There are countless reasons why I build shelters, but it all starts with the simple joy of being outdoors. I love packing my bag, sharpening my knife, and heading into the woods for a few hours. It’s a healthy and productive way to spend my time, combining exercise with the peace and beauty of nature. I often watch YouTube tutorials, read Dan Beard’s writings, and discover new skills I want to try, then I set out to practice them.
Building a shelter is incredibly satisfying because it allows me to create something tangible with my own hands. Crafting wood into a useful form gives me a sense of accomplishment. My shelter becomes a refuge—a place where I can sit comfortably on a raised bed I made, protected under a waterproof tarp, warmed by a fire I built. It feels like having a cozy home outdoors, blending comfort with the rawness of nature.
Shelter building is also a core part of the broader practice known as bushcraft. This includes skills like fire-building, lashing, carving, felling trees, foraging, fishing, and trapping. You can focus on one or many of these skills depending on your interests. For me, shelter building is an essential element of this craft, offering both challenge and reward.
Ultimately, I build shelters because it makes me feel good. It connects me to nature, sharpens my skills, and provides a sense of independence and self-reliance. Whether it’s a quick day trip or an extended stay, the process of creating a shelter gives me purpose and fulfillment.
