Lifesong

                               Wilderness

                             Adventures ©2008

What is a Debris Hut?

In simple terms, it is a "body-heat" shelter that traps dead air space warmed by the heat from your body.

In regions where there are lots of deciduous trees they are constructed of leaf litter, and other decomposing tree parts.  Sparse regions require more ingenuity and utilize debris from evergreen, brush, grasses, and snow.

Lifesong Adventures uses the debris hut, based on primitive survival skills, to help you understand the importance of conserving body heat for survival.

Basic construction begins with gathering a ridge pole and supporting branches for the sides of the hut.  Ground moisture drains heat from our bodies, so it is important to make the floor of the hut as thick as possible.  After piling debris for the floor, a frame is constructed and piled high with organic debris.  There should only be enough space for you to wriggle into.  The opening should be covered with debris you have gathered and piled near or with a backpack, anything to decrease air flow, the thicker the better.  It is presumed everyone understands you cannot light a fire in a debris hut.

Once you understand the concept of the debris hut, it has many practical applications using materials available in your location.

   Other shelter options, called open shelters      

  include the:

  Lean To                                                   

  A frame,

  Wickiup,

  Wigwam,

  Snow Cave, and

  Pit Shelter. 

  With the exception of the snow cave

  these structures work in conjunction with fire. 

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