One man shelter

A one–man shelter can be easily made using a wide cloth. It requires a tree and three poles. One pole should be about 4.5 metres long and the other two about 3 metres long.

To make a one–man shelter, follow the steps:

• Secure the 4.5–metre pole to the tree at about waist height. It should be attached firmly not to fall on you during your sleep. Best way to do that is to find a tree with a low branch that would support one side of the pole.
• Lay the two 3–metre poles on the ground on either side of and in the same direction as the 4.5–metre pole.
• Lay a piece of cloth over the 4.5 metre pole, so that about the same amount of material hangs on both sides.
• Tuck the excess material under the 3–meter poles and spread it on the ground inside your shelter to serve as a floor. Remember though that it will not be enough to protect you from the cold and damp ground – you will have to introduce more isolation.
• Stake down or put a spreader between the two 3–metre poles at the shelter's entrance so they will not slide inward. Staking down is a little more convenient, as you will not have a pole lying across your entrance.
• If you have any excess material, you can use it to cover the entrance. If not, you can place there your belongings to protect you from the weather.

This type of shelter is small enough to be easily warmed. A candle, used carefully, can keep the inside temperature comfortable. This shelter will however be unsatisfactory when snow is falling, as even a light snowfall will cave it in.