This is so simple I questioned whether I should even post it but I know how people like to complicate things, especially those new to survival but thought maybe it was so simple it may be overlooked and we are here to share survival tricks and this is one of my favorites. This is not only the simplest shelter, it is the fastest, easiest, cheapest and best shelter you can have. It took me about 45 minutes to gather wood and put this together. I did it last fall just to have extra storage but I could have survived in it all winter if I had to.
First I gathered 6 poles, the straighter the better and cut to same length.
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Take the three heaviest poles and lay 2 facing one way and one facing the other between them. Loosely wrap and tie them together with rope. Don’t worry rope will tighten.
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Spread the 2 poles that lay together and then lift center. Then use the single pole to lift tripod. I have seen people go through all kinds of contortions trying to raise tipi’s but I have raised huge tripods for lifting motors by myself using this method.
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Now just lay three other poles in the crotch the tripod poles provide. This gives you much more space than just using tripod. Indian tipi’s I made used three poles in each crotch but you really don’t gain that much more space considering you have to cut twice as many poles.
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Now just cover with a tarp leaving a gap at the top and build a fire inside. You have heat, light and cooking and a structure that will hold up to wind and snow loads.
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Makes a good greenhouse to if covered with clear plastic. Sides can be rolled up on hot days and brush can be thrown on it for insulation in the winter. When dealing with severe cold it is best if you seal up tight and use wood stove to heat. If you don’t have much money to spend this is a great alternative to expensive tents that are not near as strong or warm.
