How to Make Outdoor Survival Shelters

Outdoor survival shelters can be the difference between life and death if you get into an unexpected situation in the wilderness. You could get lost on a day hike without any warm layers or tent, and need to spend the night in the wilderness. A surprise storm could come into the area, and you may need a quick shelter to get out of it. In any case, you will most likely need to act fast with no tools available, and there are a few key ingredients that will help you make an outdoor shelter that will help you survive.

Things You'll Need

  • A large stable item such as a tree or boulder
  • Sticks, large bark pieces, or a tarp
  • Leaf litter or pine needles
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Instructions

  1. Location

    • 1
      Sheltered from the wind

      Make note of wherever you are standing when you decide to stop for the day, so that you will know where to start again in the morning. Find a spot near some sort of stable item such as a tree (standing or fallen) or large boulder. This will make the back wall of your shelter. If possible, find a location that is sheltered from wind and precipitation. For example, if the wind is coming out of the east, try to put your shelter on the west side of that item.

    • 2

      It would take a long time to try to build a free-standing structure, and would probably not be very strong. Try finding large sticks or chunks of bark to lean against your main wall (tree or boulder) to create a lean-to type structure. You should leave just enough space inside for you to fit in laying down. You will want the space to be small so that it will take less time to warm the air with your body heat.

    • 3

      Insulate your leaning wall if possible with anything from dirt to pine needles. This will make it stronger against the elements and more insulating from the wind and cold. If you have extra insulating materials, line the ground with them for you to sleep on.