Shelter Site Selection

   When you are in a survival situation and realize that shelter is a high priority, start looking for shelter as soon as possible.  As you do so, remember what you will need at the site. 

- It must contain material to make the type of shelter you need.

- It must be large enough and level enough for you to lie down.

    You must also remember the problems that could arise in your environment. 

- Avoid flash flood areas in foothills.

- Avoid avalanche or rockslide areas in mountainous terrain.

- Avoid sites near bodies of water that are below the high water mark.

- Avoid exposed hilltops.

- Avoid solitary trees, which attract lightning.

- Near bees' or hornets' nests.

    In some areas, the season of the year has a strong bearing on the site you select.  Ideal sites for a shelter differ in winter and summer.  During cold winter months you will want a site that will protect you from the cold and wind, but will have a source of fuel and water.  During summer months in the same area you will want a source of water, but you will want the site to be almost insect free.

Types Of Shelters

   When looking for a shelter site, keep in mind the type of shelter (protection) you need.  However, you must also consider--

- How much time and effort you need to build the shelter.

- If the shelter will adequately protect you from the elements.

- If you have the tools to build it.  If now, can you make improvised tools?

- If you have the type and amount of materials needed to build it.

To answer these questions, you need to know how to make various types of shelters and what materials you need to make them.

    Poncho Lean-to

    It takes only a short time and minimal equipment to build this type of shelter.  You need a poncho, 2 to 3 meters of rope or parachute suspension line, three takes about 30 centimeters long, and two trees or two poles 2 to 3 meters apart.  Before selecting the trees you will use or the location of your poles, check the wind direction.  Ensure that the back of your lean-to will be into the wind.

        To Make The Lean-to

   Tie off the hood of the poncho.  Pull the drawstring tight, roll the hood longways, fold it into thirds, and tie it off with the drawstring.  (You can substitue the poncho for a peice of plastic sheet)

    Cut the rope in half.  On one long side of the poncho, tie half of the rope to the corner grommet.  Tie the other half to the other corner grommet.

    Attach a drip stick (about a 10-centimeter stick) to each rope about 2.5 centimeters from the grommet.  These drip sticks will keep rain-water from running down the ropes into the lean-to.  Tying strings (about 10 centimeters long) to each grommet along the poncho's top edge will allow the water to run to and down the line without dripping into the shelter.

    Tie the ropes about waist high on the trees (uprights).  Use a round turn and two half hitches with a quick-release knot.

    Spread the poncho and anchor it to the ground, putting sharpened sticks through the grommets and into the ground.

    If you plan to use the lean-to for more than one night, or you expect rain, make a center support for the lean-to.  Make this support with a line.   Attach one end of the line to the poncho hood and the other end to an overhanging branch.  make sure there is no slack in the line.

    Another method is to place a stick upright under the center of the lean-to.  This method, however, will restrict your space and movements in the shelter.

    For additional protection from wind and rain, place some brush, your sucksack, or other equipment at the sides of the lean-to.

    To reduce heat loss to the ground, place some type of insulating material, such as leaves or pine needles, inside your lean-to.

    Poncho Tent

    This tent provides a low silhouette.  It also protects you from the elements on two sides. 

        To Make the Poncho Tent

    You need a poncho (or peice of plastic), two 1.5 to 2.5 meter ropes.  Six sharpened sticks about 30 centimeters long and two trees 2 to 3 meters apart.

    Tie off the poncho hood in the same way as the poncho lean-to.

    Tie the other ends of these ropes at about knee height to two trees 2 to 3 meters apart and stretch the oncho tight.

    Draw one side of the poncho tight and secure it to the ground pushing sharpened sticks through the grommets.

    Follow the same procedure on the other side.

    If you need a center support, use the same methods as for the poncho lean-ro.  Another center support is a A-frame set outside but over the center of the tent.  Use two 90 to 120 centimeter long sticks, one with a forked end, to from the A-frame.  Tie the hood's draw string to the A-frame to support the center of the tent.

    Bough Shelters

    Branches that sweep down to the ground or partly broken boughs can provide shelter, but make sure they are not likely to fall of the tree.

    Stone Barriers

    A shelter is more comfortable if it is high enough to sit in, so increase its height by building a low wall of stones round your hollow.   Caulk between the stones with turf and foliage mixed with mud.

        Natual Shelters

    Do not overlook natual formations that provide shelter.   Examples are caves, rocky crevices, clumps of bushes, small depressions, large rocks on leeward sides of hills, large trees with low-hanging limbs, and fallen trees with thick branches.  However, when selecting a natural formation -

   Check for poisonous snakes, ticks, mites, and stinging ants.

    Look for loose rocks, dead tree limbs, or other natural growth that could fall on your shelter.

Survival Kit  |  Food  |  Fire  |  links  |  Water  |  Shelter  |  Self Defense  |  Email |  Home