When it comes to survival shelter, it’s one thing to build a shelter to keep the sun at bay, another to have it keep you warm. The ultimate is to build a waterproof shelter using only natural materials.
First, it’s all about location. Stay out of low lying areas where water can pool. Build near your building resources to save energy and keep out of exposed areas where winds are strongest.
Once you have a suitable location, find a tree with a low branch crux where the branch joins the tree trunk. Place one end of a large straight limb in the branch crux with the other on the ground. This will form the apex of your roof. It needs to be tall enough that you can get in and out easily but no taller.
Now secure branches on both sides of the roof apex, like ribs in a boat. These are your roof ribs. Secure them with green vines, thin pliable branches or whatever you can find to hold them in place.
Next find smaller branches you can weave in and out of the roof ribs. The more the better. Make sure you weave them in alternating fashion so they hold the roof ribs securely. Keep weaving until you have a dense lattice that will keep roof material out of the shelter.
After your done weaving search for leaves and bracken you can pile up over the structure. You want to make a large pile of debris two feet thick. If you have mud, wet earth, or wet leaves, use them on the top layer.
The last layer should be branches laid on top to keep the wind from blowing any of the roof debris off. Pack the shelter floor with dried leaves to insulate you from the ground and pile leaves and branches near the door to close yourself in when it gets cold.
Now that you have the knowledge it’s time to practice — go out and build a waterproof shelter! It might take a few tries but you’ll get it! Equipped with your survival tools, knowledge, and training you’ll be ready for any situation that may arise.
Featured Image from pacd_photography/Unsplash
