(Shelters for special conditions)
Warm deserts
The function of a shelter in the desert is to protect from the sun and heat. Other important factors are sand storms and cold night temperatures.
It is recommended to dig a hole in the sand then get in it to minimize water loss and protection from the sun. We can also cover ourselves with a parachute if we have one available.
To build a shelter or travel, choose the coolest hours of the day; usually dawn or dusk. Temperature is usually several degrees lower a few centimeters under the ground, therefore dig a hole that you can cover with a piece of cloth or material to use as shade.
Mountain and cold areas
When cold approaches to extreme levels, a shelter turns into the element that our survival will depend on, and its construction will become our main priority.
You should not forget that wind worsens the negative effects of cold weather.
The fundamental purpose of the shelter in cold areas is retaining heat and the heat produced by other sources we can use. To achieve this, it is necessary to avoid air drafts and to make sure that the shelter is not excessively large. A small shelter is warmer and is less work than a large one.
Snow cave
Aside from the igloo, it is probably the best shelter for cold areas. A shovel or other improvised utensil (a plate, a stick…) will be needed to dig where snow has piled up. A small cave must be dug (the larger it is, the more difficult it will be to warm up) with a bed of 40 cm above the ground level and, if you wish, you can also add a platform 30 cm higher to cook with a burner. You should not forget to open a ventilation hole at the top and another at the ice block or compacted snow, to serve as a door. The shovel should be stored inside in case it is necessary to go out in the morning. By lighting a simple candle inside this shelter, you will achieve a temperature increase of several degrees.
Trench
If there isn’t enough snow to dig a cave, you can make a trench and cover it with compacted snow blocks or blocks of any material available.
Shed
In areas with little snow and plenty of wood, you can build a classic shed with the sloped side pointing in the direction of the wind. You will start a fire and place a log or rock reflector behind it to reflect the heat toward you.
Igloo
It is the best shelter against the cold. However, it requires previous technique learning, tools, (at least a knife) and several people to build it. It is only worth the effort if you are going to spend a long time in it.
Rainforest
Due to the large amount of insects, everyone intending to cross a jungle must include a mosquito screen in their luggage. A hammock is light and isolates the ground. If you do not have one perhaps you can find something else to improvise with (a parachute, a blanket, etc…). A roof over your hammock or bed will protect you from the rain.
Shelter with an A shaped branch support
This kind of shelter is highly recommended to protect you from rain
Platform with a mosquito net
This shelter isolates you from the ground and protects you from insects. If you add a roof it will protect you from the rain. The bed will be covered with palm tree leaves or other vegetation.
