Build It

Tall Trees

Debris Hut
What you need to make your plaster cast:

If the weather turns nasty while you are out hiking in the forest and you’re a long distance from home, you will want to know how to stay warm and dry.

Here is what you will need to make a sturdy tree hut:
• A long straight pole that is at least one foot taller that yourself
• A collection of long sticks of varying thickness
• A lot of debris, such as leaves, grass and pine needles

Shelter is one of three necessities of survival in the wilderness (the other two are food and water). It will protect you from the elements and keep you dry and warm.

The size of your shelter should be based on your size. It should be big enough to protect your entire body, but small enough do a good job of keeping your warmth in.

When choosing the location for your tree hut, look for level ground that has a slight downgrade away from the centre (the high ground in the surrounding area). Avoid building in a depression or a gully because water travels downhill…and you will get soaked!

Found your location? Now follow the step-by-step instructions on the right-hand side of the page to build your debris hut.