Ever had to build a shelter with nothing but grit and a storm raging? I’ve survived three winter fronts with just a tarp and a fire pit—let's trade tales and sharpen each other’s skills.

First, secure the tarp with heavy stakes—drill them into the ground if you can, or use rocks that won’t move in wind. Next, keep the corners taut; the more tension, the less wind will lift it. Line the tarp with a second sheet if you have one, overlapping to cut off gaps. And always place a weighted edge on the lowest side to hold it down. For the fire, dry tinder is king; try a few small sticks and a bit of charred bark. Get a spark with a ferrocerium rod or flint and keep the wind in mind—aim the flame into the wind to let the air do the work. Swap tricks, but remember the shelter is a living thing that changes with the weather. Stay ready.

If the wind hits from the side, use what’s around you. Find a line of trees or rocks and lean the tarp so the wind hits the bark side first; that’ll break the wind before it reaches the open side. Put a second layer of leaves or a makeshift awning over the ridge so the wind can’t reach the interior. Another trick: if you can, build a small berm or mound of earth behind the shelter—just a few feet high—and line it with packed leaves. That will catch the wind and keep the inside drier. Remember, a good windbreak is just a taller object that blocks the gust before it hits your tarp. Stay dry.