Shelter
Build a wickiup
A wickiup is a dome-shaped shelter of poles and brush that sheds wind and holds a small fire's warmth.
UglyTent Bushcraft — Wickiup Shelter
Step-by-step
Set three or more stout poles in a tripod and lean additional poles around them in a cone.
Tie the poles at the top with cordage or green bark strips.
Weave thinner branches horizontally between the poles to create a lattice.
Thatch the outside with grass, reeds, bark, or boughs, overlapping like shingles from bottom to top.
Leave a small smoke hole at the apex and a low doorway you can close with a hide or brush mat.
Tip: A wickiup is stronger and warmer than it looks. Pack the thatch thick enough that no daylight shows through.
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.