Building a shelter can be the key to your survival. A survival shelter keeps you warm, dry, gives you a safe place to rest, and keeps you hidden from predators. Building it in the wrong place can force you to use precious energy you need to conserve and cause frustration that saps your will to survive. Use the acronym TPAD to remember the four keys to the perfect survival shelter location.
Type
Know what type of shelter you intend to build. An A-frame debris tent, or a traditional lean-to requires two trees close together with low branches. A single person debris shelter, parachute tent, or tree pit (snow shelter) needs only one tree. But keep in mind, the type of shelter you build largely depends on the terrain and materials you have on hand.
Protected
Wind and rain are your biggest enemies, followed by sun and heat. Find natural wind breaks or shade you can use to make your shelter more comfortable. Use the natural topography to your advantage.
Access
To build a sturdy shelter you will need large and small branches or saplings, pliable plant fiber or vines, and both dry and wet leaves or pine needles. Having ready access to these materials reduces the amount of energy used to build the shelter. And carrying your materials a long distance uses energy you need to conserve.
Dry
A dry foundation helps keep out pests and helps you stay warm and comfortable during long cold nights. Stay out of low lying areas or large depressions where water can accumulate. Look for signs of where water has collected or runoff in the past and avoid building there.
TPAD: Survival Shelter Know-How
A survival shelter is more than just protection, it can be the deciding factor on whether or not you live through in a survival situation. Remember the acronym TPAD. Make a plan before exhaustion sets in and you can’t think straight, then execute that plan. And keep the mindset that you are not just going to survive, you are going to thrive!
Featured Image from Jan Canty/Unsplash
