Basic shelter building techniques for survival situations.

1. BASIC SHELTER
BUILDING
Independent Survivalists Network

2. Types of Shelters
 Tarp Shelters
 Tarp Tent
 Tarp Tepee
 Debris Shelters
 Lean To
 Debris Hut

3. Tarp Shelters: Tarp Tent
A tarp tent is quite possibly the easiest
shelter to build. These shelters are
perfect for windy or cold climates. With
one end of the shelter closed it will
protect you from wind, with the narrow
design it is easily heated with your own
Materials body heat.
• Tarp
• Rope
• Two trees within close distance
to one another.
• Heavy rocks for anchors
Building a Tarp
Tent • Find two trees within close
distance to one another.
• Using bowling knots, tie rope
from one tree to the other, the
end of the rope facing the wind
should be tied close to the
ground.
• Throw the tarp over the rope,
splitting the tarp evenly on each
side.
• Anchor the ends of the tarp with
the rocks.

4. Tarp Shelters: Tarp Tepee
Tarp Tepees are another very simple
to build shelter. They are very
effective in many types of weather,
they are completely enclosed,
protecting you from wind and easily
warmed with your own body heat.
Their steep design provides runoff of
rain and/or snow.
Materials
• Tarp
• Rope
• A tree
• Heavy rocks for anchors
Building a Tarp
• Find a treTee wpiethe a sturdy fairly
low handing branch
• Put a small rock in the center of
you tarp, bundle the tarp around
it and tie a knot around it.
• Using a bowling know, tie the
other end of the rope around the
branch.
• Use the heavy rocks to anchor
the ends of the tarp to the

5. Debris Shelters: Lean To
The Lean To Shelter is another basic shelter,
using materials found in the wilderness. This
design can block the wind but is not suited for
troublesome weather.
Materials
• Ax or Hatchet/Knife
• Natural Materials
• Rope or Cord (Can be
substituted with vines)
Building a Debris Lean
• Find two longt obranches of equal height, or
cut them to height. Carve them into a Y
shape and drive them into the ground. These
are you columns.
• Find a sturdy and straight branch, wedge it
between the Y shapes of your columns. Lash
it to your columns using cord. This is your
frame.
• Lean branches across your frame, filling all
gaps. Lash them to the frame using cord.
This is your roof.
• Line your roof with leaves, fill all gaps.

6. Debris Shelters: Debris Hut
The Debris Hut is a more advanced method of
wilderness sheltering, though not too hard to build. It
is completely enclosed, protecting from wind and
easily warmed with your own body heat. In warmer
weather, use less foliage covering to keep from
overheating.
Materials
• Ax or Hatchet/Knife
• Natural Materials
• Rope or Cord (Can be
substituted with vines)
Building a Debris Hut
• Find a tree stump or cut a thick branch and
drive it into the ground. Carve a groove into
it. This is your column
• Find a sturdy and straight branch, wedge it
into the groove on your column. This is your
frame.
• Lean branches across your frame, on both
sides, filling all gaps. Lash them to the frame
using cord. This is your roof.
• Line your roof with leaves, fill all gaps.

7. Conclusion
It is important to be prepared for a survival situation, always carry a
72 hour prep bag, consisting of any materials that you would need
in an emergency or survival situation, like some of those listed
within this guide. Keep one in your home and one in your vehicle.
Remember. Practice your survival skills. It is not good enough to
have all of the supplies that you need if you do not know how to use
them.
This has been a BASIC Shelter Building guide. Check back at
http://isurvivalists.com in the future for a more in depth guide.