Winter Shelter Help..!

Joe Fowler

Joe Fowler

Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
1,118
Last year I made a debris shelter which turned out pretty good. I was going to do the same this month but unfortunately we had some early snow and now all the leaf litter is buried.

I've been researching other forms of winter shelter but am having trouble finding something that'll work. The thing is, a debris shelter can be made without tools, and this winter shelter needs to be the same. So even though I've considered making a "Qninzee" I won't have a shovel (or any man-made digging device) to help me make it. Also, one thing I like about the debris hut is that I don't need a sleeping bag to stay toasty.

I need help knowing what kind of winter shelter to make that can be done with no tools (rocks and sticks don't count as "tools") and is insulated enough to be warm with only the clothes on my back.

Any suggestions?
 
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Getting to the debris is the tough part. I won't have a shovel to dig it out.

I can make a "rake" out of a tree branch to gather leaf litter (which has worked great in the past) but it won't work with all the snow.
 
Joe Fowler said:
No, Richard. No.

:grumpy:
Click to expand...

Ok, I sprayed out on that one. When it cold and snowing is when I want to be out the most also.

What about making a small wigwam out of live trees, you can get the shelter built while the snow is down, and once you get it in the "dry", start clearing and drying out the inside.

Or you could make a shovel out of a 1 1/2-2" branch and some tough bark.

Just guessing here, I don't get snow unless I get to above 2300ft.

Moose
 
If you're in an area with spruce or any other trees with branches low to the ground, and there's enough snow, then you can use the area under the tree as a snow pit. If conditions are right it's the easiest shelter and requires no real tools.

A quinzee is still possible. Throw your pack, branches, etc. into a contractor's bag and start shoveling snow onto it by hand, doggy fashion (throwing the snow behind you from between your legs, if that makes sense). Once you've used up the snow in the immediate area, move to the next area over (preferably find drifts to save effort) and shovel snow doggy style again into a garbage bag, onto a tarp, onto your jacket, etc., bundle it up and bring it over to your quinzee to pile it on, rinse and repeat. After what will seem like a very long time you'll have a quinzee and you'll be soaked through with sweat and snow, but you'll be able to enjoy the fruit of your labors while you die of hypothermia (seriously, pace yourself and shed layers before you start sweating).
 
I spent 25 years alone in the Alaska wilderness running sled dogs on a 200 mile trapline- spent more days sleeping out then in the cabin. Lots of choices secret is to be adaptable. Bending sticks into a Quonset works for frame cover with anything handy. Leaves, bows a sheet, furs. Best suggestion is to carry an oversize pair of coveralls. Put them on, use elastic at cuffs and ankles, Unzip and stuff down the legs dry leaves or moss or soft braches or spruce needles till you look inflated. Instant snow suit. Can sleep out without a shelter to 0 degrees. I used to sleep in the dog sled all the time like this. Or dig into an old beaver house. Dig under a fallen tree root wad. Or an overhang at a creek bank. Yup snow is insulation it’s a good thing to see and helpful not a bad thing to have when looking for shelter material. Get a book at the library take a class. Go practice. Good luck
 
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