How to Build an A-Frame Shelter

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Basic A-Frame Instructions

One of the easiest types of shelters to construct is the tent-like A-frame Shelter. This shelter can be made from a tarp, bivi-bag, ponchos or sticks and leaves (hence it is also sometimes called a 'debris shelter'). Additionally there are multiple variations to the A-frame shelter, but for this article, we will only discuss the traditional A-frame.

Before you begin building your shelter, make sure you check which way the wind is blowing, you don't want to put the opening of your shelter into the wind. Also, make sure you have ample materials around to build the shelter with and sufficient fuel to keep a fire. Keep in mind when you are planning out your shelter that you want the height of the shelter tall enough for you to sit upright inside of it without touching your head to the top. A good rule of thumb is that the top of the shelter should come roughly to your waste to accomplish this. You also want the sides of the tarp to come down as low as possible to protect you from the wind and trap body heat. If you have to choose between headroom and low sides, choose low sides. Next:

1) Select a thick stick to use as your Ridge Pole. Consider your body length when laying down and the amount of room you want to have inside your shelter. The stick should be long enough to suit.

2) Select two sticks that are roughly the same length, though they should be thinner and shorter than the ridge pole. If one stick seems too thin, use several. Place these on the ground at 45 deg angles, with the top 12” or so overlapping and use cord to lash the sticks together (see knot section of this website). This is the 'X' of your shelter

3) Stand the X up and put the ridge pole in the crux of your X and secure using cord.

4) Using whatever material you have chosen for the skin of your shelter, cover the frame sufficiently to afford you as much protection from the elements as possible. Even if you have a tarp, if you are building this shelter in the cold, you may still want to cover the tarp with layers of leaves/boughs, blankets or even snow in order to provide more warmth insulation. Make sure you secure each layer if you are going to place another layer on top of it.

5) Line the bottom of your shelter with leaves to cushion your sleep or insulate you from the cold. I try to get at least 6” of cushion, if not 12” on cold ground.

Tell us about any experiences you've had building an A-frame shelter.  Was it for fun?  Survival?  Training?

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