How to Make a Survival Tent

A survival tent is constructed using the materials that are immediately available. The tent may be erected in many different forms, but several basic styles are effective in most situations. The shelter is designed to keep you dry and fend off the elements while you wait for help to arrive. Erecting a survival tent should consume a minimal amount of energy because you must conserve calories for the duration of the survival situation.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope
  • Tarp
  • Natural materials
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie a rope between two trees or well-anchored objects. Drape a tarp over the line and anchor the corners on the ground with rocks. This will create a quick A-frame tent. Adjust the height of the rope to alter the pitch of the walls on the tent. A steep pitch is ideal for moisture, while a gradual pitch provides better shelter from wind.

    • 2

      Tie a rope to the middle of a tarp and throw the rope over a tree. Pull on the rope to raise the tarp and use rocks and sticks to anchor the edges. This creates a quick tepee survival shelter. The steep pitch of the walls is ideal in snowy conditions.

    • 3

      Locate a log or rock that stands about waist-high. Gather long branches and lean them against the object. Cover the branches with leaves and other branches to create a lean-to survival shelter. The same concept may be used with a tarp.

    • 4

      Locate a cave or natural overhang where you may take shelter without building a tent. This option is ideal if you cannot expend energy searching for a long period of time. Build a shelter if a natural shelter is not immediately available.