Building a Bushcraft Shelter in the Canadian
Building a bushcraft shelter in the Canadian wilderness depends heavily on the season and environment
. Common options range from quick, basic lean-tos to insulated debris huts and snow shelters.
Principles for shelter construction
Regardless of the type of shelter you build, there are key principles for success:
- Location: Find a flat, dry spot on high ground away from low-lying areas, which can flood. Avoid potential hazards like “widow makers” (dead or hanging branches) and large ant or wasp nests.
- Insulation and size: Build a shelter that is only slightly larger than you are. This helps trap and maintain your body heat. In cold weather, it is also crucial to insulate your bed with a thick layer of leaves or boughs to protect you from heat loss to the cold ground.
- Wind protection: Position your shelter away from the prevailing wind to prevent heat loss through convection. Natural features like hills or large boulders can act as windbreaks.
- Materials: Use naturally fallen materials whenever possible to conserve energy and minimize environmental impact.
