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I started talking about load out’s awhile back. For whatever reason I sort of forgot about it. In any case TEOTWAWKI Blog’s discussion of shelter options for a “bug out bag” got me back to it. Maybe instead of going through a whole kit I will just talk about sub systems. In any case here we go. Shelter is important first so you can avoid dying from exposure and second so you can get quality rest.  Getting quality rest is important so you can be at your best to deal with whatever is going on.

What I carry for shelter in the field is 2x poncho’s and a standard issue EWCS Sleep System. I’ve talked about the sleep system before. They are not the cheapest thing out there for a sleeping bag but the combination of ruggedness, utility across a wide range of temperatures and value they are a really good option. Standard prices seem to run about $200 though they occasionally show up gently used in the $50-75 range. 

Typically when I bed down at night here is how it goes. 1 poncho gets wrapped around my ruck and gear to keep it dry in case of rain or morning dew. The other poncho is to wrap around myself over the bivy. Maybe a bit belt and suspendersish but this setup has kept me dry and comfortable in really nasty weather.

If I have more time or am going to be someplace for awhile 1 poncho is tied to a tree or something to make a little shelter. To support this 1 poncho has some short pieces of 550 cord on the corner grommets. Some folks include a tent pole or two so they can make a shelter even if trees or significant brush are absent. Personally I do not bother though if I lived someplace where trees and such are absent that could change.

The system described works pretty well to around 15 deg For so sustained lows. Colder than that and it starts to get sad. You really want some sort of shelter, ideally with insulation, that you can heat up when it gets cold like that. It could be a tent, a debris shelter, a snow cave or a building. Depending on where you live this might be a significant consideration.

The two reasons I can see myself going to something heavier like a tent are if I am going to be staying someplace for awhile or if it’s really cold out.

I would stick with this general theme regardless of budget. If money was tight you can delay the bivy. A poncho (also useful for it’s intended function) or tarp of some sort will work to cover up your sleeping bag. On the higher end I’ve wanted a Swack Shack for awhile.

What is your shelter plan?