Quick and Dirty shelter building !

[pitdog]

While walking today I began wondering how quickly I could set up a shelter if required.Obviously the quickest would be to use a naturally formed shelter such as a cave or hollow tree etc but I knew there was nothing like this in this area so any shelter had to be made.
As we are talking quick and dirty I decided to use the dead wood that was lying around, there is no point chopping live wood if you don't have to, like wise I didn't tidy up any of the wood used either.
To thatch the shelter you could use leaves or ferns if available, however the most available thatching material in my location was moss so that's what I used !

I never actually finished the shelter as I only wanted to get an idea of how long one would take if needed, to reach the stage in the pics took me about 20 mins so I figure to finish it up properly with two layers of moss I'd likely be looking at 1 hour 30 to 2 hours.

You can imagine how well hidden it would be once completed eh !

What if I did have to chop live wood ? My tool of the day was my TOPS Tracker so let's see......

From happy tree to usable timber pole....9 whacks !

Found some fatwood and made a fatwood fuzz stick....

Oh yeah, that works....

Another use for moss...signal fire !

Maisy was bored with my childish antics, time to move on !!!!

 

[pitdog]

The Tiny Terror came along as well in case any one was wondering !

 

[Don Rearic]

Great pictures, as always!

 

[midnite-penguin]

Cool pictures as always Pit, thanks for sharing.

How do you like that knife? It looks a little too "Rambo" for me, but you seem to make out well with it.

 

[Odaon]

Sweet. That shelter is stealth!

 

[pitdog]

Cool pictures as always Pit, thanks for sharing.

How do you like that knife? It looks a little too "Rambo" for me, but you seem to make out well with it.

I have to agree that it does try and be a little too much but for it's size it is a great chopper and pretty much indestructable !

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Always enjoy your posts Pit

Thanks

 

[dawsonbob]

Now if you could only train Maisy and Snicker to gather the materials for you, those are pictures that I'd really like to see. Great pics as always.

 

[jw2n]

I received a real education in just how much work, and calories, go into improvised shelters while going thru the testing phase of an Artic Warfare/survival instructor certification course. During the week that this phase lasted, we were required to build a different type of shelter each day. This would give a reasonable facsimile of the amount of energy expended, and simulate the situation of traveling. One lesson I took away from this experience, is that I always carry an ultralight tarp. These are so compact and light nowadays, albeit, can be expensive, that weight and bulk are no longer valid arguments for not doing so. With this being said, I think that it is smart of you to practice these skills. I would like to ask you what your impressions are of the knife? Interesting in concept, but I have'nt spoken to anyone who actually owned and used one. Is it a TOPS knife? Sure would like your feedback on this blade.

 

[pitdog]

Now if you could only train Maisy and Snicker to gather the materials for you, those are pictures that I'd really like to see. Great pics as always.

Maisy doesn't mind helping gather materials, not so sure about Snicker though...a small twig as about as much as she can manage,LOL !

 

[dawsonbob]

Maisy doesn't mind helping gather materials, not so sure about Snicker though...a small twig as about as much as she can manage,LOL !

Whoa! Now that's a great dog. Most won't fetch support poles for you.

 

[coaldigger]

ice pics as usual 'Ol Bud :thumbup: Everytime I see that Tops in use I get the urge for one (but I said no more fixed blades )

 

[Calebklyne]

i love what you did with that knife!!

 

[pitdog]

ice pics as usual 'Ol Bud :thumbup: Everytime I see that Tops in use I get the urge for one (but I said no more fixed blades )

I'm pretty sure it can't do anything that your Lobo can't !!!!

 

[sodak]

One lesson I took away from this experience, is that I always carry an ultralight tarp. These are so compact and light nowadays, albeit, can be expensive, that weight and bulk are no longer valid arguments for not doing so.

What kind/brand would you recommend? I'm thinking of getting one, but don't know where to start.

I'm pretty sure it can't do anything that your Lobo can't !!!!

I can't remember if you thinned the grind or had someone else do it. It sure looks good!

 

[pitdog]

I can't remember if you thinned the grind or had someone else do it. It sure looks good!

The knife was very kindly given to me by forum member Horn Dog, he is the master of convexed edges and ground one onto this before sending it to me !!!

 

[coaldigger]

I'm pretty sure it can't do anything that your Lobo can't !!!!

We will see ! It might be here when I get home from Work tomorrow

 

[TheGame]

Wow, some great pics! Thanks for posting, Pit. :thumbup:

 

[RescueRiley]

Good stuff Pit.. A you know I'm a fan of natural material shelters.. But ing eneral they are not expedient.. However having huge suppilies of moss on hand sure helps... Nice Job.

 

[Liam Ryan]

Great stuff, glad to see you are still posting, Pitdog.
Love the pic of Maisy and the big log.