Shelter
Build an A-frame emergency shelter
An A-frame sheds rain from both sides and is the go-to when you have no fire — it retains body heat inside a compact space.
Step-by-step
Lash or wedge a ridgepole between a low tree fork and a shorter forked stick driven into the ground.
Lean pairs of ribs against the ridgepole from both sides, angled at about 45°, spaced a hand-width apart.
Add a horizontal lattice of finger-thick sticks over the ribs.
Thatch heavily with leaves, boughs, or grass — at least a forearm-thick layer to shed rain and hold heat.
Stuff the interior with dry debris to sleep on and pack extra debris against your body once inside.
Warning: Never run an open flame inside an enclosed A-frame — this is a body-heat shelter only.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.