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Survival
by Cpl Paul Millar
This is the last part of the series looking at a small
selection of survival skills. All the skills presented here
are linked to the basic survival principles; Protection,
Location, Water and Food.
Shelters
Shelters come under the 'protection' element of the survival principles.
Sometimes the need for a shelter outweighs the need for food, as exposure
to the weather can kill a person faster than hunger.
There are three main types that are covered here. You can use a combination of them to suit your location.
'A' Frame
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•
•
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Suitable for max 2 people.
Quick and easy to set up.
Centre pole must be strong.
Weave/place a lattice of smaller
branches to form the walls.
Pile up the insulation, ensure it
doesn't either blow away or collapse the shelter.
General points:
Lean-to
Teepee
• Suitable for 2-3 people.
• Can be made without cordage.
• Vine/roots can be used to tie if
• Good for larger groups.
• Need cordage for the initial set up.
• 4 large poles used, branches wo-
• Small 'A' frame can be used for a
• A small fire can be brought inside,
needed.
standing support.
• The cross bar must be strong.
• If you're in a larger group, con-
ven in between them.
just think ventilation.
struct 2 facing eachother with a
fire in the centre.
• Make your shelter a small fit. If it's too large, you won't be able to heat it up.
• Spend some time looking around your location. You'd be surprised what you could find.
• Bedding: absolutely essential to any shelter. Think of creating space between you and the ground. It's this gap of air
between you and the ground that insulates.
Everthing shown here is not to be practised without instruction.
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