Are you with us so far? We found the photos to be very helpful. Let's all hope we're never in a situation that requires a debris hut. But in the even that we are, we'll be thankful to have this resourceful information to fall back on.

Step 4: Build the framework – Next, using sticks anywhere from two-finger to wrist thickness, create “ribbing” perpendicular along the entire length of the ridge pole.

Step 5: Add “stick debris” to the structure – In this step you want to gather a bunch of stick debris and place it all over the structure.

Step 6: Place debris over the shelter – Gather a whole bunch of debris like leaves, pine needles, long grass etc and pile it on top of and in the shelter.

Step 7: Create a thick bedding – After filling the cavity with debris, climb into the shelter and flatten out the debris on the shelter floor. Repeat this at least 3 times to make a thick comfortable, insulative bedding.

Step 8: Plug up the shelter – When you’re ready to retire for the night, pull in a bunch of leaves with you into the shelter, surrounding yourself with leaves (if it’s really cold) and plugging the entrance — effectively creating a cocoon of leaves.

 

Staying warm in cold weather while outdoors is near impossible. Hypothermia is a very real thing and it's crucial to be prepared for situations that arise. It's not pleasant to think about, but if it's between life and death, you now have the skills necessary to survive in the wild.

This is such a resourceful piece from Tactical Intelligence! Erich does a great job of demonstrating the process while relaying his experience spending the night in the debris hut he build.

Have a Survival Suggestion?

If you know a method to stay warm outdoors, or how to build a fort using only the outdoor elements, we would love to hear from you.