How to Build a Weatherproof Shelter in the Piney Woods

The Piney Woods is one of the single largest forested areas in the United States, extending through several states and across hundreds of miles. Given the size of this forest, it is no surprise that hundreds of hikers become lost or stranded in the Piney Woods each year. In a survival situation, you may need to build a weatherproof shelter to shield yourself from the rain and provide protection until help arrives. Even with very little equipment, you can use the resources of the Piney Woods to create a relatively comfortable shelter.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope or paracord
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify two living trees to use as the basis for your shelter. The trees should be approximately 7 feet apart. Look for trees with thick, straight trunks and healthy, full foliage.

    • 2

      Select a long piece of timber to use as the ridgepole for your shelter. The piece of timber you choose should be as straight as possible, at least 4 inches in diamater and at least as long as the distance between the two trees. Place the timber piece at the base of the trees.

    • 3

      Lift one end of the ridge pole to shoulder height. Tie the ridge pole to one of the support trees, using a piece of rope or paracord.

    • 4

      Lift the other end of the ridge pole to shoulder height. Tie the second pole in place.

    • 5

      Lay five to 10 pieces of timber vertically against the ridgepole. Arrange the timbers at a steep pitch. A steeply pitched overhang will deflect precipitation significantly better than a flatter pitch.

    • 6

      Cover the shelter with a thick layer of pine branches. Arrange the branches vertically, with the base of the branch at the top and the needles pointing toward the ground.

    • 7

      Lay grasses and leaves underneath the overhang. This will create a barrier between yourself and the ground, insulating against the cold, protecting from wet ground and warding off ground-dwelling insects.