When you are in a survival situation, building a shelter should be a high priority. A shelter can protect you against the elements (sun, wind, rain, snow, etc.) keeping you warm and dry, as well as protect against natural enemies. The shelter should be large enough for you to lie down in, but it should be built only a bit bigger than you are. This will help contain body heat while resting and sleeping. A shelter is a vital comfort to boost your moral, and enhance your will to survive.
When looking for a shelter site, keep in mind the type of shelter (protection) you need. You would look for a spot that provides protection against wild animals and falling objects if at all possible, while still protecting you from the elements. You also want a place free from insects, reptiles and poisonous plants. You may be able to find natural shelters as well in such as caves or cliffs, or large trees with dry areas beneath them. Be sure of course there are no wild occupants already using these shelters. Look for an area that will also allow for a small fire. It will keep you warm, and ward off any predators.
| A-Frame Shelter | Igloo | Stick Walls and Screens |
| Aboriginal Shelter | Lean-To Shelter | Stone Barriers |
| Basha | Natural Hollow | Swamp Bed |
| Beach Shade Shelter | Palm Shelter | Tarp |
| Bough Shelter | Parahammock | Tepees |
| Cave Shelter | Paratepee | Thatch and Grass |
| Coastal Shelters | Pup Tent | Thermal Shelter |
| Crevasses | Quinzee Shelter | Tree Pit Shelter |
| Debris Shelter | Root Shelter | Tree Root Shelter |
| Desert Shade Shelter | Sapling Shelter | Tree Well Shelter |
| Double Lean-To Shelter | Scout Pit | Tropical Hut |
| Elevated Shelter | Snow Quinzee Shelter | Turf House |
| Fallen Tree Shelter | Snow Caves | Vehicle Shelter |
| Fan Shelter | Snow Trench Shelter | Wickiup Shelter |
| Grass Shelter | Snow Wall | Wigwam Shelter |
| Hobo Shelter | Sod Shelter | Willow Frame Shelter |
| Rock Shelter | Yurt |
Heating Your Shelter
When body heat just isn’t enough, there are other alternatives you can use to stay warm in your shelter.
| Reflecting Heat | With Insulation | With Rocks |
| With a Fire |