Backyard playtime

Todd A

Todd A

Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
1,035
With temps in the low 20's and snowshowers I got the urge to go out back and play for awhile.

So I decided to grab my daybag and practice throwing a hasty "I'm not gonna make it out before dark" type of shelter together.

My very basic day hike kit

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Nothing special, first aid stuff,cordage, a little food, tarp, canteen, hatchet,Mora,fire kit, and stove.

Went out into the back to try a good "emergency" spot. Located a water supply.

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Then scanned around to find a natural start of a shelter,and saw this fallen tree.

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I decided the tree would make a decent rear "wall" so I started to build.
I trimmed off the top stumps, back filled the base of the log with the pieces and snow to seal the gaps with the ground. Then I tied my tarp to the back of the log and stretched it out with a crude frame.

I also sacrificed a small evergreen for insulation. Placed branches on the floor and covered that with my cheap emergency poncho (slit up the side)

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I then framed the sides and part of the front.Then filled in the frames with more branches.I had enough left over for a door, but didn't take a photo of it.

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My fingers were getting numb so I figured a warm drink was in order. Not wanting or really needing a fire (I was in my backyard ,not the wilderness). I used my little surplus Esbit w/trioxane to boil water for a chicken bullion cube.

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After my hiking partner gave the hasty emergency shelter her stamp of approval we headed back in.

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And the steel that did all the work..My Wetterlings (10") and 860 MG Mora.

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I know it isn't the Hilton, but I believe it would do for a night.
 
Great little setup, thanks for posting. How long in total did it take you to put the shelter together?
 
Good stuff. Whilst appreciating you knocked that up quick I will also say that I'd add a line to the center of the roof.

I often like a nice low pitch roof too 'cos its easier to warm and gets you out the wind, but it wont tolerate much weight of water or snow. If you push a toggle [button, stone, twig .etc] against the fabric from the inside you can lasso it through the fabric on the outside, and tie off to an overhanging branch. Alternatively a long flexible branch can make you a hoop to hold it up.
 
is that blue tarp from wal-mart!!!!! I'm a big fan of them, you can't beat it for the price!!!!! great pics brother!!!!
 
ratamahatta said:
is that blue tarp from wal-mart!!!!! I'm a big fan of them, you can't beat it for the price!!!!! great pics brother!!!!
Click to expand...

Why yes it is. Being a rather cheap sort most of my stuff is surplus or from "Box" stores :o. Aside from a few knives from Stomper, which I didn't use as the Mora is new and I needed to break it in.
 
It looks like your "practice session" went well, good job! I wish I had property like yours, you`re a lucky guy.
 
Nice back yard!

I second what BaldTaco said about the roof.

How thick is your bed of hemlock branches?
 
halo2 said:
Nice back yard!

I second what BaldTaco said about the roof.

How thick is your bed of hemlock branches?
Click to expand...

Ya wasn't thinking about the roof support.:eek: But that would be an easy fix,on the fly, to add a support branch over the frame.

The padding was only about 1/2" thick. Were it for "real" I would have sacrificed another tree.:D


Stomper said:
I wish I had property like yours, you`re a lucky guy.
Click to expand...

And I wish I could make knives.:D:D;)
 
For only an hour, that looks awesome :thumbup:

When in a real situation, it is nice to know that you will be able to get sheltered from the elements if need be.
 
Nice backyard you got there. That shelter turned out pretty nice too. Just one question... where's the Anniversary EDC? :D

Jeff
 
Hi Todd A -

Nice! Thanks for posting the pics.

Best regards -

mqqn
 
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