Varik & Valenki
Valenki Valenki
Hey Varik, have you ever tried turning a pile of snow into a makeshift shelter? I’ve been wondering how a simple design could keep us warm and dry, and I’d love to hear your ideas on improvising with winter’s own materials.
Varik Varik
Sure thing, the first trick is to stack that snow into thick walls – keep the piles tight, use a little packed core like a log, then slap the outer layer with a blanket or tarp so the wind can’t pry it apart. You can dig a shallow ditch on the windward side to block the wind and make a tiny “roof” by piling snow over the top, then put a layer of old furs or even a sleeping bag inside as insulation. Add a small hole for a vent, and you’ve got a cozy bubble that keeps the cold out while letting you breathe easy. The key is to keep the snow compact and smooth, so it doesn’t melt too fast, and to use whatever you’ve got—towels, old clothes, even a cardboard box—to line the inside and trap the heat. Quick, simple, and you’re basically living in the snow’s own hug.