Place the poles flat on the ground and tie them together at one end. Stand them up to create a tripod. This will be the frame for your tepee.
Add the additional five poles to the frame without lashing them to the tripod. This will help to strengthen the structure.
Determine where the entrance of your shelter will face. It needs to be at least 90 degrees away from the wind direction.
Pull the parachute onto the back of the tripod. Find the bridle loop (a nylon web loop) at the apex of the canopy and pull it over one of the unlashed poles.
Lean the pole back against the tripod. Position the canopy apex at the same height as the lashing on the three poles.
Wrap the structure with the parachute canopy. Leave 1 to 1.5 feet at the top of the tepee free for ventilation if you want to light a fire inside the shelter. Create the entrance by folding the canopy back around two of the standalone poles.
Tuck any extra parachute canopy underneath the poles. Lay it along the floor to make an insulated base to your shelter.
Line the floor with pine needles to make a soft and insulating mattress. Add leaves and pine needles only if you don't have a fire inside the shelter.
