Newsletter

Topic:  SHELTERS

     Modern man lives in an interesting world, a world filled with electronic wonders and mechanical marvels. We as a society take for granted the most basic of necessities. With the flip of a switch, we have light. With the turn of a knob we have water. With the sliding of a lever, we have heat or air conditioning. Even our homes which shelter us from the harshest of natures elements are easily obtainable to us. But consider for a moment what your world would be like if all of the nice comfortable amenities we cherish so much were not available. Could you build a shelter that would protect you in a snowstorm? Or simply from the rain or sun? Shelter should be considered your first priority in the wilderness. Unlike many other species of animals that inhabit the earth, humans have the ability to change their own little micro climates. They simply add or subtract the amount of clothing they wear according to the temperature. Unfortunately, in the wilderness we are forced to use what we carry on our body--not a good thing in many circumstances or conditions. Many types of shelters can be made quickly and with minimal expended energy in the wild. Lean-to shelters are easily built and offer adequate protection in most conditions. The debris hut is also easily built. A debris hut that uses a tree for upright support offers superior strength and excellent protection. A simple A-frame type debris shelter works very well also. Caves, large overhangs, even hollowed logs can be used. The key to the prevention of hypothermia or hyperthermia is to find shelter. In the desert, shelter is a must have. By simply finding shade your chances for survival are greatly improved.

Included in this newsletter are a few basic shelters. Most are easily constructed with minimal or no tools. All will offer weather protection of varying degrees. All styles of primitive shelters should be studied and construction methods thoroughly learned. Most survival shelters are easily built and quickly learned. Each of the shelters shown in drawings are constructed using natural materials found in forested areas. All are simple and offer protection.

The simple Lean-to can be built using trees as upright supports or by using forked poles. These shelters offer an easy and relatively quick method of construction. Be sure ridge pole and uprights are of adequate strength to hold the debris that will be used for roof. The A-frame style offers additional warmth and protection from wind and driving rain. Again, use the strongest ridge pole available. The ridge pole should be at least three inches in diameter for maximum strength. Waking up in the middle of the night under a pile of wood and debris will not be fun. Add as much material to roof as you are able. Thicker is better. All shelters should be constructed using as many dry leaves and grasses as possible. Pile larger material on after roof is finished to hold loose material in place. Remember thicker roofs shed water better and offer much better insulation properties. Always add as many dead, dry leaves on the floor to be used as a thermal barrier and bedding as you can. Being wet and cold at the same time can lead to dangerous possibilities--death being one of them. Read and learn as much as you can about wilderness survival shelters. Some day the studying could pay off with you staying alive and well in the end.