I’ve decided to go all Ray Mears on you and come up with a few alternative ways to camp. It doesn’t always have to be under canvas.

Source: flickr © zuc123

First up would be the good old snow shelter. A few million Inuits can’t be wrong when it comes to the ultimate in protection from the elements in snowy conditions. It definitely helps to have a shovel or small saw so you can cut into the snow to cut out chunks. If neither of those is to hand, then you need to rely on your hands to build up your own little ice cave. All you need is a few reindeer throws for that extra bit of home comfort.

source: istockphoto © dan moore

A branch tent is another good one using Mother Nature’s camping accessories. Ideally, you need a good fir tree with large fronds to help keep out the wind and rain. The most important part is making a frame strong enough to balance all the branches on. A Toblerone shape is probably best as you will keep most of the front open so you can feel the heat from the ‘morale-boosting’ fire. Fir fronds also make a surprisingly springy mattress piled up together. Your hands should suffice for breaking off branches, but a small saw or machete would make lighter work of it all. To bring an extra special bit of comfort you could make your own camping toilet by digging a hole in the ground and covering with fir tree branches. At least it wouldn’t be too far to walk in the middle of the night!

source: flickr © colin mcmillen

Tarp tent – this type of shelter is adopted by the Army as they always keep a bit of tarp and hammock in their pack for impromptu sleeping. A good survivalist would find him/herself two trees several feet apart from each other. You’d also need to set up a fairly thick branch to hang the tarp over to keep the rain off. The most important thing is to make sure the trees and branches can take your weight. The last thing you need is to crash down while you’re sleeping in your hammock.

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