You need a 14-gore section (normally) of canopy, stakes, a stout center pole, and an inner core and needle to construct this tepee. You cut the suspension lines except for 40- to 45-centimeter (16- to 18-inch) lengths at the canopy's lower lateral band.

• Select a shelter site and scribe a circle about 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter on the ground.

• Stake the parachute material to the ground using the lines remaining at the lower lateral band.

• After deciding where to place the shelter door, emplace a stake and tie the first line (from the lower lateral band) securely to it.

• Stretch the parachute material taut to the next line, emplace a stake on the scribed line, and tie the line to it.

• Continue the staking process until you have tied all the lines.

• Loosely attach the top of the parachute material to the center pole with a suspension line you previously cut and, through trial and error, determine the point at which the parachute material will be pulled tight once the center pole is upright.

• Securely attach the material to the pole.

• Using a suspension line (or inner core), sew the end gores together leaving 1 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 feet) for a door.