Natural cover as your
wilderness survival shelter

If you are trapped by rough weather conditions you may have to make do with any wilderness survival shelter that you can find. Getting out of the wind, rain, sun and being able to rest and sleep, are vital for survival.


Natural wilderness shelters

Where no materials or tools are available for building a survival shelter, make use of natural cover:

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Branches that sweep down to the ground or partly broken boughs can provide shelter.

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A log makes a useful wind break if it's at the right angle to the wind. If possible, use a small trunk and dig out a hollow in the ground on the leeward side.

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Hollow trees. Both standing and fallen hollow trees can be used as shelter.

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Any natural hollows will provide protection from the wind. In completely open plains, sit with your back to the wind and pile any stuff behind you as a windbreak.

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Caves and overhangs. Can be quickly improved by the addition of a small rock wall in front of the cave or around the overhang.

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Even in an arctic climate you can make use of natural cover. A medium-sized tree may have pockets in the snow beneath a branch. Try digging under any tree with spreading branches in the lee side.

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Some factors to consider

Be carefully particular caves can be inhabited by other animals, insects or reptiles, some of which may be dangerous.

For all type of wilderness survival shelters drainage and ventilation is important.

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