Sunday, January 8, 2012

How to Build an A-Frame Debris Shelter Pt. 2



In Part 2 of the wilderness A Frame Shelter, I complete the final touches on insulating the roof with added debris, securing the debris and then finally insulating the sleeping area within the shelter.


From here everything is pretty simple.  If you have questions with the initial procedures please see the video and blog description.


Basically the only thing I did was add additional debris to increase roof insulation/protection. The debris will settle somewhat. You can lay sticks on top if you can not complete the shelter in one go, but settling will occur none the less. But you WANT it to settle, because as I showed, it when "cake" and become stronger when it settles. It kind of gets like peat.


Anyway, I repaired the areas that had any settling but stuffing the space with new debris. Then I went about adding the layer as before, starting at the bottom and working to the top. Finally, I put the last debris along the top of the roof. 


MAKE SURE that you cover the entire roof area on either side of the "V". This is a crucial step in stopping heat from escaping.  To check your work, enter the shelter and inspect the main support beam. There should be no sign of daylight, or even a bright area showing through.


The last step to make the shelter more comfortable and to stop the ground from drawing the heat right out of your body at night, you can add debris to the bottom of the shelter. I prefer not to use leaves for this base and instead opted for the pine needle. Try to avoid collecting the wet  needles, closest to the ground. Go for the top most superficial layer. The best place to gather needles easily is right at the base of the tree (obvious fact that some people overlook).  You can never have too much ground insulation. I will also have a tarp, a mat and a bag, but a 2-3" layer of a thick pine needle base will be my goal before I sleep.


Now all that is left is to wait for snow!

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