How to build a survival shelter
Last updated 2 June 2026
A shelter is one of the first survival priorities: staying dry and out of the wind protects you faster than almost anything else. The main types are simple, a lean-to, an A-frame, a debris hut, or a tarp setup. On the iPhone, Ferdinands Outdoor Companion (FOC) covers shelter building, fully offline and free.
Pick the site, then the type
Site first: a spot that is dry, off the cold valley floor, away from dead branches and flood lines, with materials nearby. Then the type. A lean-to blocks wind and reflects a fire's heat; an A-frame or debris hut wraps you in insulation for cold nights; a tarp is fastest if you carry one. The goal is the same: get a barrier between you and the ground, the wind, and the rain.
Shelter in FOC
FOC covers shelter types and site selection as part of more than 40 survival and outdoor articles, all stored on the device. It works in airplane mode, has no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking, and reads in German, English, or Danish. Practise before you need it; a reference is a companion, not a substitute for skill.
How it compares
| What helps | FOC | No reference |
|---|---|---|
| Several shelter types | Yes | No |
| How to choose a safe site | Yes | No |
| Works with no signal | Yes | n/a |
| No ads or tracking | Yes | n/a |
| Reads in DE, EN, DA | Yes | n/a |
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest survival shelter to build?
A lean-to or a tarp setup is usually fastest: a single sloped surface against wind and rain. For cold nights, an A-frame or debris hut adds insulation around you.
How do I choose a shelter site?
Pick dry ground off the cold valley floor, away from dead branches and flood lines, with building materials nearby. FOC's guide walks through site selection.
Does FOC work offline?
Yes. FOC keeps its shelter guide and every other article on the device, so it works in airplane mode with no signal.
Is FOC free?
Yes. FOC is free, with no ads, no in-app purchases, and no tracking.
Related
Sources
This is general reference, not medical, safety, or professional advice. Skills like first aid and foraging carry real risk. In a real emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in the EU, 911 in the US).