Need for Immediate Shelter
In a survival situation, you need to have shelter that’s going to keep you safe from whatever the weather delivers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a hot sun beating down on you, freezing temperatures or a raging thunderstorm, you need to be protected and so does your family. In extreme conditions, it’s vital to get adequate shelter in less than 3 hours.
Available Materials
The quality of your survival shelter will depend on what materials are available to you and your immediate needs. If you can plan ahead, this is always the best possible way to make sure you and your family will have the right shelter that you need. We cover a few ideas along with suggested shelters that you can get now.
Waterproof poncho
Most experienced survivalists know how to make a long-term survival shelter just about anywhere. But when you’re on the go or you have to get set up quickly, you have to be provided for in the meantime. In a pinch, you can use an oversized poncho as a shelter.
Hooded Rain Poncho with Pocket for Preppers
Stay dry and prepared with this hooded rain poncho featuring a convenient pocket for Preppers
Product information
$29.99 $18.95
Product Review Score
4.17 out of 5 stars
10 reviewsProduct links
X-Large plastic garbage bag
Or you can use an x-large garbage bag like you would a poncho. But these are only short-term solutions. When on the go, you should always travel with some type of shelter with you or have the tools to make one quickly.
Waterproof tarp
A waterproof tarp will also work as a temporary shelter, and these are strong enough to withstand some pretty tough elements as well. Plus they can do a fairly good job of keeping you warm. However, they’re not meant to be used as a long-term shelter.
Portable Tent Hammock
Some people use enclosed top portable hammocks or tent hammocks. These are lightweight and can be tied to trees to keep the hammock off the ground. You can find these online and they have mesh walls that act as a pest barrier. These shelters are temporary and are suited mainly for adults or teenagers rather than smaller children.
FIRINER Camping Hammock with Rainfly and Mosquito Net
Stay protected from the elements and pesky bugs with the FIRINER Camping Hammock, complete with Rainfly and Mosquito Net
Product information
$46.19 $41.99
Product Review Score
4.43 out of 5 stars
103 reviewsProduct links
Portable Tube Tent
If you want to make sure that your family is well cared for, you’re going to want to set aside tents. You can choose the tube tent, and these set up quickly to get people out of the elements.
Emergency 2-Person Bivy Shelter with Accessories
Stay Protected in Any Situation with Our 2-Person Bivy Shelter and Accessories
Product information
$30.37 $22.95
Product Review Score
4.13 out of 5 stars
74 reviewsProduct links
Family Dome Tent
You can choose to use a two man or a family tent. Always look for ones with quick set up. Scout tents are a good choice as are teepee tents. If you know you might be in the tent for a few weeks, you can look for dome or lodge tents.
4-Person Waterproof Military Pop Up Tent
Stay Dry and Secure on Your Next Camping Adventure with Our 4-Person Pop Up Tent
Product information
$89.99
Product Review Score
4.41 out of 5 stars
175 reviewsProduct links
All-weather Survival Blanket
In a pinch, an all-weather survival blanket can also be constructed into a temporary shelter if you have cord with you. If you don’t have any cording, you can search the area to see if it has some plant vines you could use as cording to tie the survival blanket to the trees.
Arcturus Insulated Blanket - All-Weather Emergency Supplies
Stay prepared in any weather with this versatile Arcturus insulated blanket and stock up on essential emergency supplies
Product information
$29.99 $22.99
Product Review Score
4.13 out of 5 stars
162 reviewsProduct links
Final Thoughts
You can also construct a shelter out of the materials that nature provides. Depending on how much time you have, this can be either short or long term. You can build a shelter from tree limbs and leaves. By packing the shelter with leaves, it will keep you warm for a short period of time.