Shelter from weather, safe sleeping areas
Shelter is a fundamental survival necessity that protects the body from environmental hazards, conserves heat, and provides a safe place to rest. This section covers the principles of constructing effective shelters to withstand weather extremes and creating safe sleeping areas to reduce risk of injury, illness, and predation.
Importance of Shelter in Survival Situations
In any survival scenario, exposure to the elements is a leading cause of injury and death. Hypothermia, heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory illnesses often result from inadequate shelter. A well-constructed shelter:
- Shields from rain, wind, snow, and sun
- Maintains body temperature by conserving heat or providing shade
- Offers protection from insects, animals, and other threats
- Provides psychological comfort and a place to rest and recover
The goal is to create a shelter that balances protection, ventilation, and comfort using available materials and tools.
Assessing the Environment and Selecting Shelter Location
Before building, evaluate the environment carefully to choose the best shelter site. Key considerations include:
Weather Conditions
- Cold climates: Prioritize insulation and wind protection.
- Hot climates: Focus on shade and ventilation.
- Wet climates: Elevate shelter floor and ensure waterproofing.
Terrain and Ground Conditions
- Avoid low spots where cold air and water collect.
- Choose flat or gently sloping ground to prevent water pooling.
- Avoid areas near cliffs or unstable slopes prone to rockfall.
- Stay clear of animal trails and insect nests.
Natural Resources Availability
- Proximity to water source (but not too close to avoid flooding or insects).
- Availability of building materials like branches, leaves, grasses, rocks.
- Natural windbreaks such as dense bushes or rock formations.
Safety and Security
- Visibility: Choose a spot that is discreet but accessible.
- Avoid areas with signs of dangerous wildlife activity.
- Consider proximity to your group or base camp.
Types of Basic Survival Shelters
Depending on available materials and environment, several shelter types can be constructed quickly and effectively.
1. Lean-To Shelter
A lean-to is a simple structure made by leaning branches against a support such as a fallen tree or upright poles. It provides a windbreak and rain protection when covered with foliage or bark.
- Construction: Find a sturdy support, lean branches at a 45-degree angle, cover with leaves or pine boughs.
- Best for: Mild to moderate weather, quick shelter.
- Advantages: Fast to build, uses minimal tools.
- Limitations: Limited insulation, less effective in heavy rain without good waterproofing.
2. Debris Hut
A debris hut uses a thick layer of leaves, grass, and branches piled over a frame to create insulated shelter.
- Construction: Build a ridgepole, lean sticks to form a frame, pile dry debris thickly for insulation.
- Best for: Cold or wet environments where insulation is critical.
- Advantages: Excellent heat retention, waterproof if built well.
- Limitations: Time-consuming, requires abundant dry debris.
3. A-Frame Shelter
Similar to a lean-to but with two sloping sides meeting at a ridgepole, forming a triangular shape.
- Construction: Erect two supports, place a ridgepole, lean branches on both sides, cover with foliage.
- Best for: Rain and snow shedding.
- Advantages: More weather-resistant than lean-to.
- Limitations: Requires more materials and effort.
4. Snow Shelter (Quinzhee or Igloo)
In snowy environments, compacted snow can be hollowed out to create insulated shelters.
- Construction: Pile snow into a mound, let it settle, hollow out interior.
- Best for: Extreme cold and snow.
- Advantages: Excellent insulation, windproof.
- Limitations: Requires snow and knowledge of safe construction to avoid collapse.
5. Natural Shelters
Utilizing caves, rock overhangs, or fallen trees can provide immediate shelter.
- Advantages: Minimal construction needed.
- Limitations: May harbor animals, insects, or be unsafe structurally.
Shelter Construction Principles
Regardless of type, effective shelters share common construction principles:
Insulation
- Use natural materials like leaves, pine needles, grass, moss to trap air and retain heat.
- Avoid materials that retain moisture.
- Layer insulation thickly, especially on the roof and floor.
Waterproofing
- Use large leaves, bark, or tarps to shed rain.
- Angle roof steeply to prevent water pooling.
- Elevate sleeping area above ground moisture.
Wind Protection
- Position shelter with entrance away from prevailing winds.
- Use natural windbreaks or build walls from branches, rocks, or snow.
Ventilation
- Ensure airflow to prevent condensation and maintain breathable air.
- Avoid sealing shelter completely airtight.
Size and Shape
- Keep shelter small enough to retain body heat but large enough for comfort.
- Low ceilings reduce heat loss but allow enough space to sit or lie down.
Creating Safe Sleeping Areas
Safe sleeping areas within or near shelters are critical to avoid injury, illness, and predation.
Ground Preparation
- Clear debris, rocks, and sharp objects.
- Dig shallow drainage trenches around shelter to divert water.
- Elevate sleeping platform using logs, branches, or constructed pallets if possible.
Insulating the Sleeping Surface
- Use natural materials like dry leaves, pine boughs, or grass to create a thick insulating layer.
- Avoid direct contact with cold or damp ground to prevent heat loss.
Sleeping Position and Protection
- Sleep on your back or side to maintain airway openness.
- Use clothing or blankets to cover exposed skin.
- Position yourself away from shelter entrance to avoid drafts and intrusion.
Pest and Predator Deterrence
- Keep food and waste away from sleeping area.
- Use smoke or natural repellents to deter insects.
- Construct barriers or traps around shelter perimeter if threats are present.
Materials and Tools for Shelter Building
Natural Materials
- Wood: branches, sticks, logs for frame and supports.
- Leaves, grass, pine needles for insulation and roofing.
- Bark strips for waterproofing.
- Rocks for anchoring and walls.
Man-Made Materials (if available)
- Tarps, plastic sheets, or ponchos for waterproofing.
- Rope, paracord, or vines for lashing.
- Knives, axes, saws for cutting and shaping materials.
Step-by-Step Shelter Building Process
- Site Selection: Choose location considering weather, terrain, and safety.
- Gather Materials: Collect sufficient wood, foliage, and insulation materials.
- Build Frame: Construct sturdy supports and ridgepoles.
- Add Roofing: Layer branches and foliage for waterproofing.
- Insulate: Add thick layers of dry debris inside and outside.
- Prepare Sleeping Area: Clear and insulate floor.
- Create Entrance: Make a small, wind-protected opening.
- Test Shelter: Check for leaks, drafts, and stability.
Maintaining and Improving Shelter
- Regularly replace wet or compressed insulation.
- Repair damage from weather or animals promptly.
- Improve waterproofing with additional layers.
- Add features like door flaps or vestibules for extra protection.
Psychological Benefits of Shelter
Having a secure shelter improves morale, reduces stress, and promotes better sleep. This mental resilience is crucial for survival.
Summary
Shelter is a top priority in survival situations. By understanding environmental factors, selecting appropriate shelter types, and following sound construction principles, you can create a safe, comfortable refuge. Proper sleeping area preparation further enhances survival chances by preventing exposure-related illnesses and injuries.
For more on fire making to keep warm inside shelters, see Heating, fire making, and fuel gathering.
