Troubled Times: Shelter - Pole Shift Survival Information

Troubled Times: Debris Tips
Debris Tips
Ah, Debris huts. Well, I've slept in 'em many times with many different variations. Some simple, basic rules:
1. It usually takes a couple of nights to work out the kinks (i.e. find and fill all the nasty little draft holes, water
pathways etc.)
2. There is usually always something that will work in a pinch if oak leaves or the equivalent aren't available, but
there are exceptions as far as time of year and locations)
3. They can indeed keep you dry in a drenching rain storm and will keep you warm if you build it right.
4. It does take considerably more time to build a good one than 1/2 hour (although there are folks that claim it can
be done in this time). Usually takes me about 3.
Other things that I have learned and tricks that help are:
Layering
If you are in an area where there is not a lot of good insulating material, a layers of sticks followed
by smaller layers of what debris is available improves the insulating capacity of the materials you do
have.
Best Insulation
Oak leaves or grass (preferably hollow stemmed) make the best insulation hands down! Followed by
other types of hardwood leaves with pine needles taking a distant last place.
Other Material
Other materials will work in a pinch. I have slept in a debris insulated with sphagnum moss and
small layers of leaves, sticks and pine needles. I was warm with a light shirt on, but then the temp.
never dipped to far below 60F that night. I did take the precaution of covering the moss with slabs of
birch bark to elevate the sponging (and thus drenching action). I stayed dry and warm through a
drenching downpour that soaked other people in tents. Another material that probably would work as
a supplemental material in a pinch would probably be dried cattail leaves. I personally have not tried
this, though.
No Debris Available
There are times when there is simply nothing available to insulate with, or at least very little. A stint
spent in the Wind River Range in Wyoming required Wickiup type shelters and fires. There just was
nothing but sparse grass and very sparse and small evergreen needles. We found ample supplies of
dead, punky wood that seemed to work adequately for a Wickiup, but I just couldn't imagine trying
a debris hut. Maybe if it was stuffed with live pine branches. Although, it didn't look to inviting at
the time.
Size
Size is critical. Think very cozy sleeping bag, not tent. If you have an aversion to cramped spaces
this is definitely not the shelter for you. A good door is important in most instances. I keep my
opening very small (just barely big enough to crawl in) and usually use a combination of a debris
plug and a shirt or jacket if I have one.
http://www.zetatalk2.com/shelter/tshlt02n.htm[2/5/2012 6:02:31 PM]