Debris Hut Shelter

This is by far our favorite shelter for most seasons in Maine. It is cozy and comfortable and doesn't require any heat source besides your own body heat. They are easy to build and require no tools, but practice is key. We suggest trying this out several times before you get in a suituation where you really need it. You won't regret it! These are really fun to make and something that can involve the whole family!

A strong ridge pole and a good location are the first steps to the debris hut. Make sure the area is high and dry to avoid any problems with water drainage during a storm. The area here was checked for an abundance of material and possible hazards. (i.e. poisonous plants, insects, deadfalls, widow-makers, etc.) Direction is noted for the door. Face the opening toward the Southeast to maximize warmth from the sun. Make sure the ridge pole is strong and secured well in the crotch of a tree, on a stump, or situated in a hand made tripod. Lay down on your back under the ridge pole with the tree just above your head to measure for the interior. Mark the ground about a hand length distance from your body in all directions. This is your sleeping space. Think sleeping bag, you want a tight space to maximize warmth.

Next, sticks are placed as ribbing along both sides of the ridge pole. Make sure these ribs align with the marks you made for the width of the shelter. Also watch that the tips don't overlap the ridge pole too far creating a funnel for rainwater to flow in.

Still more sticks are placed to hold the debris up. More dry debris is also stuffed in the interior for comfortable bedding that lifts you off the cold ground. I like to leave some space between the ribbing so dry material falls into the sleeping space when you first start piling. Plenty of dry debris inside the hut makes a comfy warm nest to sleep in. This is also a good time to roof off your entryway by placing four forked sticks into the ground at the desired height, and ribbing the top with a network of sticks.

Start piling on forest leaf debris thick and high. Note the steep walls for shedding water. Also note the shape should resemble a loaf of bread. This one should have more debris over the left side to equal things out. You want plenty of debris over your lower extremeties.

The finished product! Make a door plug by stuffing debris into a lashing or weave of conifer boughs. The walls here are about 2 feet thick, good for a mild fall night. Ideally a friend should be able to dump a five gallon bucket of water over the top with you inside and you should come out dry! This was probably my 10th debris hut. It took about 2 hours from start to finish. The rather speedy time (for me anyway) was no doubt due to the extraordinary abundance of material in this beautiful transition forest. Pile more debris on for colder temperatures and try out different door designs and styles to your liking. Practice, practice, practice, but most importantly have fun! And don't forget to email me to tell me about your experiences!