How to Build a Basha

Learn how to build a simple two-person basha with the Army Cadets, from choosing the right location and setting up your main line to safely tensioning and checking your shelter.

Whether you are taking part in rzemiosło training or spending a night outdoors, knowing how to build an effective shelter is an important Army Cadet skill. A well-built basha can help protect you and your kit from the wind and rain, giving you somewhere comfortable to rest.

Here’s how to build a simple two-person basha using your issued kit.

What Do You Need to Build a Basha?

For a basic two-person basha, you will need:

A poncho
Pegs
Bungees
String

As this shelter is designed for two people, you would normally work together to build it.

Before you begin, remember that bungees under tension can cause injury if they slip or snap back. Always keep control of the hook and avoid overstretching them.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Before putting up your shelter, choose a sensible location and check the ground where you plan to sleep.

Clear away sticks, stones and anything sharp. This will make the area more comfortable to sleep on and help prevent damage to your kit.

Once you are happy with your location, lay out your poncho and decide which direction you want the entrance to face.

Step 2: Put Up Your Main Line

Next, use your string to create the main line for your shelter.

Make sure the line is nice and tight. This gives your basha its shape and helps rainwater run off rather than collecting on the poncho.

Attach your poncho to the main line carefully. Taking your time at this stage will make it easier to keep the rest of your shelter neat and secure.

Step 3: Peg Out the Basha

Once the poncho is attached to the main line, peg out the corners.

Push each peg firmly into the ground and keep your lines tidy. Loose lines can become trip hazards, particularly when moving around your shelter in poor light.

Step 4: Tension Your Shelter

Use your bungees to tension the shelter, working steadily and keeping control of the hooks.

Your basha needs to be tight enough to hold its shape, but you should never dangerously overstretch a bungee.

Try to keep the shelter fairly low to the ground. The higher you build it, the more exposed you and your kit will be to wind and rain.

Step 5: Carry Out Your Final Checks

Before settling into your basha, walk around the shelter and check your work.

Make sure the main line is tight and there are no areas of sagging poncho where rainwater could collect. Check that your pegs are firmly seated and that you have not left loose lines that could create a trip hazard.

Finally, make sure there is enough room inside for two people and your essential kit, and that you have created a comfortable space where you can get some rest.

Building Your Fieldcraft Skills

The exact shape of a basha can vary depending on your surroundings and conditions, but its purpose remains the same: to provide effective protection from the elements and help keep you and your kit dry.

Learning how to build a shelter is just one of the practical fieldcraft skills you can develop with the Army Cadets, helping you become more confident and capable when spending time outdoors.

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