BUILDING A SURVIVAL SHELTER:
Building a survival shelter is a great skill to have in case you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to stay safe and warm outdoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a basic survival shelter, focusing on materials you can find in nature. This guide assumes you’re in a wilderness setting with access to branches, leaves, and other natural resources. The type of shelter you build can vary depending on the environment (forest, desert, cold climates, etc.), but I’ll focus on a basic and versatile shelter you can use in most conditions.
Choose a Good Location:
Flat Ground: Find a flat, dry area to build your shelter. Avoid low areas where water might collect if it rains. Away from Hazards: Make sure you’re not too close to things like falling branches, animals’ dens, or flooding risks. Position your shelter with the wind at your back if possible, or use natural barriers like rocks or trees to block wind.
Proximity to Resources:
Try to build near resources like water or wood for gathering, but not too close to water to avoid dampness.
Select Your Shelter Type:
Here are three common types of survival shelters:
A-Frame Shelter:
An A-frame shelter is easy to build, providing good protection against wind and rain.
Materials:
Large branches or logs for the frame, smaller branches for the roof, leaves, and grass for insulation.
Steps:
Find two strong, sturdy branches and lean them against a tree or each other to create an A-shape. Secure the branches in place by tying them or propping them against a sturdy object. Add smaller branches horizontally across the A-frame to create a roof support. Cover the roof with large leaves, branches, and any available debris for insulation. Make sure to layer them thick to keep the rain out and to trap heat. Add a layer of leaves, grass, or moss to the floor for insulation and comfort.
Debris Hut:
A debris hut is a simple shelter made by piling natural debris, such as leaves and branches, on top of a framework.
Materials:
Flexible branches, leaves, pine needles, grass, moss.
Steps:
Find a sturdy horizontal branch about 3-4 feet off the ground, and prop smaller branches against it to form a framework. The frame should form a cone shape, with the steepest side facing into the wind. Use more branches to create a solid roof by leaning them at an angle against the base. Pile leaves, grass, or pine needles all over the framework, covering it completely to keep out rain and trap heat. Line the inside with a thick layer of leaves or grass for comfort and insulation.
Tarp Shelter (if you have a tarp):
If you have a tarp or plastic sheet, you can easily create a quick and reliable shelter.
Materials:
Tarp or plastic sheet, rope, or cordage.
Steps:
Stretch the tarp between two trees or secure it between branches to form a tent-like shape. Secure the corners of the tarp to the ground with rocks or stakes to prevent wind from getting underneath. You can also fold the tarp to create walls around the shelter or dig a small trench around the edges to block rain.
Insulate and Weatherproof:
Insulation:
Add extra layers of leaves, moss, and other natural materials inside the shelter to trap heat and provide insulation.
Wind Protection:
Use branches or debris to shield the open sides of the shelter from wind.
Rain Protection: Be sure the roof is well-covered with leaves and branches to keep the rain out. Create a slanted roof so that water runs off.
Ground Insulation: If you’re in a cold environment, it’s crucial to insulate the floor with layers of leaves, grass, or even a tarp to protect you from the cold ground.
Ventilation:
Make sure your shelter has some ventilation to avoid condensation and carbon dioxide buildup. This is particularly important if you’re using a fire inside the shelter, but even without one, it helps you stay comfortable and dry.
Finishing Touches:
Comfort:
Add a mattress of leaves, grass, or moss to sleep on to make your shelter more comfortable.
Entrance:
Consider creating an entrance that can be sealed to keep out the wind and cold. You can cover the entrance with branches or leaves that can be moved easily when you need to get in and out.
Safety Considerations:
Fire Safety:
If you’re planning on having a fire inside or near your shelter, make sure it’s properly contained. A fire can be dangerous, especially in a dry forest or when wind is a factor.
Check for Animals:
Before you settle in, make sure the shelter area is not near animal dens or paths.
Final Tips:
Be Resourceful:
Look around for any natural materials that can help make your shelter more robust, such as large leaves for covering, bark for insulation, or flexible branches for framing.
Be Prepared:
Keep your shelter as simple as possible and focus on staying dry and warm. Once your shelter is built, you can focus on gathering food and water. Building a shelter is one of the most important skills in survival situations, but it can be fun and rewarding when done right.
