Building natural shelters

**buddamomma47** · 06-20-2011, 01:58 AM

The type of environment ,and what is available,and time,will determine the type of shelter you can make.
You always try to make your shelter safe and durable.
Framework;find sturdy stuff to work with.
Supporting poles need to be about the size of your wrist ( and adult wrist)
You should take off all bark and little branches.
Poles should be long enough to create the size of shelter you are trying to make.
The ridge pole is the main pole ,every other pole or stick will be laying against that pole (make sure it is strong)and make it lean at a 90-degree angel.
You will need some sort of roof that you will make at a 45- to 60-degree angle.
what you use as your roof can be a TARP/BARK/Ground covering(leaves)/SOD/a peace of wood salvaged that is flat or a plane wing/part of a wrecked boat.
You will need to lash your roof the the ridge Pole and support poles.
You can use rope ,vines,bark strips,even strips of clothing.
Thanks for the pic's Wilderness survival
wilderness-survival.net/shelters-2.php

**buddamomma47** · 06-20-2011, 02:00 AM

OK, when your out there in the great unknown and you know you will need shelter,so start looking ASAP (NOW!)
Three thing you need in a shelter area
1.The area you will need to look for must contain stuff to the type you need make a shelter.
2.It must be an area large enough for you /or the party you are with to lie down in
3.Make sure your shelter is higher than the surrounding area, to allow for water run off in case of rain.
When you consider and area for shelter please use the BLISS guide.
B_Blend in with your surroundings
L-Low silhouette
I-Irregular shape
S-Small
S-Secluded location

**buddamomma47** · 06-20-2011, 02:01 AM

Shelter bedding can be made out of Pine boughs,a tarp,sleeping bag ,blankets,moss,grasses,cattail down,ferns,even leaves (the squirrel keeps very warm and cozie in its nest of leaves.)Just make sure you have lots and lots of of what ever your bedding is.For optional isolation the bed should be at least 16 inches above the ground,(Remember I said lots and lots of what ever you use as a bed.)

**TennOutdoors** · 06-20-2011, 02:57 PM

Depends on where you at of course. but if its down south and in an area that floods or is swampy. you can use palmetto leaves to roof your shelter. lay them on the roof frame starting at the bottom lash them on with vine. then overlap the previous layer with each succeeding layer. sheds water easily. you can make sod blocks for the walls that will help keep it cool and dry as well.

**stairman** · 02-19-2012, 07:19 AM

Yes palmettos are the primitive shelters friend. Firebuilder as well. As stated, start at the bottom, like shingles, but be sure the natural curve of the fronds go upward, not down or youll get wet. Also you can lash them in place with the last 2 bottom fronds[left and right] which would be at the top with the stem up. A single lean-to about 7 ft wide x 6 ft long will take from 50 to 100 fronds. A double lean-to is the coolest with a fire within and a12 inch gap between the 2 sides. The palmetto fiber [monkey hair] is excellent stage 1 tinder, and even wet can be dried quickly tucked in your shirt against your body. The stems can be used for flesh knives being naturally sharp as well. Swammp cabbage and berries are edible in a pinch and fronds make good mats, baskets and plates.

**survivalguy** · 03-03-2012, 02:44 PM

Remember to make your shelter only big enough to lie in anything bigger is a waste .. think of it as a sleeping bag and you don't have to be very elaborate look at the squirrels a big pile of leaves is what they use and if thats all you have make due.

**bullpupm2** · 03-15-2012, 12:11 AM

Personally, I would rather lie on a blanket in a formidable shelter built from the elements surrounding me in an emergency than in a pile of leaves in the crook of a tree. A simple lean to, a foxhole type bunker camoflauged to look natural. Sandbags filled with dirt or other debris. That would make me feel more comfortable than a hastily assembled shelter. Time if you have it is the best shelter. A shelter to me is a quick fix to a bad situation. A night, maybe two in a shelter until a BOL can be reached.