The Ten Essentials:
#9: Emergency Shelter
Be prepared for the unexpected with a reliable emergency shelter to protect you from the elements.
Even on a day hike or short outdoor excursion, emergencies can arise that require you to spend an unexpected night outside. An emergency shelter is essential to protect you from hypothermia, exposure, and other risks. Carrying one can mean the difference between a safe night and a dangerous situation in the backcountry.
In this guide, we’ll discuss why emergency shelters matter, the different types available, and tips for selecting and using one effectively.
Why You Need An Emergency Shelter
Emergency shelters are lightweight, packable solutions designed to provide protection from wind, rain, cold, and heat. They are critical for outdoor safety because conditions can change rapidly in the wilderness.
Here’s why an emergency shelter is indispensable:
- Protection from Exposure: Hypothermia and frostbite are serious threats in cold or wet conditions. A shelter offers insulation and protection from the elements.
- Barrier Against Weather: Sudden storms or unexpected temperature drops can leave you vulnerable without proper shelter.
- Versatility in Emergencies: From waiting out bad weather to providing a safe resting spot during an injury or delay, an emergency shelter is a multifunctional tool.
Types of Emergency Shelters
There are multiple types of emergency shelters, depending on the length of your trip, where you are heading and the conditions you will face. If you are backpacking or camping, you probably already carry a tent and sleeping bag. For day hikes, overnight trips, and summit day, lighter-weight options work best. Here are some of the most common options.
1. Space Blankets
Ultra-light and reflective, these blankets trap body heat and provide some wind resistance.
- Pros: Affordable, compact, and multi-use.
- Cons: Not durable enough for extended or repeated use or extreme conditions.
- Best For: Short-term emergencies or backup protection.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a few in your pack for emergencies or to share with others in your group.
2. Emergency Bivy Sacks
Lightweight and compact, these are designed to enclose your body like a sleeping bag.
- Pros: Easy to pack, water-resistant, and reflective to retain body heat.
- Best For: Solo hikers or minimalist emergency kits.
💡 Pro Tip: Choose a bivvy with a breathable design to reduce condensation inside.
3. Tarp Shelters
Durable and versatile, tarps can be pitched in various configurations using lightweight paracord to create several types of wind- and water-resistant shelters.
- Pros: Great for group protection, durable, and reusable.
- Cons: Heavier and bulkier than other options.
- Best For: Longer or group hikes where weight isn’t as much of a concern.
💡 Pro Tip: Learn basic tarp-pitching techniques before heading into the backcountry.
4. Natural Shelters
You can build your shelter using natural materials or even snow with the right tools. Here are some of the easiest options to construct:
Best Options:
- Brush Lean-To: Cut and lean a large tree limb against a trunk, with smaller branches leaned against that to form a shelter.
- Snow Trench: Dig a hole 3-4 feet deep in the snow, long and wide enough to lay down. Cover it with a tarp or lay skis and trek poles covered by evergreen branches.
- Snow Quinzhee: Got an avalanche shovel? Use it to pile up loose snow, let it settle, and then excavate a cave to create a sturdy shelter.
💡 Pro Tip: Always carry a water filter or purification system when traveling far from water sources.
How to Use Your Emergency Shelter
A shelter is only useful if used properly and in the right situation. Here are some considerations on using your shelter when you need it.
Before You Go
Proper preparation ensures you know what to do when the time comes for using your shelter.
- Practice Setup: Familiarize yourself with setting up your shelter quickly to reduce stress during an emergency.
- Choose a Good Spot: Research your route and identify potential safe spots for shelter in advance.
- Pack Smart: Store your shelter in an easily accessible part of your pack, like an external pocket or top compartment.
In An Emergency
When someone gets injured or you lose the trail, here’s how to use your emergency shelter.
- Find a Safe Location: Look for natural windbreaks or flat, dry ground away from hazards like falling rocks or rising water.
- Set Up Quickly: Minimize exposure by setting up your shelter as soon as you recognize the need.
- Conserve Heat: Combine your shelter with extra layers, a sleeping bag, or a space blanket for added warmth.
- Signal for Help: Brightly colored shelters or reflective materials can double as signaling tools for rescuers.
Best Practices and Tips
Use these best practices and tips to ensure your emergency shelter stays in good shape and is ready when you need it.
- Inspect Regularly: Check your shelter for tears, wear, or damage before and after each trip.
- Pack Wisely: Always carry an emergency shelter, even on short hikes. You can store it deeper in your backpack as it is unlikely you will need it on any given trip or expedition.
- Sharing Shelters: On group trips, plan ahead to bring one larger shelter so you don’t overpack unnecessarily.
- Leave No Trace: Set up your shelter on durable surfaces and avoid disrupting vegetation or wildlife.
Recommended Emergency Shelters
Of all the ten essentials, emergency shelters are the most common to leave behind. A lot of people don’t see the need for something they may never use… but when you do need it, it will probably be lifesaving. Here are some top emergency shelters for hikers, climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
1. SOL Emergency Bivvy
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight, compact, reuseable, and retains up to 90% of body heat. Can also be used as a sleeping bag liner during regular camping trips.
- Buy Here: SOL Emergency Bivvy
2. SOL Emergency Blanket
- Why It’s Great: Ultra-lightweight material suitable for day hikes during summer. Not re-useable or warm enough for winter.
- Buy Here: SOL Emergency Blanket
3. Arcturus Heavy Duty Insulated Thermal Reflective Tarp
- Why It’s Great: Dual-purpose as a tarp or tent with added wind/rain protection.
- Buy Here: Arcturus Heavy Duty Tarp
4. MSR E-Bivy Emergency Shelter with Stuff Sack
- Why It’s Great: Durable, weather-resistant, ideal for lightweight backpacking.
- Buy Here: MSR E-Bivy
Explore More
Return to The Ten Essentials Guide home or continue exploring the essentials:
FAQ: Emergency Shelter
Q: What qualifies as an emergency shelter?
A: An emergency shelter is any lightweight, portable shelter designed to provide temporary protection from weather and environmental hazards. Common options include emergency bivvy sacks, space blankets, tarp shelters, tube tents, and lightweight four-season tents. These shelters are meant to shield you from wind, rain, cold, and heat in unexpected situations.
Q: When should I carry an emergency shelter?
A: An emergency shelter should always be part of your gear, even on short hikes or day trips. Weather in the backcountry can change rapidly, and injuries, lost trails, or other emergencies can force you to spend an unplanned night outdoors. A shelter ensures you have protection if things don’t go as planned.
Q: How do I choose the best emergency shelter for my needs?
A: Consider the following factors when selecting an emergency shelter:
- Weight and Packability: Opt for lightweight and compact options for shorter trips.
- Durability: Choose a robust shelter for more demanding conditions or frequent use.
- Weather Resistance: For trips in areas prone to storms or snow, ensure your shelter can handle wind, rain, or freezing temperatures.
- Group Size: Determine if you need a shelter for yourself or multiple people.
- Ease of Setup: Emergency shelters should be simple to deploy quickly in stressful situations.
Q: Can I use a space blanket as an emergency shelter?
A: Yes, space blankets can serve as a basic emergency shelter. They are reflective, retaining up to 90% of body heat, and provide a wind-resistant barrier. However, they are not very durable or suitable for extreme conditions. For longer or harsher emergencies, consider a bivvy sack or tarp shelter instead.
Q: How do I set up an emergency shelter effectively?
A: Keep these tips in mind when setting up your shelter:
- Choose a Location: Find a flat, dry spot away from hazards like falling rocks, water sources, or dead trees.
- Use Natural Features: Take advantage of windbreaks such as boulders, trees, or terrain features to enhance protection.
- Secure the Shelter: Use stakes, rocks, or your pack to anchor the shelter and prevent it from being blown away.
- Combine with Insulation: Add extra layers, like a space blanket or sleeping bag, for warmth and comfort.
Q: Can I reuse an emergency shelter?
A: Some emergency shelters are reusable, depending on their material and design. Space blankets and tube tents are generally single-use but can sometimes be reused if handled carefully. Bivvy sacks, tarps, and lightweight tents are more durable and designed for multiple uses. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for reuse guidelines.
Q: What if I don’t have an emergency shelter during an emergency?
A: If you don’t have a shelter, use the following strategies to protect yourself:
- Find Natural Shelter: Look for caves, overhangs, or dense tree cover to shield against the elements.
- Improvise with Gear: Use a rain jacket, poncho, or even a backpack as a windbreak or insulation layer.
- Build a Debris Shelter: Use branches, leaves, or other natural materials to construct a temporary shelter. Ensure it provides sufficient protection and insulation.
- Prioritize Insulation: Stay dry and use any available materials to retain body heat and shield from wind.
