Improvised shelters

Lean-to (slanted roof) with a tarp or poncho

It is the fastest shelter. It protects from rain and wind on one side, and you can build a campfire in front of it (respecting distance and burn bans, see chapter 4).

1. Find two trees about 7–9 feet (2–3 m) apart, with the wind hitting from one side.
2. If it is a poncho, close the hood by tying it tightly so water does not get in.
3. Tie a cord between the trees at waist height, or tie each top corner to a tree.
4. Add drip sticks: tie a stick about 4 inches (10 cm) long to each cord, next to the tarp; the water runs down the stick instead of following the cord inside.
5. Stretch the low edge toward the windward side and secure it to the ground with stakes at the corners.
6. If it is going to rain, put a support pole under the center or tie the center upward so water does not pool.
7. Close the sides with branches, backpacks, or more material if the wind changes.

A-frame tent with a tarp

Better protection from rain on both sides. Tie a cord between two trees at knee height or a little higher, drape the tarp over it, and secure both sides to the ground with stakes, pulling it taut. It is warmer than the lean-to but you cannot warm yourself with a fire in front.

Debris hut

When you have no tarp and it is cold, this shelter insulates well. It requires a lot of material and one or two hours of work.

1. Build the ridgepole: a long, strong pole (a bit longer than your height) resting at one end on a stump, a rock, or two poles in an "X," with the other end on the ground.
2. Add ribs: shorter poles on both sides, leaning against the ridgepole, spaced just far enough apart for you to fit lying down and with enough slope to shed water.
3. Cover with thin branches in a mesh so the leaves do not fall through.
4. Pile on dry leaves, pine needles, grass: a layer at least 3 feet (1 m) thick. The thicker, the warmer.
5. Fill the inside with dry, soft material, both underneath and around your body.
6. Prepare a plug for the entrance (a pile of leaves or a backpack) that you pull toward you as you enter.
7. Lay branches on top of the leaves so the wind does not blow them away.

Shelter for heat (shade)

In heat, the goal is shade and ventilation. Use two layers of tarp or fabric spaced about 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart: the air that circulates between them reduces the heat. Lift the edges so the breeze can flow. Do not lie directly on hot sand or dirt; look for shaded ground or raise your body. More details in chapter 12 (desert).