Primitive Shelter
Terrain / natural shelter
Using caves, rock overhangs, root wells and snow trenches—often the lowest calorie option when geology cooperates.
At a glance
Energy investmentLow energyFinding beats building—if the site is safe.
ReliabilityMedium reliability
TimeMinutes to an hour
Materials
- Site assessment
- Bedding
- Optional wind wall of packs or brush
Steps
- 1Scan for overhangs, dense thickets or snow drifts on the lee side.
- 2Check for animal sign, rockfall and rising water.
- 3Improve with a wind wall and thick ground insulation.
- 4Mark the site so you can find it in dark or whiteout.
- Flash-flood washes and tide lines
- Unstable snow roofs
- Sharing space with animals
Region fit
Best in: Temperate forest, Tropical jungle, Desert, Mountains, Snow & ice, Coast & swamp
Temperate forestGood fit Tropical jungleGood fit DesertGood fit MountainsGood fit Snow & iceGood fit Coast & swampGood fit
Fit keyGood fitPoor fitAvoid
Other methods
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