How To Build A Permanent Shelter In The Woods

Having a shelter to be able to go to whenever needed is an amazing asset that anyone can have. Having a shelter located in the woods is an even better asset as the woods harbors food, which you can hunt, and other additional resources that can be utilized. By creating a permanent shelter, you will see the benefits of doing so in having a reliable location outside your home to hunt in or stay hidden when needed, especially in a doomsday situation. In building a permanent shelter in the woods, there is steps needed to be taken to have the best shelter in the best location.

1. Choosing a Location (As they say, location, location, location!)

The very first step in building a permanent shelter is choosing the location. Location is important in that you want to pick an area that has all the resources you are looking for. Some important aspects to look for in choosing a location is access to a water source, local predators, accessibility, location dangers (like flash floods), and exposure.

When picking a location, a water source is important so that you can have access to water whenever needed without having to rely on the water you can get from your house or the store. Any water source that can be used for safe drinking after filtration is a huge asset to the permanent shelter you choose to build there.

Considering local predators is very important, as well. When choosing the location for your shelter look for signs of what animals are nearby. Look at tracks or droppings to find out what animals are living in the immediate area. If you find superfluous amounts of bear droppings, for example, you may want to choose a different location so that you are not in risk for being attacked or the shelter is destroyed.

Accessibility is also important in that you need to be able to get your shelter easily and with little trouble when you really need it. If there was an SHTF moment, then it would be important that you choose a location where there are little obstacles to get to your safety spot before there is mass hysteria across the globe.

Other dangers you may want to look out for are areas prone to flash floods, flooding, avalanches, or other potential location dangers. You do not want your shelter to get damaged or for yourself to get hurt so choose a spot that is safe and free of environmental hazards. Lastly, exposure is another important aspect of choosing a location for your permanent shelter. By exposure I mean finding a spot that doesn’t let the whole world know that your shelter is where it is. You want to pick a spot that not many people can see and that only you and your family know about. This will keep from you shelter being destroyed by looters or menacing individuals.

2. Choosing the Best Permanent Shelter

After you have found just the right spot for your permanent shelter then it is time to decide on what shelter you want. When choosing to build a shelter, especially a permanent one, then you want to pick a shelter that can withstand your local elements. You also want to choose a shelter that is in your price range. In the end, you can only build what you can afford but luckily there are many shelters that do not require a lot of money and many even use some of nature’s materials. Shelters that can be utilized permanently include lean-tos, wickiups, and cabins. These three permanent shelters are all great choices and anyone can use at least one of these shelters for their climate.

3. Lean-to Shelter

The first shelter that you can build is a lean-to shelter. A lean-to shelter is a great option as it is low cost and is not hard to build. The basic materials you need are branches for the frame, something to lean the frame upon such as two trees or a wall, and a tarp or coverage to cover your frame. This shelter is perfect even for rainy conditions, windy conditions, or sunny conditions by positioning the shelter against the sun or wind.

4. Wickiups Shelter

A wickiup shelter is a shelter that many have never heard of but is a great option for a long-term shelter. It is a shelter similar to that of a teepee and is made with materials from the forest. That being said, this shelter is definitely great for individuals looking to not spend so much on a shelter. To build this shelter is also very easy! Another benefit of this shelter is its ability to have a fire built within it without burning the shelter down. Once you have chosen your location for your shelter make sure the area is clear of debris. Then build the tripod with three long strong branches which will bear the bulk of the weight. Then start to add more branches to the shelter as you see fit. All the spaces do not need to be filled yet as it will be filled with insulation later on. Lastly, it is now time to add the insulation. The insulation you are going to use is any forest debris you can find like leaves, pine needles, or debris such as this. When installing the debris begin at the bottom and then work your way to the top. By putting the debris in from bottom to top it does not allow the rain to get in the shelter. After the insulation is all put in, then you are all done!

5. Cabin Shelter

A cabin is definitely the costliest out of the three shelters mentioned, but it is also the most permanent shelter you can make. If choosing to go the most cost-efficient way, you can make the cabin with your own two hands and lots of time. Most likely if you are building a cabin you will have lots of trees around your chosen location and you can use the trees around you to build the cabin. It will take time and patience to build the cabin but when finished is something that you can be really proud of and you can be sure that the cabin will be around for a while. When picking the design or direct instructions for a cabin there is plans that you can purchase online or you can enlist the help of someone who has successfully made a cabin themselves.

A cabin is also great for cold climates especially since you can install a woods stove. The cabin would also be able to keep in the heat and block out the wind. If looking to build a permanent shelter a cabin, wickiup, and lean-to are all great choices. Remember to choose a good location first and pick a spot that encompasses all the features mentioned. Once you got the perfect location you are ready to build your permanent shelter!

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