How to Make Shelter in the Wilderness

Knowing how to build a makeshift shelter can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency when there is no other shelter around. Learning to build a shelter in the wilderness is simple, but it takes practice to master the actual building.

Things You'll Need

• 3 large sticks or branches (about 3 to 4 feet long)
• Leaves/brush

Instructions

1. Find the flattest area possible with trees on one side. Do not build shelters in ditches that could flood during rain.

2. Inspect the area that you have found. Check for poisonous plants, anthills or predators.

3. Gather three large sticks or branches and lean them up against one another. The formation should look something like a tepee.

4. Dig a hole about 8 inches deep into the ground. Place the bottom of these sticks into the hole and cover the base around them with dirt and rocks.

5. Add more sticks to the shelter by leaning them against the other sticks. Be sure to leave one side open (the side away from the wind) for entering and exiting.

6. Cover the top of the shelter with a poncho (if readily available) to prevent rain from coming through.

7. Spread brush and leaves across the ground inside the shelter to help you retain body heat while sleeping.

Tips & Warnings

• If it's winter, try digging a trench in the ground, covering it with brush and leaves and building the shelter over it.

References

• Wildwood Survival

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish