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When we think "shelter" most of us think tents, tarps, shelter halfs etc...
However, don't let that thinking limit you. The things listed above are shelter beyond a doubt, but there are others people seem to forget about or not realize. Here are some things to think about depending upon the time of year and your location of course.
Living in Wisconsin if I can keep the insects/rain off of me during the warm months, the wind/snow/rain off of me during the colder months I will be fine. So what other options are out there? Well they may not be the most comfortable, but they could save your life!
Here are some things you can use that I almost always carry on me.
A warm hat. If I'm wearing one during the winter I still carry an extra one. During the warm months I still carry a warm hat for cool nights and it will keep bugs off your head.
Gloves...same applies to the hat reasons above.
An uninsulated, waterproof/windproof shell. Parka and pants. Being uninsulated it is light and easily packed.
During warm weather months I ALWAYS carry a bug net for my head.
Poncho...this is a priceless item in my opinion and it's uses are numerous. Shelter obviously, but also an item that can be used to collect water, cover your gear or lay gear on, it can be used to drape over you when using a flashlight so you remain hidden, it can be used to carry gear if a pack strap breaks, another layer of protection over you, a blind, gound cloth and I'm sure there are even more uses.
A tree that has been blown over...see photo. It blocks the wind and gives you a shelter which is almost finished saving you time.
Winter months...a cedar swamp, deer go there to get out of the wind and deep snow and so can you. Knowing that deer and other animals go there you also have a food source to hunt or trap.
On a very cold, windy day any low area will break the wind.
Winter...face mask/neck cover
A partially downed tree with the root system partially exposed gives you a place to crawl into. Hey, there's a reason bears love to use then, in turn always check first for anything that might have had the same idea as you did first.
Two years ago we winter camped one night in a large culvert blocking one end with pine boughs and placing a fire at the oppisite end. That was awesome to be honest!
Caves
Shelters you can build...a debris hut for example
In short, use your imagination, don't limit yourself to the obvious and practice, pracftice, practice! These things could not only save your life, but they also make for a lighter pack.
However, don't let that thinking limit you. The things listed above are shelter beyond a doubt, but there are others people seem to forget about or not realize. Here are some things to think about depending upon the time of year and your location of course.
Living in Wisconsin if I can keep the insects/rain off of me during the warm months, the wind/snow/rain off of me during the colder months I will be fine. So what other options are out there? Well they may not be the most comfortable, but they could save your life!
Here are some things you can use that I almost always carry on me.
A warm hat. If I'm wearing one during the winter I still carry an extra one. During the warm months I still carry a warm hat for cool nights and it will keep bugs off your head.
Gloves...same applies to the hat reasons above.
An uninsulated, waterproof/windproof shell. Parka and pants. Being uninsulated it is light and easily packed.
During warm weather months I ALWAYS carry a bug net for my head.
Poncho...this is a priceless item in my opinion and it's uses are numerous. Shelter obviously, but also an item that can be used to collect water, cover your gear or lay gear on, it can be used to drape over you when using a flashlight so you remain hidden, it can be used to carry gear if a pack strap breaks, another layer of protection over you, a blind, gound cloth and I'm sure there are even more uses.
A tree that has been blown over...see photo. It blocks the wind and gives you a shelter which is almost finished saving you time.
Winter months...a cedar swamp, deer go there to get out of the wind and deep snow and so can you. Knowing that deer and other animals go there you also have a food source to hunt or trap.
On a very cold, windy day any low area will break the wind.
Winter...face mask/neck cover
A partially downed tree with the root system partially exposed gives you a place to crawl into. Hey, there's a reason bears love to use then, in turn always check first for anything that might have had the same idea as you did first.
Two years ago we winter camped one night in a large culvert blocking one end with pine boughs and placing a fire at the oppisite end. That was awesome to be honest!
Caves
Shelters you can build...a debris hut for example
In short, use your imagination, don't limit yourself to the obvious and practice, pracftice, practice! These things could not only save your life, but they also make for a lighter pack.
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