How to Build a Simple Desert Shelter With a Poncho or Blanket

Survivalists know how to construct shelters with whatever is available. In the desert, a shelter can mean the difference between life and death. Follow these tips to build a simple desert shelter from a poncho or blanket.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Using Outcropped Rock

1. Locate a rock that is outcropped (above the surface of the ground).
2. Anchor one end of a poncho, cloth, or emergency blanket to the rock. You can use other rocks and stones to hold the end down, or if there's a lot of sand available, you can pile it on top of one end to keep it weighted down.
3. Stretch the material out carefully and anchor the other end to the ground so that the cloth is angled downward. Check the sun's location in the sky and find a shady area.

Using Sandy Mound

4. Dig into the sand and make a hole big enough in which to comfortably rest.
5. Use one mound on one side of the hole to anchor the end of your poncho, cloth or blanket. Hold it down with rocks or sand.
6. Stretch out the material over the hole and anchor the other end on the other side.