Introduction
Out in the big wilderness, knowing how to make good shelters is super important.
It's like the difference between being okay and being in trouble.
Whether you're lost on a hike, out in the wild for a bushcraft trip, or when your tent fails you, being able to build a shelter is a really important skill for people who love being outside.
In another blog we did before, where we talked about basic bushcraft skills, we touched on some parts of building shelters.
Now, in this big guide, we're going to go even deeper into how to craft effective shelters in the great outdoors.
We'll understand the terrain, look at the important rules, check out different kinds of shelters, and talk about the tools and things you need to make strong structures when you're out in the wild.
Let's dive into this world of shelter building together!
Understanding the Terrain
Before you start building a shelter, it's really important to take a good look at the land around you.
Different places have different challenges and chances for making a shelter that works well.
Let's think about a dense forest, for example. In places like these, there are lots of materials, like branches and leaves.
You can use these things to build a shelter that's strong and reliable. The trees in the forest can also be used as a natural windbreak, providing extra protection.
This is an ideal environment to kickstart your shelter crafting adventure.
Mastering the art in places where materials are plentiful prepares you for more challenging environments.
Now, imagine you're in an arid or dry place. In these landscapes, you have to be more creative.
Instead of relying on lots of branches and leaves, you need to use the shape of the land itself.
Look for natural dips or rises in the ground to help shield your shelter from the elements. It's like using the lay of the land as part of your shelter plan.
So, understanding the terrain means figuring out what the land around you is like and using that knowledge to build a shelter that fits.
In a snowy area, you can use compacted snow blocks for insulation. In a rocky place, you can use large stones to create a sturdy structure.
The key is to adapt your shelter crafting techniques based on the unique features of the environment you're in.
This way, you increase the chances of making a safe and effective place to take refuge.
Key Principles of Shelter Crafting
Once you have taken a good look at the land around you and understood the terrain, it's time to talk about building a shelter.
But before you jump into constructing, let's explore the key principles of shelter crafting.
These principles are like the guidelines that help you create a shelter that not only protects but stands strong against nature's challenges.
Location, Location, Location
When it comes down to it, the ground is your starting point.
Look for ground that's nice and level when you're setting up your shelter.
This not only keeps things stable but also makes it a whole lot more comfy when it's time to rest.
Don't forget to steer clear of areas that might flood, especially if there's rain on the way.
Picking high ground for your shelter lowers the chances of ending up in a puddle when you're trying to get some shut-eye.
Just like when I recently went camping in a hilly place, I built my shelter on a gentle slope.
It helped water go away, keeping things dry, and I didn't get the full force of the wind when I was on a hill.
And here's another thing – watch out for spots with dead or hanging branches.
These can be real trouble, especially when the wind kicks in.
In windy places, those branches might snap and come crashing down, putting you at risk or wrecking your shelter.
If you're in a forest, keep an eye out for what folks call "widow-makers."
Those are dead branches or trees that might decide to fall whenever they feel like it.
Choose a spot where the chances of that happening are low, so your shelter is a safer place to be.
Consider the Elements
Now, let's talk about the next big thing: thinking about the weather.
It's all about checking out what's happening with the elements and making your shelter work well for you.
This is a good habit to have, whether you're out for a hike, backpacking, or practicing some bushcraft.
Firstly, figure out if it's windy, rainy, or cold. Before you start putting your shelter together, it's really important to know what's going on with the weather.
If it's windy or rainy, like we just talked about, you need to set up your shelter in a way that stops the wind and lets the water drain away.
Find something like a big rock or a hill to protect you from the wind, and a gentle slope to keep things dry. It makes a big difference in making your shelter feel cozy and safe.
Now, if it's cold outside, try to put your shelter where it can get a lot of sunlight.
Sunlight is like nature's heater, and it can really help keep you warm. It's a simple trick, but it can make a big difference in how comfortable you are.
Thinking about the elements isn't just about being ready; it's about making your shelter work even better for you.
Efficient Use of Resources
Making the most out of what you have is the third important principle – using resources efficiently.
Efficient resource use isn't just about saving things; it's about being creative. In challenging situations, you have to think of new ideas.
Imagine you only have a bit of cordage left after a few days.
In situations like these, you can explore vines or flexible plant fibers as an alternative kind of cordage to keep your shelter together.
If the leaves you planned to use for insulation are tough to find, consider using smaller leaves or pine needles instead.
You need to focus on what you truly have, avoid wasting anything, and be open to trying different approaches.
Stability and Durability
Let's now delve into the fourth principle: ensuring stability and durability in your shelter, which is absolutely crucial.
When it comes to your shelter, strength is key. It's not just about putting together some walls and a roof; it needs to be robust and able to stand up to the elements without crumbling.
Imagine you're snug inside your shelter, and suddenly, a branch falls on top of it. That's not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in.
Ensuring the strength of your shelter protects you from unexpected accidents like this.
To achieve this, focus on reinforcing the critical parts of your shelter, especially the frame.
The frame acts as the backbone, providing the structure with its strength.
Strengthening it ensures that your shelter can endure wind, rain, or even the occasional falling branch.
Additionally, pay close attention to your cordage, like ropes. Make sure it's not just there for show – it should be tight and secure.
A loose cordage can compromise the stability of your entire shelter. So, tighten those knots and lashings to add an extra layer of security.
And here's a pro tip: always test how stable your shelter is before considering it finished.
Give it a gentle shake to see how well it holds up.
This testing phase is like a dress rehearsal for the real deal, making sure your shelter can stand tall when it matters the most.
In essence, the stability and durability of your shelter are what ensure it's not just a temporary structure but a reliable and resilient haven in the wild.
Ventilation
Let's talk about the last important thing: making sure your shelter has fresh air.
Ventilation means having places where air can come in and go out.
This is super important, especially in cold places. It helps stop the inside of your shelter from getting wet and makes it cozy and easy to breathe.
Imagine you're inside your shelter, trying to stay warm in the cold.
Without ventilation, the air from your breath and body heat stays inside, making everything damp.
This is not good because dampness makes you feel cold. Ventilation helps by letting the moist air out, keeping the inside dry and comfy.
Making sure there's fresh air in your shelter isn't just about feeling good; it's also about staying healthy.
Fresh air helps you breathe better and makes your shelter a nicer place to be.
In the end, these important principles help you make a shelter that's not just a cover.
It becomes a safe, strong, and comfortable place in the wild where you can handle whatever nature throws at you.
Types of Shelters
Now, you're ready to put together your shelter, and you can pick the type that suits your needs perfectly, following the five principles we discussed earlier.
Lean-To Shelters
Among the easiest and fastest to build, lean-to shelters offer basic protection from the wind and rain.
To set up this shelter, begin by locating a small clearing with two large trees spaced around five feet (1.53 m) apart.
Make sure these trees are not too far or too close together, as you'll lean your frame against them.
Just like mentioned above, avoid choosing a spot with large branches hanging over your shelter to prevent any potential hazards. Look for a clear space that is against the prevailing winds.
Next, find or cut three long pieces of wood for your lean-to frame. If you don't have a tarp, gather small pieces of wood and leaves.
Connect the three large pieces of wood together, forming an arch shape using shear lashing.
In building shelters, we'll be using shear lashing quite a bit. If you ever find yourself unsure of how to tie this knot, just circle back to this blog post - "Knots 101: Essential Knots Every Outdoor Enthusiast Should Know"
Lean your frame against the two large trees at a forty-five-degree angle, ensuring the shelter's opening is between the trees.
Secure it in place by tying it with your paracord, ensuring all pieces stay in position.
Add a few thin, long branches lengthwise and widthwise, creating a grid, to the frame as support beams for your roof.
Complete your shelter by placing your tarp roof over the wooden frame.
If you have extra tarp pieces, use them as sidewalls to further protect your structure from the wind.
That's why I always carry extra tarps during my outdoor adventures – they genuinely simplify your life.
In case a tarp is unavailable, add small branches and leaves to the roof, ensuring no empty spaces.
This type of shelter is perfect for situations where time is limited, and resources are minimal.
A-Frame Shelters
A-Frame shelters are simple yet can provide a sturdier structure compared to lean-tos.
That's why it's my go-to shelter, especially during the summer and autumn seasons.
Remember the cooking tripod we talked about in our previous blog? With a few adjustments, you can transform it into a fantastic A-frame shelter.
When selecting the three branches, find or cut two that are equal in length and one that's considerably longer.
The longer branch needs to be at least 1.5 times your height. Use shear lashing to tie them together, ensuring the longer one is in the middle.
Securely position the framework on the ground and cover it with a tarp.
This design really keeps the rain and wind at bay, making it a good fit for all sorts of places.
Debris Huts
Yet, when the cold of winter and spring sets in, an A-Frame shelter with a tarp just won't cut it for warmth. That's when Debris Huts became the go-to option.
Begin the same way as an A-Frame shelter, setting up a framework with branches.
Then, cover it with a substantial layer of leaves, pine needles, or any debris you can find.
This approach offers outstanding insulation and proves especially handy in chilly climates.
While it demands more time and effort compared to lean-tos or A-frames, it provides superior protection against the elements.
Teepee Shelters
The last shelter we'll talk about is inspired by traditional Native American homes – the Teepee Shelters.
Teepee shelters involve arranging long poles in a cone shape and covering them with a tarp or other materials.
This design gives you lots of space and air, making it good for both warm and cold places.
Imagine you're out in nature, wanting to set up a Teepee Shelter.
Find or cut long poles that are strong and about the same length.
Put these poles in a circle, leaning them towards the middle to make the classic cone shape of a teepee. Tie the poles at the top with shear lashing, leaving a hole for air.
Now, cover the structure with a tarp, debris, or anything else you have. This covering not only keeps you safe from the weather but also makes the shelter strong.
The Teepee Shelter is great because of the space it gives you. Its cone shape means there's more room inside compared to other shelters.
This extra space is handy for different things, like cooking or keeping your stuff organized.
Also, the opening at the top lets air in, so the shelter doesn't feel stuffy.
This makes Teepee Shelters good for warm places where airflow is important and cold places where you can adjust how warm it is by changing the size of the opening.
However, keep in mind that Teepee Shelters require more effort and materials compared to simpler designs.
In summary, you can pick the right shelter by considering the weather, the materials and time available, and whether comfort is your main concern.
Tools and Materials
After our exploration of various shelters, you might have taken note of the tools and materials discussed in the previous section.
First and foremost, an indispensable tool for shelter crafting is a sharp, sturdy knife.
Its versatility shines as it aids in cutting branches, cordage, and shaping materials for your shelter.
Additionally, a robust knife can even serve as a wood chopper – you can insert it into a branch and use another piece of wood to push it through, eliminating the need for an axe.
In my outdoor adventures, I often use the knife for cooking steak.
It proves handy for flipping the steak while cooking on a titanium pan and later cutting the cooked meat.
Some may suggest knives with titanium blades.
True, titanium is lighter and more corrosion-resistant than steel.
However, it's important to note that titanium, while harder, is also more brittle than steel, making it more prone to breakage.
A titanium knife is not ideal for tasks requiring sheer force, and it doesn't maintain an edge as well as steel, necessitating more frequent sharpening.
Therefore, a wise choice is a knife with a steel blade and a titanium body.
Another essential tool is a folding saw. For thicker branches that a knife can't handle, a saw proves invaluable, making the process much easier.
Durable cordage, such as paracord or natural fibers, is another necessity.
It plays a crucial role in securing the framework of your shelter, providing stability, and ensuring resilience against wind and environmental factors.
My top choice is the 550 military paracord – never compromise on your safety.
Next on the list is a waterproof tarp, a versatile and lightweight material that can swiftly and effectively serve as a shelter cover.
It adds an extra layer of protection against rain and wind.
As mentioned earlier, always make sure to carry an extra tarp. They are easy to carry and incredibly versatile.
You can use it to cover the sidewalls of your shelter.
Moreover, you can even fashion a comfortable bushcraft chair with it and three branches, adding an extra layer of comfort to your adventure.
When it comes to materials, branches and debris are key.
Long branches, or poles, are essential for creating a robust framework. Seek out straight, sturdy branches capable of supporting the weight of your shelter cover.
Additionally, various natural debris, such as leaves, pine needles, or grass, is crucial for insulation and weatherproofing.
These materials contribute to the overall effectiveness of your shelter, ensuring it stands up to the elements and provides a secure refuge in the great outdoors.
Armed with the right tools and materials, you can never go wrong when it comes to crafting a shelter.
Conclusion
Creating shelters in the wilderness is a crucial skill for any outdoor enthusiast.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just getting into camping, knowing how to build reliable shelters is incredibly important.
It adds a layer of fun and safety to your outdoor experience.
We began by delving into the terrain, recognizing that different environments present unique challenges and opportunities for crafting shelters.
Following principles like choosing a good spot, considering the weather, using tools and materials wisely, ensuring the shelter's strength against the elements, and providing proper ventilation are pivotal for successful shelter crafting.
You have a variety of shelters to choose from, ranging from the simple Lean-To shelters to the sturdy A-Frame shelters, insulated Debris Huts for colder seasons, and versatile Teepee Shelters inspired by Native American dwellings.
Armed with the right tools and materials, including a sharp, sturdy knife, a folding saw, durable cordage like paracord, a waterproof tarp, and carefully selected branches and natural debris, you're well-equipped to craft a reliable shelter.
Now that you've absorbed this knowledge, feel free to head outdoors and practice building your own shelter.
To elevate your overall outdoor adventures, don’t forget to explore our ultralight titanium gear.
If you've got shelter crafting experiences to share or questions to ask, feel free to drop a comment below.
To your next adventure
Steve