Temporary Shelters
Quick emergency solutions
Temporary Shelters - Complete Guide
When you don't have access to permanent shelter, the ability to build a temporary shelter can save your life. It protects against wind, rain, cold, and sun.
Field priorities
Reduce exposure first: wind and wet clothing can drive hypothermia faster than hunger. In heat, shade and hydration come first. A shelter buys you time.
Types of Temporary Shelters
- Lean-to Shelter: Simple structure based on a tree or beam, sheltered on one side.
- Snow Cave (Quinzee): Shelter in snow, excellent insulation from frost.
- Tarp Shelter: Quick to set up, requires rope and a tarp.
Construction Principles
Choose a dry and flat place. Avoid depressions (cold, water) and places under dry branches. Insulate the ground with a thick layer of leaves or pine needles.
Site selection (often more important than the build)
A good site reduces injury risk, flooding and heat loss.
- Avoid dead branches (“widowmakers”) and steep slopes.
- Do not camp in dry stream beds or the lowest terrain points.
- Pick wind cover and a spot where water can drain away.
- Insulate from the ground—this is where you lose the most heat.
Weather and physiology
Cold, wind, rain and dehydration are common failure modes—more than lack of food.
- Cold: layers + dry socks + ground insulation.
- Wind: side cover and good guy lines; wind strips heat fast.
- Rain: manage runoff; don't sleep in a puddle.
- Heat: shade, airflow, reduce exertion midday.
Minimal shelter kit
Even a small kit gives a big advantage.
- Tarp/poncho, cordage and a few ties.
- Ground insulation (pad/blanket); in a pinch, thick natural insulation.
- Light + matches/lighter in a waterproof bag.
- Basic first aid and hydration support (electrolytes).
- Knife/tool and work gloves for safe handling.
Warning
Never light a fire inside a small, enclosed shelter without proper ventilation - risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.