Russian Ratnik 6Sh120 universal shelter, surplus

While Ratnik does indeed sound like some East European movie bad guy, it's actually the new Russian combat kit system. This is the new Plash Palatka, which, unlike the old model, is not a rain cape but a viable tarp.

Sometimes things take a turn for the more concerning direction, like the fact that the Russian army now fields a human-sized tarp instead of the Plash "Slightly too small and almost keeps out water" Palatka of the past. This shelter tarp is made actually really well.

Dimensions and stuff

• Synthetic waterproof material
• Dimensions about 280 x 165 cm / 110" x 65"
• Measurements packed in the fixed pouch 26 x 39 cm / 10" x 15.5"
• Weight 1300 grams / 460 oz.

The way of the Plash

The Ratnik 6Sh120 universal shelter has a multitude of attachment points and provisions to use two tarps together.

To make a simple one man shelter, get some paracord and tie two corners on trees and peg the other side to the ground.

Four-man tent requires two shelters: you connect them together with the provided D-loops and straps.

With 65 cm / 25.5" long poles sticked in the holes reserved for them you can also make a crimped but protective one-man tent.

The Ratnik tarp can be used as stretchers too, as you can probably deduct by looking at the sturdy handles. When used as stretchers, the fixed bag will work as a pillow (but you must fill it).

Made in Russia

These shelters are straight from the Russian army warehouses. They might be slightly used, but virtually as new.