Ice & Cold
Build a Mors Kochanski super shelter
A super shelter pairs a reflective front wall with a clear plastic cover to create a warm microclimate in deep cold.
Mors Kochanski — The Super Shelter
Step-by-step
Build a lean-to frame with the open side facing a fire reflector wall.
Hang a space blanket or reflective tarp on the inside back wall.
Drape clear plastic sheeting across the open front, leaving a small gap at the bottom for air and a vent at the top.
Build a long-log fire a body-length away on the other side of the reflector.
The plastic traps radiant heat while the reflector bounces it back toward you.
Warning: Ventilation is essential. A fully sealed shelter can overheat or build up dangerous CO levels from a fire.
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.