When your life is on the line, you need to conserve resources, the greatest of which is energy and mental sharpness. Nothing can deplete your health and stamina faster than exposure to rains, cold, or sun. Below are instructions using your survival gear, how to create an emergency shelter and place to recover if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

The Tarp Wing Shelter

This setup doesn’t offer protection from the wind, but it can be extremely effective at keeping the rain off your campsite or fire. It’s also not a bad way to create a nice shady patch if the sun is your biggest nemesis. You build this by securing opposite corners of your tarp up high and the other two down low. 

The A-Frame Shelter

A-frames are effective against wind, rain, and snow. The closer to the ground, the more effective it will be. Remember to build your A-frame with steep walls in snowy conditions to avoid having too much weight accumulate. To build an A-frame shelter simply tie some paracord between two trees, drape the tarp over the line, and tie down the corners.