How to Build 3 Types of Emergency Shelters in Any Environment

Picture this: You're miles from civilization when the weather takes an unexpected turn. The sky darkens, temperature drops, and you need shelter – fast. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a weekend warrior, knowing how to build an emergency shelter could mean the difference between life and death. I've spent years teaching survival skills, and I'm here to share three time-tested shelter designs that work in virtually any environment.

Mastering shelter-building techniques is essential for emergencies—explore 13 storm shelter ideas here.

Before we dive into specific shelter types, let's cover some universal principles that'll set you up for success.

I always tell my students: location is everything. When selecting your shelter site, consider these factors:

• Look for relatively flat, elevated ground to avoid water pooling

• Stay away from dead trees or loose branches (what we call "widow makers")

• Position your shelter with its back to prevailing winds

• Keep within walking distance of water, but not so close that insects become an issue

• Avoid natural depressions where cold air settles at night

Choosing the right shelter location is just one of the critical survival skills every prepper should master—learn more here.

While you can build shelters with bare hands, having these basic tools makes the job much easier:

• A sturdy survival knife (I recommend the Morakniv Companion)

• About 50 feet of paracord

• A compact folding saw

• A lightweight tarp (silnylon works great)

• An emergency mylar blanket

Equip yourself with BlastProof for extreme survival scenarios.

Now, let's get into the three shelter types that have saved countless lives in the wilderness.

The A-frame is my go-to shelter when time and daylight are running short. It's simple, effective, and can be built in about 30 minutes.

• One 8-foot ridge pole

• Two 4-foot support poles

• Tarp or natural materials for covering

• Cordage

• Small stakes or rocks for anchoring

1. Find or cut a strong ridge pole slightly longer than your height

2. Locate two trees 8-10 feet apart, or create tripods with shorter poles

3. Secure your ridge pole between the supports at chest height

4. Lay smaller poles against the ridge pole at 45-degree angles

5. Cover the frame with your tarp or layer natural materials like pine boughs

6. Create a thick bed of dry leaves or pine needles for insulation

Pro Tip: If using natural materials, start laying them from the bottom up, overlapping like shingles to shed water effectively.

When you need a shelter that can handle severe weather, the debris hut is your best friend. It takes longer to build (about 2-3 hours), but provides superior insulation.

• One 10-foot ridge pole

• Multiple shorter poles for ribs

• Large quantity of leaves, pine needles, and small branches

• Cordage (optional)

1. Prop your ridge pole against a sturdy support (tree stump or fork)

2. Layer rib poles along both sides, leaving a crawl-in entrance

3. Create a lattice with smaller sticks across the ribs

4. Pile on leaves and debris until the layer is 2-3 feet thick

5. Add a final layer of large leaves or bark for waterproofing

6. Build a raised bed inside using dry materials

Pro Tip: The debris pile should be thick enough that you can't see light through it when inside.

Debris huts are ideal for desert survival scenarios where heat and shelter are critical—learn more desert survival tips here.

Sometimes disaster strikes in the concrete jungle. This adaptable shelter design works with urban materials and confined spaces.

• Cardboard boxes or sheets

• Plastic sheeting or tarps

• Duct tape

• Rope or cordage

• Found materials for insulation

1. Create a frame using sturdy cardboard or found materials

2. Layer cardboard walls, securing with duct tape

3. Add a plastic sheet covering for waterproofing

4. Use newspaper or bubble wrap for insulation

5. Ensure ventilation while maintaining heat

6. Create a raised platform to stay off cold ground

Pro Tip: In urban environments, look for loading docks or protected alcoves to provide additional shelter protection.

Pair your urban shelter with cooking techniques like hot stone cooking for complete survival preparedness—learn more here.

Regardless of which shelter type you choose, master these critical skills:

• Create a debris bed at least 6 inches thick

• Use the "debris sandwich" method: natural materials between layers of your sleeping surface

• Incorporate reflective materials when possible

• Always build a small drainage trench around your shelter

• Use overlapping layers whether using natural or artificial materials

• Create a steep enough angle on your roof (at least 45 degrees)

In different climates, adjust your shelter accordingly:

Hot Weather:

• Prioritize ventilation and shade

• Build higher off the ground for better airflow

• Use lighter colored materials when possible

Cold Weather:

• Make your shelter just big enough for your body

• Focus on thick insulation

• Create a cold air sump at the entrance

Wet Weather:

• Build on slightly elevated ground

• Create substantial overhangs

• Use extra waterproofing layers

Combining shelter-building skills with wet-weather fire-starting techniques ensures complete survival readiness—learn how here.

Building an emergency shelter isn't just about knowing the steps – it's about having the confidence to execute them under pressure. I encourage you to practice these techniques in your backyard or on casual camping trips before you need them in an emergency.

Remember: the best shelter is the one you can build quickly and effectively with available materials. Start with the A-frame design, master it, then move on to the more complex debris hut. Your life might depend on these skills someday.

Pair your shelter-building skills with foraging knowledge for total wilderness self-reliance—explore edible wild plants here.

Prepare with My Survival Farm for sustainable living in emergencies.

Keep these items in your emergency kit:

1. UST Survival Blanket ($15) - Essential for emergency shelter

2. Paracord Planet 550 Cord ($12) - Multiple shelter uses

3. Bahco Laplander Folding Saw ($25) - Perfect for shelter building

4. SOL Emergency Bivvy ($17) - Backup shelter option

Want to learn more? Join a local wilderness survival course or connect with experienced outdoorsmen in your area. The skills you learn could save your life or someone else's.

Stay safe out there, and remember: the best time to learn shelter building is before you need it.