How to guide, building an emergency shelter.

Understanding Emergency Shelters: What’s Your Best Option?

When you’re out in the wilderness or in a survival situation, knowing how to build an emergency shelter from scratch isn’t just a good idea—it’s a must. Different situations call for different shelters, and your job is to pick the right one fast.

Types of Emergency Shelters

1. Lean-To Shelter:

   • Easy to build.

   • Great if you’ve got one side to block the wind.

2. A-Frame Shelter:

   • More stable.

   • Good for protection from the elements.

3. Tarp Shelter:

   • Lightweight and portable.

   • Super fast to set up.

Essential Survival Skills You Need for Building a Shelter

When you're figuring out how to build an emergency shelter from scratch, these survival skills are not just useful—they're critical. Let's break down how each skill plays a role in creating a shelter that can truly protect you in a survival situation.

1. Site Selection: The Foundation of a Good Shelter

Picking the right spot to build your shelter is the first and most important step.

• Avoid Hazardous Areas: If you set up your shelter in a low-lying area, you risk waking up in a pool of water. Stay clear of dry riverbeds, valleys, or any other spots prone to flooding. Also, avoid areas under dead trees or branches (widowmakers) that could crash down on your shelter.

• Seek Natural Protection: Ideally, your shelter should be in a location that already offers some protection. Look for natural windbreaks like the side of a hill or a dense cluster of trees. This reduces the work you need to do and enhances the shelter's effectiveness.

2. Gathering Materials: Using What’s Available

The materials you use will determine how well your shelter stands up to the elements.

• Use What's Around You: In the wilderness, you don’t have the luxury of choosing materials. You need to be resourceful. Look for sturdy branches to build your shelter's frame, and use leaves, grass, or pine boughs for insulation. Rocks can help anchor your structure, and bark can be layered for waterproofing.

• Pack Smart: If you’re well-prepared, you’ll have a tarp, some paracord, and a survival knife. These items make the difference between a makeshift shelter and something that can truly protect you. Use the paracord to lash branches together and secure your tarp as a waterproof roof.

3. Fire Starting: Enhancing Your Shelter’s Warmth

A shelter is only as good as its ability to keep you warm, and that's where fire comes in.

• Know Multiple Methods: If you’re cold, you need to get a fire going fast. Whether you use matches, a lighter, or a fire steel, make sure you can start a fire to heat your shelter. A small fire in front of a lean-to can reflect heat into the shelter, significantly boosting warmth.

• Fire Management: It’s not just about starting the fire; you need to keep it going. Gather plenty of dry wood and keep your fire sheltered from the wind to prevent it from going out. Build a fire pit near your shelter to maintain a consistent heat source.

4. Water Sourcing and Purification: Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential, and your shelter should be close to a water source.

• Find Water Sources: When choosing a site for your shelter, consider its proximity to water. You don’t want to be far from a stream or lake, but also make sure you’re not too close, where you might risk flooding or animal encounters.

• Purification: If you find water nearby, don’t drink it straight. Use your fire to boil water or carry a portable filter. In some cases, you can use rainwater collection methods—like funneling rain off your tarp—directly into a container for drinking.

5. Navigation Without a Map: Finding the Right Spot

Even before you build, knowing how to navigate to a safe location is key.

• Use Natural Indicators: If you’re lost or need to find a new location for your shelter, use the sun or stars to orient yourself. Knowing which direction is north, south, east, or west can help you find a suitable location for your shelter, away from dangers like cliffs or dense brush.

• Stay Calm and Think: Panic can lead to poor decisions, like setting up shelter in a rush in a bad spot. Take a moment to assess your surroundings and think strategically about where to build. A calm mind will help you choose a location that offers the best protection and access to resources.

So, you’re out there in the wild, and things just got real.

Maybe your tent got trashed, or maybe you didn’t pack one at all.

And now you need to figure out how to build an emergency shelter from scratch.

No fluff. Just you, some basic gear, and what nature throws your way. Let’s dive into it.

Materials You’ll Need to Build an Emergency Shelter from Scratch

If you want to know how to build an emergency shelter from scratch, you gotta know what materials work best. Some you bring, some you find.

Materials to Bring

• Tarp: Light, easy to carry, and perfect for a quick shelter.

• Paracord: Strong and versatile—use it to tie your shelter together.

• Survival Knife: Essential for cutting branches, rope, and even making tools.

• Mylar Blanket: Reflects heat, keeping you warm.

Materials You Find in Nature

• Branches: The backbone of most shelters.

• Leaves: Great for insulation.

• Rocks: Use them to secure your tarp or build a windbreak.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build an Emergency Shelter from Scratch

When you're in a survival situation, knowing how to build an emergency shelter from scratch can make all the difference. Here’s a detailed guide to help you construct a shelter that can keep you safe, warm, and dry.

1. Pick Your Spot: Location, Location, Location

Your shelter is only as good as the spot you choose to build it. Here’s how to make sure you get it right:

• Find Flat Ground: A level surface is crucial. It makes building easier and sleeping more comfortable. Avoid slopes, which can be prone to water runoff, and uneven terrain, which can be uncomfortable and dangerous.

• Check for Natural Windbreaks: Look for natural barriers like hills, large rocks, or dense clusters of trees. These features can shield your shelter from strong winds, reducing the risk of it collapsing or becoming too cold.

• Stay Away from Water Sources: While you want to be near water for drinking, don’t set up too close to rivers, lakes, or streams. In heavy rain, these can flood. Aim for at least 200 feet away from water bodies to avoid potential flooding and to keep wildlife at bay.

• Avoid Widowmakers: Widowmakers are dead trees or branches that could fall at any moment. Look up and ensure your chosen spot is clear of any potential hazards hanging above you.

2. Start With the Frame: The Backbone of Your Shelter

The frame is the skeleton of your shelter, and it needs to be sturdy. Here’s how to build a solid frame:

• For a Lean-To Shelter:

  • Find a long, sturdy branch to act as the main support (ridgepole).

  • Prop one end of the branch up on a tree trunk or large rock at about chest height.

  • Lean smaller branches against the ridgepole at a 45-degree angle, spacing them about 1 foot apart to create the framework.

• For an A-Frame Shelter:

  • Find a strong branch (about 7-8 feet long) to serve as the ridgepole.

  • Prop the ridgepole up between two Y-shaped sticks or tie it between two trees.

  • Lean branches against both sides of the ridgepole, creating a triangular shape with a steep angle. This will help rain and snow slide off.

• For a Tarp Shelter:

  • If you have a tarp, this is the easiest and quickest shelter to build.

  • Tie a piece of paracord between two trees about waist-high.

  • Drape the tarp over the cord, creating an A-frame shape.

  • Secure the tarp's corners with rocks or stakes driven into the ground to keep it taut and in place.

3. Cover It Up: Weatherproofing Your Shelter

Once your frame is up, it’s time to cover it to protect yourself from the elements. Here’s how:

• Use a Tarp or Mylar Blanket: If you have a tarp, drape it over the frame, ensuring it covers as much of the shelter as possible. Secure it with rocks, branches, or stakes. If you have a Mylar blanket, it can be used to reflect heat back into the shelter.

• Natural Materials: If you don’t have a tarp, you’ll need to rely on what’s around you.

  • Leaves and Branches: Start by layering large branches or sticks over the frame to create a solid base. Then pile on layers of leaves, pine needles, or grass. The thicker the layer, the better it will insulate and protect you from rain.

  • Bark or Ferns: Large pieces of bark or clusters of ferns can also be used as roofing material. They’re especially good for keeping out rain if layered properly.

• Snow as Insulation: In snowy conditions, pack snow around the base of your shelter for added insulation. Snow acts as an excellent barrier against the wind and cold.

4. Insulate the Inside: Stay Warm and Comfortable

Now that your shelter is built, you need to make the inside as warm and comfortable as possible:

• Floor Insulation: The ground can suck the warmth right out of you, so insulation is crucial.

  • Use Leaves, Pine Needles, or Grass: Pile a thick layer (at least 6 inches) of dry leaves, pine needles, or grass on the floor. This layer will keep you off the cold ground and help retain body heat.

  • Mylar Blanket: If you have a Mylar blanket, lay it over the natural insulation. It will reflect your body heat, keeping you warmer through the night.

• Wall Insulation: If the weather is extremely cold, consider adding more insulation to the inside walls.

  • Additional Layers: Line the interior walls with more leaves, pine needles, or even extra clothing to create a barrier between you and the cold air outside.

  • Reflective Heat: Position your fire in front of the open side of your shelter (if it’s a lean-to or A-frame). Use rocks or a reflective surface like a Mylar blanket to reflect the heat back into the shelter.

5. Secure Everything: Lock It Down

The last thing you want is for your shelter to fall apart in the middle of the night. Here’s how to make sure it stays together:

• Tie Down the Shelter: Use paracord or any sturdy rope to secure branches, tarps, or other materials. Tie everything tightly to avoid any shifting or sagging.

• Use Rocks and Heavy Branches: Weigh down the edges of your tarp or natural materials with heavy rocks or logs. This will keep them from blowing away in the wind and help anchor the shelter.

• Check for Weak Spots: Before settling in, give your shelter a once-over. Push and pull on different parts to ensure they’re secure. Reinforce any weak areas with extra branches or cord.

Additional Tips:

• Fire Pit Placement: If you plan to build a fire, dig a small pit in front of your shelter to contain the flames. Surround it with rocks to help reflect heat back into the shelter and prevent the fire from spreading.

• Smoke Ventilation: If you’re using fire inside a more enclosed shelter, make sure there’s ventilation to let smoke escape. This can be as simple as leaving a small gap at the top or building your shelter with a slight opening.

• Practice Makes Perfect: The best time to learn how to build an emergency shelter from scratch isn’t when you’re already in an emergency. Practice building different types of shelters before you need them. The more you practice, the quicker and more efficiently you’ll be able to set one up in a real situation.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Building an emergency shelter isn’t hard, but there are some mistakes you don’t want to make.

1. Picking a Bad Location

• Don’t set up in a dry riverbed. It might not stay dry.

• Avoid areas with dead trees or branches overhead—widowmakers are no joke.

2. Not Securing the Shelter Properly

• Paracord is your friend—use it to tie everything down.

• Use rocks or heavy branches to keep your shelter from blowing away.

3. Skipping Insulation

• Just because you’re out of the wind doesn’t mean you’re warm.

• Use leaves or Mylar blankets to trap heat.

FAQs

1. How Long Does It Take to Build an Emergency Shelter from Scratch?

Depends on the shelter type and the materials you have, but typically anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

2. What’s the Best Material to Use for Insulation?

Dry leaves, pine needles, and a Mylar blanket if you have one.

3. Can I Build an Emergency Shelter Without Any Tools?

Yes, but it’ll be harder. A survival knife and paracord make things much easier.

4. What’s the Best Type of Shelter for Wet Conditions?

A Tarp Shelter is your best bet. It’s waterproof and quick to set up.

Sources

• Survivalist Handbook - This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to building various types of survival shelters, focusing on site selection, framework construction, and insulation. It’s particularly useful for beginners who need detailed instructions on how to clear a site, construct a stable base, and choose the right materials. You can check it out here: Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Survival Shelter​ (Survivalist Handbook).

• Next Level Survival - This resource covers essential survival shelter designs like the A-frame and lean-to, which are critical for various environments. The site goes into detail on how to properly secure the shelter and make it weatherproof. It's a solid guide for understanding the fundamental tools and techniques needed to construct durable shelters in the wild. Read more here: Survival Shelters Essentials​ (NEXT LEVEL SURVIVAL).

• Primal Survivor - For a quick yet practical approach, this site offers simple designs like the debris tipi and lean-to shelters. It’s great for those who need to quickly set up a shelter using minimal tools and natural resources. The focus here is on easy-to-build structures that offer immediate protection. More details can be found here: How To Build A Survival Shelter: 11 Simple Designs​ (Primal Survivor).

• Outdoor Life - This site provides a broad overview of survival shelter designs, including the tarp tipi and A-frame tarp shelter. It’s particularly useful for learning how to use tarps effectively in shelter construction, offering solutions that are both quick to deploy and effective in various weather conditions. Explore the full guide here: Survival Shelters: 15 Best Designs​ (Outdoor Life).

Final Words

Now you know how to build an emergency shelter from scratch. Whether it’s a lean-to, A-frame, or just a tarp tied to a couple of trees, having these skills could save your life. Remember, practice makes perfect, and it’s better to know this stuff and not need it than to need it and not know it.

Thanks and best regards

The Bug Out Bunker

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