Tripod lashing

The cord runs in figure-eight turns around the three poles lying side by side: over the first, under the middle one, over the third and back. This way each pole is wrapped individually. Then come frapping turns between each pair of poles, which pull the wraps together and fix them.

As you stand it up, the outer poles rotate against the middle one and the wraps tighten. The poles lock in the lashing, and the three feet form a stable base. Three points always define a plane – that is why a tripod does not rock, even on uneven ground. It can still tip over, though, if the load does not hang in the centre or the legs are too close together.

Before standing it up, the wraps should lie neatly and not too tight, and frapping turns sit between each pair of poles. Start and finish are secured with a clove hitch on the two outer poles. The poles should be roughly equal in length, with their ends level when you lash them.

Once it is up, the tripod stays steady when you nudge it lightly, and the lashing does not slip. The legs are spread so that the feet are clearly further apart than a narrow tower – but not so far that the lashing reaches its limit. The load hangs centrally below the lashing.

Wrapped too tightly, and the legs will not spread. Spread too little, and the tripod tips over at the first knock. A load that does not hang in the centre pulls it to one side. These three mistakes are the most common.

On slippery, hard ground the feet can slide out and the tripod collapses. Over a fire, synthetic cord can melt or a pole can char and break. And as with all lashings, the cord slackens over time as the wood dries. Stability always depends on the ground and the spread.

A tripod is useful where there are no trees: as a stand for a water bag, for hanging a bag, as a frame for a pot over the fire, or as the core of a simple shelter. It stands on its own and needs little material.

It is unsuitable on slippery, hard ground without securing the legs. And it is not a load-bearing structure for people. Life-safety use only after proper training with certified equipment.

Over a fire, the lashing is the most sensitive part. Synthetic cord melts at heat well below that of a flame, and wood can char. So keep the lashing well above the flames, prefer natural fibre or wire for hanging the pot, and check again and again that everything is still secure.

A tripod tipping over with a pot of hot water can cause serious scalds. Never leave the pot unattended, keep children at a distance, and place the tripod so nobody trips over it. Also follow local rules: in many areas open fires are banned at times or altogether.