"On the ground, the question often arises: what is the best shelter to build in a survival situation? But there is another, even more important question: what is the primary function of a shelter? Understanding this fundamental need completely changes the approach to construction."
In this article, you will discover the basics for building a survival shelter, the mistakes to avoid before getting started, and the good reflexes to stay safe from the elements and surrounding dangers.
The primary purpose of a shelter: To protect from the elements
The main role of a shelter is to protect you from external conditions: wind, rain, snow, intense sun, or extreme cold. The second objective is to keep you away from wild animals, without attracting their attention.
The best shelter is therefore the one that you know how to build quickly, with the available resources, and that offers you effective protection in your immediate environment.
Adapting to the environment: Choosing the right type of shelter
A shelter may be sufficient in a warm and calm area, where the climate is mild and free of predators. But in a cold and windy environment, it will not retain body heat and will expose you to hypothermia.
It is therefore essential to master several types of shelters in order to be able to adapt to any situation.
Before building: The right reflexes to adopt
Before even starting to build, there are essential rules to follow. These precautions ensure your safety and the quality of your shelter.
Plan for enough time: Anticipate the construction
In a survival situation, one may be tempted to walk until exhaustion. But it is crucial to stop early enough to find a suitable location and have the necessary time to build. Depending on the conditions, allow several hours before nightfall for this task.
Choose the right location: Avoid dangerous areas
The location is a fundamental element. Avoid areas where dead branches may fall, avalanche slopes, the beds of dried-up rivers, or areas of flash flooding.
Sleeping too close to a water source can lead to risks of flash flooding, cooler temperatures, and increased exposure to insects. Also, stay away from animal trails or areas showing signs of predators.
Build a shelter: Adjust the size and materials
The shelter must be large enough to protect you, but not too spacious: this will help avoid losing body heat. Its durability will depend on the available materials, your level of fatigue, and the duration expected on site.
Use the elements of the landscape to your advantage: a rock, a fallen tree trunk, or a natural embankment can become solid walls. Favor low branches, wood on the ground, and easy-to-gather materials.
Insulation: Keep the heat in and stay dry
The most important principle: isolation, isolation, isolation! Never sleep directly on the ground, you would lose too much body heat. Create an insulating layer with grass, leaves, or branches of pine to stay warm and dry.
Around the shelter: Thinking about the details that make the difference
The orientation of the shelter is essential. Ensure that it benefits from the warmth of the sun at dawn. Orient the entrance sheltered from the wind, behind a solid wall or a natural barrier.
Dig a trench around your shelter to drain the rain and prevent water from pooling underneath you.
Conclusion :
Knowing how to build different types of shelters with the available materials is a key survival skill. But the choice of location, managing the weather, and thermal protection are just as important.
By keeping these principles in mind, you will be able to build an effective shelter and survive in sometimes extreme conditions. Stay curious, practice regularly, and always be prepared.
