How to Build an Emergency Shelter From Sticks

If you find yourself lost or stuck outside in the elements when a mountain hike turns unexpectedly stormy, don’t panic. You can easily create a shelter to ride out the night and the storm. Gather a few simple and easily available materials, and hunker down for the time being in your cozy little stick hut.

Things You'll Need

• Tree boughs
• Weeds
• Bushes
• Sticks
• Limb

Instructions

1. Find a tree with a low-hanging, sturdy limb that can be used as the center hanging pole for your shelter.

2. Gather several large sticks and tree branches, preferably ones with leaves attached.

3. Layer the branches thickly on either side of the center bough, creating a triangular shaped shelter.

4. Fill in the empty spaces with leaves and thickly packed snow.

5. Build a windbreak with rubble, sticks or piled leaves directly in front of the narrow entrance.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick the downwind side of a cliff for your shelter for the best protection from the elements.

• Always be prepared for the possibility of extreme weather conditions when winter hiking or backpacking. Have extra clothing layers, thermal blankets or socks and hats, and enough food and water to last through a winter storm.

Resources

• More Wilderness Survival Tips