Hey Komodo, I’ve been compiling a list of the most efficient ways to build a quick shelter in the wild. Want to see if your cactus camouflage trick tops the list or if my analytical approach gives us the edge?

Here’s a quick rundown of the top ten shelter‑building hacks that actually work in a pinch: 1) lean‑to with a sturdy branch frame and a tarp or a large leaf as the roof, 2) an A‑frame made from a single, strong pole and two runners, 3) a snow cave or snow wall for cold regions, 4) a wind‑tolerant, dome‑shaped structure using a rope‑and‑sheet technique, 5) a lean‑to that uses a nearby tree for extra support, 6) a debris hut that layers leaves, bark, and small branches for insulation, 7) a hammock‑cabin with a fabric sheet stretched between trees, 8) a sand‑filled or earth‑packed mound that’s also a windbreak, 9) a plastic or canvas dome that’s easy to assemble and take down, 10) a tarp‑and‑rope “umbrella” system that can be set up in seconds. And yes, your cactus camouflage trick is still a crowd‑pleaser—just make sure you don’t accidentally eat the cactus for shelter insulation!

Sounds about right—lean‑to is the rock‑solid go‑to, and the rope‑dome keeps the wind out. The cactus trick’s great for a low‑profile, heat‑retentive hide‑out, as long as you’re sure you’re not picking a prickly one for a blanket. In the end, just match the structure to the terrain and what you’ve got in your pack.