A survival shelter is any structure (naturally occurring or man-made) that can protect you from animals, insects, and the elements. Survival shelters can range from dugout snow tunnels to A-frame wooden structures. Shelters come in many forms and serve a variety of purposes, but one thing is certain: it’s near impossible to survive without them.
If you know the rule of 3’s, you understand just how important dependable shelter is. As the saying goes, “You can’t survive 3 hours without shelter in a harsh environment.”
When you’re caught in a snowstorm or stranded in the desert heat without shelter, the clock begins counting down to a serious situation that could ultimately cost you your life.
No matter where you are, 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 why it’s so important to make sure that your shelter is waterproof and dry.
Of course, it might not always be possible to stay 100% dry with the limited resources you’re given—and the type of shelter you’re able to find or create—but there are some techniques that can help:
- Elevating your bed: No matter what your environment is, you should always elevate your bed off the ground if you can. Not only is it an important part of staying dry, but there are bugs to worry about as well.
- Find coverage: If you’re lucky, you may be able to find natural coverage and protection from the rain. Large trees and caves can be a lifesaver if you don’t have the natural resources or time to build your own shelter.
- No matter what happens, do everything you can to stay dry. Once you’re drenched to the bone, getting dry and regulating your body temperature will become extremely difficult.
Types of Shelters
- Round Tree Lodge: Structurally, the round shelter is quite similar to a tipi. However, a round lodge has the potential for a solid doorway and slightly better insulation. One of the greatest benefits of a round lodge is that it can accommodate for a smoke hole at the top.
- Debris Survival Shelter: Debris survival shelters come in a variety of structural designs, but the most common is an A-frame. Natural debris, such as tree foliage and dead leaves, can be utilized to insulate your shelter and protect you from the elements.
- Tarp Shelter: A tarp wing provides partial coverage from the elements, especially rain. An A-frame shelter is triangular in shape and typically utilizes tools such as sticks, rope, and a tarp. It provides protection from sun, rain, and wind, but provides little assistance in terms of insulation or warmth.
- Insulation Shelters: If your environment provides them, use resources like mud, leaves, tree branches, and moss to insulate your structure. You need to trap as much heat as possible while protecting yourself from the elements. Laying directly on the ground will cause you to lose massive amounts of body heat. Insulating the surface you plan to sleep on is essential to your survival.
- Quinzhee: Essentially, a quinzhee is a large pile of snow that has been hallowed out for living quarters. While sleeping inside a big pile of snow might seem crazy, it’s often the best way to protect yourself from the harsh elements in a snowy environment.
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