02-22-2005, 08:58 PM
Building Shelter
Building a shelter is an underrated and often overlooked part of wilderness survival. Most people cannot survive unprotected from harsh weather for more than a few hours. Besides breathing, building a shelter is an absolute priority, particularly in areas with harsh or unpredictable weather. A good multi-tool or pocket knife will greatly aid you in your efforts to build a shelter.[/url]
An ideal shelter must: [ul] [li]Protect you from rain, snow, wind, cold and heat. [li]Provide a basic level of comfort for resting and sleeping. [li]Be conspicuous enough to be found by search and rescue crews[/li][/ul]
To build a basic shelter: [ul] [li]Look for a transition area between forest and field with good drainage (the trees will provide good protection against the wind and cold but will not completely obstruct the warmth of the sun). [li]Find a natural structure, such as a fallen tree or boulder to serve as the foundation wall of your shelter. [li]Find a sturdy branch about six feet in length to serve as your shelter's ridgepole. [li]Plant one end of the branch into the ground and set the other end on the foundation wall. [li]Gather up non-poisonous vegetation and small braches and place them on both sides of the ridgepole to create the roof. [li]Line the surface of the shelter with dried leaves and twigs for insulation. [/li][/ul]
Things to avoid: [ul] [li]DO NOT use caves, hollow logs or bushes for shelter, as they are likely inhabited by other animals, insects or reptiles, some of which may be dangerous. [li]DO NOT camouflage your shelter, as this will reduce your chances of being rescued. [li]DO NOT over-exert yourself when building a shelter. Instead, work at a moderate pace to minimize perspiration and loss of water. [/li][/ul]
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Building a shelter is an underrated and often overlooked part of wilderness survival. Most people cannot survive unprotected from harsh weather for more than a few hours. Besides breathing, building a shelter is an absolute priority, particularly in areas with harsh or unpredictable weather. A good multi-tool or pocket knife will greatly aid you in your efforts to build a shelter.[/url]
An ideal shelter must: [ul] [li]Protect you from rain, snow, wind, cold and heat. [li]Provide a basic level of comfort for resting and sleeping. [li]Be conspicuous enough to be found by search and rescue crews[/li][/ul]
To build a basic shelter: [ul] [li]Look for a transition area between forest and field with good drainage (the trees will provide good protection against the wind and cold but will not completely obstruct the warmth of the sun). [li]Find a natural structure, such as a fallen tree or boulder to serve as the foundation wall of your shelter. [li]Find a sturdy branch about six feet in length to serve as your shelter's ridgepole. [li]Plant one end of the branch into the ground and set the other end on the foundation wall. [li]Gather up non-poisonous vegetation and small braches and place them on both sides of the ridgepole to create the roof. [li]Line the surface of the shelter with dried leaves and twigs for insulation. [/li][/ul]
Things to avoid: [ul] [li]DO NOT use caves, hollow logs or bushes for shelter, as they are likely inhabited by other animals, insects or reptiles, some of which may be dangerous. [li]DO NOT camouflage your shelter, as this will reduce your chances of being rescued. [li]DO NOT over-exert yourself when building a shelter. Instead, work at a moderate pace to minimize perspiration and loss of water. [/li][/ul]
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