Why build a survival shelter?
Recently, I have come across many reports about day hikers who were compelled to spend one or more nights in the wilderness. Although the situations varied, these hikers were usually unprepared for an overnight stay, particularly in cold and rainy conditions. It is intriguing to note that several of these reports emphasize the scanty food that these hikers had to subsist on, such as “Lost skier survived on Mars bar and snow,” “Hiker survived on a caterpillar and two chocolate bars,” or “Bushwalker managed to survive by consuming muddy water and vegetation.” These reports seldom mention the strategies these hikers used to survive, such as building or seeking out a shelter.
When people find themselves lost in the wilderness, they often become anxious because they are afraid they will run out of food. However, it is possible to survive up to three weeks without food as long as you have access to water and shelter. Therefore, being able to build a shelter for survival is a valuable ability.
Survival Rule of Threes and survival priorities
In a survival scenario, keep in mind and give importance to the four tiers of the Survival Rule of threes.
- You can survive for 3 Minutes without air  (oxygen) or in icy water
- You can survive for 3 Hours without shelter  in a harsh environment (unless in icy water)
- You can survive for 3 Days without water  (if sheltered from a harsh environment)
- You can survive for 3 Weeks without food  (if you have water and shelter)
The primary message of the Rule of three is to prioritize the most pressing issue. In warm weather, the priority is to find water before focusing on food and shelter. Conversely, when cold and wet, the focus must be on staying dry and warm to avoid hypothermia, which is the biggest threat to survival. Without proper warmth, you might lose functionality within three hours, and if alone, survival chances decrease to about three hours.
Regrettably, certain hikes may not proceed as intended, even those that only last a day. It is possible that either you or someone in your party may fall ill or get injured, rendering you unable to continue. You may become confused, lose your way or miscalculate the duration of the hike. As a result, you may have to spend an unforeseen night or longer in the outdoors to resume the next day or wait for an emergency rescue. Keeping yourself warm is crucial, and it’s essential to acquire the ability to construct a shelter as a vital survival technique.
What is a survival shelter?
Survival shelters encompass both natural and human-made structures capable of shielding you from animals, insects, and harsh weather conditions. These shelters span from unaided cliffs, fallen trees, dugouts, tunnels, debris huts, lean-to’s to more developed buildings. Consequently, shelters vary in their shapes and functions, however, one certainty persists: familiarity with expedient shelter building can salvage lives.
Take adequate clothing
The first line of protection from the weather elements is the “shelter” that you opt to wear or bring in your backpack. Though it might be lovely and sunny during your day excursion, the nights could be bitterly frigid. If you only have shorts and a shirt on, and you find yourself stuck outside overnight, hypothermia could be a severe threat. My counsel is to be prepared. You can boost your likelihood of survival by wearing layers of synthetic or woolen materials and carrying a windproof, waterproof shell, thereby retaining body heat rather than expending it. It’s also a brilliant notion to carry a lightweight tarp or bivvy.
Common Types of Survival Shelters
Although not an all-inclusive list, the following outlines the prevalent survival shelter styles and designs suitable for immediate or prolonged survival circumstances. For each shelter, we will discuss the materials required for its construction, the building process, and any necessary equipment or tools.
Bough Bed
There are times when a survival shelter is unnecessary, but a comfortable place to rest for the night is essential. If outdoor sleeping is not an issue, then a bough bed may be an ideal solution. This type of bed is made up of evergreen branches, leaves, grass, moss, and any other soft materials that can be found.
Place two logs side by side on the ground with a distance of approximately 3 feet between them. Stuff the gap between the logs with branches of different lengths, laying down multiple branches concurrently. The inclusion of branches in clusters not only enhances the comfort of the bed but also provides additional warmth by insulating against the cold ground.
Tarp Tipi
A few poles, some of your cordage, and a little time, and you can have a reasonably sturdy tarp tipi to keep you sheltered from the rain, wind, sun, and more. The tipi is highly versatile, and since you can tie your poles and cover your tipi in just about anything, they can be put up in no time.
Employ rope to bind lengthy, uncurved timber jointly at a single extremity, letting them spread out at the opposite end. Repeatedly include timber in a circular fashion until the walls of the tipi are established, then affix your tarpaulin around it and fasten it together at the apex. Maintain an uncovered section at the bottom as an entryway.
Wickiup
The wickiup bears resemblance to the tipi, except that it has a more expansive entrance and is shorter and wider. While the wickiups are prevalent in the southwest region, they can be found in various parts of the country and globally. To construct a wickiup, you will require multiple poles, ideally possessing forked ends.
Start by using the forks to create a tripod and then proceed to lean more poles against it. As you continue to add poles, it will become increasingly stable, allowing for the application of grass, leaves or a tarp to cover the exterior. In the event of a wet climate, opt for utilizing ample moss blankets as they can roughly adsorb precipitation while also providing interior insulation.
Leaf Hut
The construction of a leaf hut resembles that of a lean-to. However, this design is in the shape of an A-frame, has a lower altitude, and contains stronger insulation. The process begins by obtaining a lengthy pole of at least 9 to 10 feet long. Next, lay the pole on the ground and elevate one end. After, lean multiple sticks against the pole to create walls. Finally, apply leaf coverage to the walls to provide adequate insulation.
Snow Cave
If there is heavy snowfall in an area, attempting to create winter survival shelters that are not made of snow will likely not be successful. This is where the snow cave becomes essential. Although constructing a snow cave is potentially hazardous, it could be your sole option in a dire circumstance.
To create a shelter that will keep you warm in the snow, find a sturdy snow bank that is very deep. Dig into it to create a “cold well” where cold air will be trapped. Then, dig upward and over the well to form a spacious shelf on which you’ll sleep. The shelf must be positioned at the highest point of the shelter to allow for all heated air to congregate there.
A vital step to take, especially if you plan on sealing the doorway upon entering the snow cave, is to create a small ventilation hole in the roof that is only 6 inches wide.
Quinzee
Willow Haven Outdoor constructed a quinzee that was fortified with branches for increased structural support.
Constructing a quinzhee is an easy way to build a snow structure as it shares a similar dome shape to an igloo, yet it is closer to the ground and simpler to make. Unlike an igloo that requires specific snow height, a quinzee only needs any type of packable snow.
When constructing a quinzee, begin by creating a heap of your equipment underneath a covering. Any available backpacks, rucksacks, coolers, or other items are suitable. Afterward, heap snow onto the tarp and compress it as much as feasible. You’ll require at least two feet of snow, allowing ample clearance.
Place 12-inch sticks along the borders to mark the distance of 12 inches from inside. Dig into the snow structure, removing snow towards the outer area until all the markers are uncovered. Create an opening at the top of the roof for ventilation, and the task is accomplished.
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 placing the corner beams, the roof can be made using various materials. Often, branches are used to frame the roof, which can then be covered with a tarp to offer essential protection from the sun. If needed, walls can be incorporated, but they must be detachable to allow for a fresh breeze during the day.
The creation of a wedge tarp shelter is uncomplicated, making it a suitable option for regions with strong wind currents. By identifying the direction of the prevalent winds, one can construct the shelter in a way that safeguards against the harsh gusts.
To construct it, you will require a tarp and stakes, as well as a device for driving the stakes, as employing a flat rock may damage your remaining tent stakes. At least five tie-down points are necessary.
A stake must be placed at every corner of the tarp, and another in the middle of the side opposite the entrance. The entrance must be directed away from the prevailing winds, and the center of that side may be elevated with a piece of rope tied to a nearby tree or backed by a branch sticking out from the ground.
Tarp Wing
A tarp wing provides ample coverage from rain for a wide area. To guarantee dryness even in the midst of strong wind and rains, it is advisable to utilize a huge tarp that measures around 20×40 or of a similar size.
To form a tarp wing, tie together two diagonally opposing corners and then tie the other pair of corners at a higher or lower level than the first set. This structure offers some wind shielding and provides coverage from rain and sunlight for a given area.
The best place for your shelter
Choosing the best place to build a survival shelter is important. It should be in the driest spot you can find. Nothing sucks out body heat faster than wetness. Rain and moisture are often your deadliest enemy. When you’re wet, it’s extremely difficult to stay warm. This is one of many reasons it’s important to make sure your shelter is waterproof and dry.
Natural coverage and protection from the rain can be found through luck. When lacking the resources or time to build your own shelter, large trees, fallen limbs, and caves can be a lifesaver. Opting for a natural shelter is the most efficient choice as it saves time and energy.
Locating the shelter close to natural building materials is crucial to avoid the exhaustion of walking long distances to collect materials and hauling them back. This would considerably increase the construction time. However, it is necessary to be cautious of fallen large tree branches and assess the likelihood of overhead branches falling. Furthermore, it is advisable to place the shelter at a distance from game trails to avoid nocturnal visits from animals, unless there is a dire need for food.
In case the weather is not too chilly, construct a lean-to shelter on elevated terrain. The presence of a gentle wind will ward off insects and make it more likely for you to be spotted by a search team. However, if there is a cold wind blowing, opt for a location surrounded by trees that provide shelter. Avoid building in valleys or ravines with deep crevices where cold air settles during the night.
Make sure to determine the direction of the wind before constructing your shelter. It’s important to avoid creating a structure that is exposed to strong winds, as they could arise unexpectedly during the night. One uncomplicated method to determine wind direction is by trying to sense it. In the absence of a perceptible breeze, observe natural indications, like moving trees, swaying grass, or clouds, to determine the wind’s direction.
If feasible, you ought to consider raising your bed from the ground. This is crucial for keeping yourself dry and to prevent insects and animals from crawling into your sleeping area. Note that elevating your bed does not always require constructing a tall platform; you could put some logs down first and then lay your bedding material (such as moss, leaves, and so on) on top of them.
