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Wilderness & Navigation Life-saving
Emergency Shelter
In harsh weather, exposure can kill in hours. A small, insulated shelter that traps body heat beats a big drafty one.
What to do
- 1Get off the ground — cold earth steals heat fast; pile leaves, boughs, or a pad underneath.
- 2Keep it small so your body heats the space; insulate the roof against rain and wind.
- 3Use natural features: a fallen log, rock overhang, or dense evergreen as a windbreak.
- 4Face the opening away from wind; build a reflector if you have a fire.
- 5Mark your shelter so rescuers (and you) can spot it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Building too big to stay warm
- Sleeping directly on cold ground
- Choosing a low spot that floods or pools cold air
Good to know
- A debris hut of leaves a foot thick insulates surprisingly well with no gear.
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