Types of Campfire to Build
The difficulty level of campfires may differ, but the ones that are most effective in emergency situations all share one crucial characteristic: dependability.
It is beneficial to acquaint oneself with these 6 categories of fires:
Teepee Campfire
One of the most popular campfires is the teepee campfire, likely because it is one of the easiest to create. This particular fire layout is favored by both campers and preppers due to its speedy ignition and the ability to construct it with an assortment of materials such as twigs, sticks, and branches.
As its name suggests, your teepee campfire should look like a teepee shelter .
Begin by collecting tinder before constructing a frame of kindling in a triangular or teepee shape around it. Start with small sticks and move towards larger kindling materials gradually. Make sure to leave an opening on the upwind side of the structure to light the tinder and allow air to enter, fueling the flames. As the kindling catches fire, it will collapse on itself. Add more kindling to the fire as required.
A teepee campfire’s sharp configuration enables the concentration of heat in a singular direction, proving to be perfect for hanging a pot of stew or water directly above it.
Haystack Fire
The firelay resembling a mini-haystack, known as the haystack firelay, is incredibly simple to construct without the aid of a tutorial video. It is self-explanatory and could be referred to as a firelay for those who are unprepared and unwilling to put forth effort.
To make a haystack firelay, start with tinder and ignite it. Add flammable materials such as leaves, twigs, and sticks gradually and work your way up to larger wooden fuel. Although it doesn’t have a firm shape, this firelay can come in handy when you’re short on time or don’t have many resources as it won’t burn for as long as other firelays.
Star Fire
Consider the star firelay as an improved alternative to both the haystack and teepee fire structures. Despite requiring fewer materials than most firelays, this design will keep your campfire burning for a significant duration.
Creating a star-shaped fire is a straightforward process. First, make a small stack of tinder and kindling. Next, position three to five pieces of large fuelwood around it in the shape of a star. As the fire grows, push the big logs inward. Although it needs some attention, this type of fire layout can be beneficial when you’re lacking the means to cut large pieces of wood.
Lean To Fire
It’s fascinating that many firelays have names that resemble those of survival shelters. For example, the lean-to fire resembles its shelter counterpart. Your first step in creating this fire is to locate a sizable tree branch that matches the size of your arm.
Gather twigs and sticks to use as kindling and position them at a perpendicular angle to the main branch. Place tinder below the kindling and ignite it. Add layers of kindling to the initial lean to firelay. This technique is especially useful on windy days as the main branch can function as a shield against the wind and safeguard your fire.
Make sure to leave just enough airspace so that the larger pieces of kindling can catch fire without the tinder burning out.
Log Cabin Fire
If you desire a bed of hot coals, then lighting a fire in a log cabin style is the way to go. However, the firelay is not a simple task and requires expert construction with a variety of materials. The satisfaction of getting it right makes it all worth it.
A log cabin firelay burns internally and spreads heat more uniformly than a teepee firelay. This type of firelay is ideal for prolonged chilly evenings as it also burns for a longer duration.
Beginning the process of building a fire for your log cabin involves first collecting some tinder. After that, surround the tinder with four sizable pieces of fuel wood, forming a square shape. Next, place a layer of kindling around the square structure, directly followed by another layer, gradually adding more wood as you progress. If the ground is moist, it is critical to construct the firelay on a bed of firewood to ensure that it ignites correctly.
Upside-Down Fire
There are several names for the inverted campfire, such as council fire or pyramid fire due to its shape. Although it is a more complex form of campfire like the log cabin, when done correctly, it can provide numerous benefits. The upside-down fire method is a self-sustaining fire that requires minimal attention once ignited.
Similar to a candle, the inverted fire burns from the top down. Positioned at the highest point of the fire lay is the tinder, often fashioned in the shape of a mini teepee. As you progress downward, the kindling progressively grows in size and thickness, concluding at the base with the largest fuel wood pieces.
Ideal for large groups, this firelay generates a prolonged and sizable flame. Despite requiring additional materials and considerable effort to construct, it offers consistent warmth that lasts the entire night and leaves behind a substantial quantity of embers once extinguished.
Common Types of Survival Shelters
Although not comprehensive, the list includes the prevalent styles and categories of survival shelters suitable for short- and long-term survival purposes. Our detailed discussion of each shelter will encompass its construction materials, step-by-step building instructions, and essential tools and equipment required for construction.
Bough Bed
At times, a survival shelter may not be necessary, however, a comfortable place to rest for the night may be required. For those who can sleep outside without difficulty, a bough bed could be an ideal choice. The essential elements for making this bed comprise of branches from coniferous trees, leaves, grass, moss, and other materials that are suitable for a soft bed.
Place two logs horizontally on the ground, keeping them parallel and at a distance of approximately 3 feet from each other. Fill the gap between them by laying down a variety of boughs, adding them in groups of several. This not only enhances the comfort of the bed, but also offers extra protection from the frigid ground.
Tarp Tipi
A tipi shelter structure with no covering – unplash.com
With just a small quantity of poles, cordage, and a bit of time, it’s possible to construct a robust tarp tipi that will guard you against different weather conditions such as rain, wind, and sun. These tipis offer a great degree of flexibility because you can attach your poles and use any material to cover them making it easy to build them quickly.
Utilize rope or twine to fasten elongated, uncurved sticks together at a single extremity, permitting them to extend outward at the opposite end. Continue incorporating sticks in a circular arrangement until the walls of the tipi have been formed, then drape your tarpaulin over it and secure it at the peak. Leave one end partly open to serve as an entrance.
Wickiup
There are three wickiups located in the forest on unplash.com.
The wickiup, which can be found throughout the world, is comparable to the tipi, but it has a larger opening and is shorter and broader. In order to construct a wickiup, you will require numerous poles, preferably with a few having forked tips. It is a common structure in the southwest.
Create a tripod by leaning three forks together, and gradually add other poles to strengthen the structure. Once it is stable, cover the exterior with grasses, leaves, or a tarp. In case of a damper climate, opting for ample moss blankets can help trap moisture and provide insulation within.
Leaf Hut
A hut made of leaves – unsplash.com
The construction of a leaf hut resembles that of a lean-to, with the exception that it has an A-frame structure that is closer to the ground and contains greater insulation. Begin by acquiring a pole that measures a minimum of 9 or 10 feet. Place the pole horizontally and elevate one end while using sticks to form walls by leaning them against the pole. Finally, gather leaves to add onto the walls for added insulation.
Snow Cave
The Offgrid Recoil features the USMC Winter Shelter Snow Cave.
In places with heavy snowfall, attempting to construct winter survival shelters using materials other than snow can prove to be ineffective. The snow cave is the solution to this problem. Although it is certainly the riskiest form of shelter to construct in the snow, it could also be your sole option in a dire situation.
A sizable, stable snowbank with great depth is necessary. Excavate a depression on one side to make a “cold well” to capture the incoming cold air. Then, shape a broad platform over the well to build a comfortable sleeping area. The platform must be the highest point of the shelter to hold all of the warm air.
It is essential to create a small hole, with a diameter of only 6 inches, in the roof for ventilation. This is especially important if you plan to seal the entrance of the snow cave after you enter. Remember to dig the hole before blocking the doorway.
Quinzee
Willow Haven Outdoor constructed a quinzee using branches in order to reinforce the framework.
A quinzhee is a basic snow structure that is easy to make. It looks like a dome-shaped igloo, but it is not as high and is simpler to build. Unlike an igloo, which requires a certain level of snow thickness, a quinzhee can be made from almost any type of snow that can be molded.
Begin constructing a quinzee by creating a heap of your equipment under a tarp, using items like backpacks, rucksacks, and coolers that are readily available. Proceed by covering the tarp with compressed snow, ensuring it’s firmly packed together. Aim for a minimum of two feet of snow to leave some room for excavating.
Next, place 12-inch poles along the perimeter to serve as markers for the 12-inch mark from the inner part. Dig inside the structure and remove the snow until you reach all the marker poles. Lastly, create a ventilation hole at the roof’s center and your task is complete.
Ramada
The ramada is an easy structure to create for hotter, sunny environments that only require a degree of shade to protect the inhabitants. It is a simple four-post design with a rectangular, flat roof. This won’t keep you dry from a sudden rainstorm, but if you’re stuck in a tropical or desert region with high temps and low precipitation, it could be ideal.
After the corner beams are in place, various materials can be used to construct the roof. Often, branches are utilized to frame the roof, which can then be covered with a tarp to supply essential shade. If preferred, walls can be included, but they must be detachable to enable circulation of breezes during the day.
Round Lodge
Combining various cultures, round lodges are a hybrid of wickiup and tipi structures, ultimately serving the same purpose of providing protection from the elements such as wind, rain, snow, and sun. Although similar in construction to tipis, round lodges are distinguished by having a sturdy entrance formed by binding horizontal supports between two vertical poles set apart at a specific distance.
When laying the poles to create the structure, there should be a hole remaining in the center of the peak to allow campfire smoke to vent. Once the poles are set, the sides can be thatched with grass, leaves, or other matting material. It can even be buried under forest litter and debris for a higher degree of stealth and insulation.
Wedge Tarp
The creation of a wedge tarp shelter is straightforward and suited for places with strong winds. By identifying the predominant wind direction, the shelter’s wedge shape guarantees protection from the harsh winds.
In order to construct it, you will require a tarp and several stakes. Additionally, ensure that you possess a tool for hammering the stakes, as using a flat stone can result in damaging your remaining tent stakes. It is necessary to have at least five points to secure the structure.
To properly set up the tarp, it is necessary to place a stake at each of the four corners and one in the middle of the side that is opposite to the entrance. The entrance should be positioned in a direction opposite to the direction of the prevailing winds, and the center of that side can be secured by attaching a length of cordage to a nearby tree or using a branch to provide support.