter, shake the ridgepole gently to ensure it’s well-anchored. A wobbly ridgepole means a wobbly shelter.
Use Proper Lashing Techniques
Wrap and frap your cordage around junction points to keep everything snug. Simple knots or lashings like the square lashing or diagonal lashing will go a long way.
Adapt to Conditions
In windy areas, make sure your support points are braced at multiple angles to resist the shelter from shifting or toppling.
In rainy climates, ensure the roof angle is steep enough for water runoff.
6. Leave No Trace
When using natural materials, follow Leave No Trace principles:
Use fallen or dead wood whenever possible instead of cutting live trees.
Scatter your debris after you’re done camping, letting nature reclaim the area.
Natural camouflage can help you blend into the environment while preserving local aesthetics.
Final Thoughts
A well-chosen, well-placed ridgepole can elevate your bushcraft experience—literally. It’s not just another pole; it’s the spine of your wilderness home. Mastering the art of selecting and setting a ridgepole will make every shelter you build stronger, more weatherproof, and more comfortable, all while respecting the natural environment around you.
Whether you’re heading into the woods for a weekend or honing your survival skills, remember: the ridgepole is the heart of your shelter. Treat it with care and precision, and you’ll find your bushcraft shelter can stand up to most of what Mother Nature throws your way.
Happy camping and crafting! Remember, every new shelter you build is a chance to perfect your skills and deepen your connection with the wild. Stay safe, explore responsibly, and enjoy your time in nature.
Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.
