How to Make a Shelter Using a Survival Blanket

 

When you find yourself in a survival situation, one of the most critical tasks is creating a shelter to protect yourself from the elements. A survival blanket, also known as an emergency blanket or space blanket, is a lightweight, compact, and versatile tool that can be a lifesaver in such scenarios. This article will guide you through the process of making a shelter using a survival blanket, ensuring you stay warm, dry, and safe in the wilderness.

What is a Survival Blanket?

A survival blanket is a thin sheet of material, typically made from Mylar or a similar reflective material, designed to retain body heat and protect against wind, rain, and cold. These blankets are often included in emergency kits due to their compact size and ability to reflect up to 90% of radiated body heat. They are also waterproof and windproof, making them ideal for creating temporary shelters.

Why Use a Survival Blanket for Shelter?

Survival blankets are an excellent choice for building shelters because they are:

1. Lightweight and Portable: Easy to carry in a backpack or emergency kit.
2. Versatile: Can be used in various configurations to create different types of shelters.
3. Durable: Resistant to tearing and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
4. Reflective: Helps retain body heat and can signal for rescue if needed.

Types of Shelters You Can Build with a Survival Blanket

Depending on your environment and available resources, you can create several types of shelters using a survival blanket. Below are some of the most common and effective designs:

1. Lean-To Shelter

A lean-to shelter is one of the simplest and most effective designs for a survival blanket shelter. It requires minimal materials and can be set up quickly.

Steps to Build a Lean-To Shelter:

1. Find a sturdy tree or a large rock to serve as the main support for your shelter.
2. Secure one end of the survival blanket to the support using rope, paracord, or duct tape.
3. Stretch the blanket out at an angle, ensuring it forms a sloping roof.
4. Anchor the other end of the blanket to the ground using rocks, sticks, or stakes.
5. If possible, add additional insulation by layering leaves, branches, or other natural materials underneath the blanket.

2. A-Frame Shelter

An A-frame shelter provides more protection from wind and rain compared to a lean-to. It is slightly more complex to build but offers better insulation.

Steps to Build an A-Frame Shelter:

1. Find two trees or sturdy objects that are close enough to span the length of your survival blanket.
2. Tie a rope or cord between the two supports at a height that allows the blanket to form a triangular shape when draped over it.
3. Drape the survival blanket over the rope, ensuring it covers both sides evenly.
4. Secure the edges of the blanket to the ground using rocks, sticks, or stakes.
5. Add insulation to the interior by layering natural materials like leaves or grass.

3. Tarp Tent Shelter

A tarp tent shelter is ideal for situations where you need more space and protection. It requires additional materials but provides excellent coverage.

Steps to Build a Tarp Tent Shelter:

1. Find a flat area and clear any debris or sharp objects.
2. Use a rope or cord to create a ridgeline between two trees or supports.
3. Drape the survival blanket over the ridgeline, ensuring it hangs evenly on both sides.
4. Secure the corners of the blanket to the ground using stakes or heavy objects.
5. Adjust the tension to create a taut surface that sheds rain and wind effectively.

4. Emergency Cocoon Shelter

If you are alone and need immediate protection, an emergency cocoon shelter can be created using just the survival blanket and your body heat.

Steps to Build an Emergency Cocoon Shelter:

1. Wrap the survival blanket around your body, ensuring it covers you completely.
2. Secure the edges with tape or by tucking them under your body.
3. Use additional layers of clothing or natural materials to enhance insulation.
4. Stay in a curled position to minimize heat loss and maximize warmth.

Tips for Building an Effective Shelter

To ensure your survival blanket shelter is as effective as possible, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Choose the Right Location: Look for a flat, dry area away from potential hazards like falling branches or flooding.
2. Maximize Insulation: Use natural materials like leaves, grass, or pine needles to add layers of insulation.
3. Secure the Blanket Properly: Ensure the blanket is taut and firmly anchored to prevent it from collapsing or blowing away.
4. Reflective Side In: Place the reflective side of the blanket facing inward to retain body heat.
5. Stay Off the Ground: Use a layer of leaves, branches, or a sleeping pad to insulate yourself from the cold ground.

Additional Uses for a Survival Blanket

Beyond building shelters, survival blankets have several other practical uses in emergency situations:

1. Signaling for Rescue: The reflective surface can be used to signal rescuers by reflecting sunlight.
2. Water Collection: Use the blanket to create a solar still for collecting water.
3. Windbreak: Set up the blanket as a windbreak to protect your campsite.
4. Ground Cover: Use it as a waterproof layer to sit or sleep on.

Essential Tools for Building a Shelter

While a survival blanket is the primary tool for building a shelter, having a few additional items can make the process easier and more effective:

1. Rope or Paracord: Essential for securing the blanket and creating ridgelines.
2. Duct Tape: Useful for repairs and securing edges.
3. Stakes or Heavy Rocks: Needed to anchor the blanket to the ground.
4. Knife or Multi-Tool: Helpful for cutting materials and making adjustments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When building a shelter with a survival blanket, avoid these common mistakes to ensure your safety and comfort:

1. Poor Anchoring: Failing to secure the blanket properly can result in a collapsed shelter.
2. Insufficient Insulation: Neglecting to add insulation can lead to heat loss and discomfort.
3. Choosing the Wrong Location: Setting up in a hazardous area can put you at risk.
4. Overcomplicating the Design: Stick to simple designs that can be built quickly and efficiently.