It can be difficult to know what the best course of action is when you need a shelter. So much really depends on the current conditions, building materials and tools that a person needs.

Obviously, a person should consider if it's safe to go out in search of specific materials before building. But a person should also consider the climate and weather and whether a mud hut will protect you from the rain.

Another question to ask yourself is whether you should spend time looking for grass to thatch a roof if you're stuck in the snow, for example.

And what supplies do you have to build your shelter with? These are all essential questions to think about when making a shelter. Most of the time it's all about improvising and having in the back of your mind what shelters are the easiest to make, depending on the situation.

One of the best tools you can have on you at all times is the knowledge of options. By knowing your options based on the surroundings, you'll know what shelter to build.

After the break check out some examples of primitive shelters and which ones are ideal to make depending on the circumstances and weather. 

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