Survival shelter... what would you choose to carry?

How much time is everyone planing to spend on building a shelter??? Is everyone thinking of staying in one place or keep moving for as long as possible??? I never build a large shelter but some of them can take hours of day light to build. I can see it happens if you are in a down plan and want to stay in one spot. But what about if you end up lost with an hour to spare.

Sasha
 
sasha said:
How much time is everyone planing to spend on building a shelter??? Is everyone thinking of staying in one place or keep moving for as long as possible??? I never build a large shelter but some of them can take hours of day light to build. I can see it happens if you are in a down plan and want to stay in one spot. But what about if you end up lost with an hour to spare.

Sasha
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When I setup my tarp, it took me about 20-30 minutes. And I could probably do it in five or less as I get more experience setting it up.

I have near zero experience with natural shelters, so having a little extra gear to compensate for my lack of skills is what I'm looking for right now.

I hadn't thought much about the option to move "camp". But it seems like natural shelters are for longer intended stays, or for making due with what you've got.

I need extra time gather firewood, as I'm still working on slow and hot burning fires.
 
HighDesertWalker said:
Gatewood Cape: 11 oz Rain Gear / Shelter (silnylon)

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=45#

I always carry one of these if there is any chance of rain or an unscripted overnighter. It weighs less than ordinary rain gear and makes into a fully enclosed shelter (no open ends) using a single trekking pole for support. I always hike with one trekking pole anyway.
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Man! I was hoping no one would post this, as I've been drooling over it for a while. Now you made me want one even more. How tall are you? I'm 6'3" and didn't know if I could stretch out fully under it? I don't have any trekking poles, but seems a tent pole or properly crafted stick would work?

I just wish it was half the price.
 
Does anyone make a real durable reflective blanket/tarp with maybe an orange nylon shell or something? Seems like that wouldn't be a bad idea.
 
C_Claycomb said:
Troutfisher,

I have a few pictures of them under construction and in use.



Mors1.jpg


Mors2.jpg


IMG_5536.jpg


Its all described in a rather unassuming, but truely excellent, little booklet titled "The Two Kilogram Survival Kit Field Manual" http://www.karamat.com/books.html

"The super shelter concept is based on the physics of trapping and holding warmed air as in the Innu snow hous, combined with an open fire for providing warmth. The super shelter allows you to sleep in your clothes in sub-zero temperatures without a sleeping bag. It is mad up of inexpensive and readily available materials. A single person shelter weighs less than a kilogram and easily fits into a large parka pocket."
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That is just great! I might have to try that out for a test run. thanks for sharing.
 
I like the Integral Designs 5x8 poncho/tarp for its versatility and small size. Also can be used as a bivvy. Combine this with Adventure Medical Kits bivvy and appropriate clothing, you got a reasonable survival shelter.

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=728

Kismet - I use tyvek for a ground cloth. Putting it through the clothes washer really helps reduce the noise it makes. A neat trick with the 9' length is to fold over about 2' at the end and duct tape the sides. This makes a small pocket to stick your feet (end of your sleeping bag) to keep the rain off if your shelter is small.
 
there was this old lady a while back did the whole AT with a shower curtain as her shelter. No joke.

I'd vote for the old style GI poncho, but being a hammock guy, I go for a lightweight tarp.
 
naked said:
Man! I was hoping no one would post this, as I've been drooling over it for a while. Now you made me want one even more. How tall are you? I'm 6'3" and didn't know if I could stretch out fully under it? I don't have any trekking poles, but seems a tent pole or properly crafted stick would work?

I just wish it was half the price.
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I've got some bad news for you naked. I'm 6'3". :D



P.S.
Carbon Fiber Tent Pole

This 45" ultralight Carbon Fiber pole can subsutitute as your primary tent pole used to support either the Lunar Duo, Lunar Solo, Refuge, Gatewood Cape, Wild Oasis or the Serenity NetTent

Weight: 1.8 oz.
US$25.00
 
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Here is the one I have, its alot moe durable than your run of the mil mylar blanket, but its lighter than a tarp, which is nice. Its about 4.5ft by 7ft, or close, big enough for a small shelter, or to use as a blanket.
PB300110.jpg

PB300108.jpg
 
Quote:

Man! I was hoping no one would post this, as I've been drooling over it for a while. Now you made me want one even more. How tall are you? I'm 6'3" and didn't know if I could stretch out fully under it? I don't have any trekking poles, but seems a tent pole or properly crafted stick would work?

I just wish it was half the price.

I've got some bad news for you naked. I'm 6'3".
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Would the news be any better if he were clothed?




: )



Hiya Bill



Kis
enjoy every sandwich
 
Kismet said:
Would the news be any better if he were clothed?




: )



Hiya Bill



Kis
enjoy every sandwich
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Hiya Kis

It's all in the punctuation:

I've got some bad news for you naked. I'm 6'3".

or

I've got some bad news for you. Naked I'm 6'3".

Add a few extra words and you've got:

I've got some bad news for you naked. So put on some clothes and I'll give you the good news.

There's no safe way to deal with a forum name like "naked". :foot: :D
 
The AMK Heatsheet is a great piece of gear for your kit. I havn't used the AMK Bivy, but if it's made up of the same material as the Heatsheet, then it's tough and will last several outings.

I use the USGI poncho and a German military shelter tarp and find that they work great together and throwing a couple of the heatsheats into the mix, assures that I'll have adequate coverage and heat retention.
 
Is the AMK Heatsheet material different than regular space blanket? Is it much heavier overall? Is the packaged size bigger?
 
naked said:
Is the AMK Heatsheet material different than regular space blanket? Is it much heavier overall? Is the packaged size bigger?
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I have a similar one, probably the same: it weight about 1lbs. for size, well see how it compares to other tools on photograph...

But it is several times stronger than your run of the mill space blanket: you could use it on roughly shaped wood and twigs without worrying for tearing it or punctures.
 
The Heatsheet is a heavier weight (density) material and weighs a few ounces. It is a lot more durable than the mylar space blanket. I was looking at the bivy today at REI and they replaced the original, which was $15.00, for one that is stronger and tougher and it went up to over $30.00. Wind and water proof. 80% body heat retention.

Here's a link to a review that was done on another site. The heatsheet held up real well for the length of time it was exposed to nature.

http://www.wildsurvive.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=73&topic=2998.0
 
longbow50 said:
The Heatsheet is a heavier weight (density) material and weighs a few ounces. It is a lot more durable than the mylar space blanket. I was looking at the bivy today at REI and they replaced the original, which was $15.00, for one that is stronger and tougher and it went up to over $30.00. Wind and water proof. 80% body heat retention.

Here's a link to a review that was done on another site. The heatsheet held up real well for the length of time it was exposed to nature.

http://www.wildsurvive.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=73&topic=2998.0
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info and that link. That was an AWESOME review of the heatsheet.
 
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