Subscribe for Real-World Readiness

Weekly checklists, tested gear picks, 10-minute drills.

How to Build an Awesome Survival Shelter for Only $5

How to Build an Awesome Survival Shelter for Only $5

Win a
$1,000 Milwaukee Tool Package

One DIY Projects subscriber wins on May 10. A full kit of Milwaukee tools — the kind that makes a weekend project easier to finish, whether it’s a fence post, a set of shelves, or the cabinet door that’s been sticking for years. Free entry, just an email.

Hosted by our partner site

You don’t need to drop a lot of money on a fancy tent. This DIY survival shelter can be built with just a few materials and costs only $5! Check out the post below to learn how.

How to Make Your Own Survival Shelter

There are a lot of survival shelter ideas out there on the internet, ranging everywhere from rudimentary shelters made from tree branches and leaves to the most expensive all-weather tent you can buy. Building a survival shelter can be difficult or time-consuming, but carrying a tent also has its drawbacks.

The Budget-Friendly Survival Shelter

This video from BlackScoutSurvival will show you how to build a survival shelter on a tight budget. It’s worth noting that all the materials used can fit in your bug out bag without a fuss. Another bonus is you don’t have to bring a regular tent, which can be bulky, heavy and hard to carry for long distances.

With this tutorial, you’ll never have to worry about facing a survival situation without proper shelter. Check out the video followed by the step-by-step procedure. Then let us know what you think in the comments.

You will need:

Building Your Survival Shelter:

Step 1.

Open up your bag and find the bottom.

Step 2. Fold the bag in half.

Step 3. Cut the bottom portion off.

(You’re basically making a tube tent.)

Step 4. Rig the paracord between two tree trunks or wherever you can tie a good ridge line.

This military-grade paracord is a must-have for any survivalist – click HERE to get your own!

Step 5. Run your paracord through the bag.

Step 6. Choose the best position for the tube tent.

Step 7. Run your finger across the top of the tent to the other.

Step 8. Use your duct tape to attach the top edge of the tent to the ridge line.

(This ensures that the tent will stay in place.)

Step 9. Now tape the other end like Step 7.

Step 10. Run the paracord through the tube and secure it to the ground with stakes.

Sticks will work in a pinch as well. Do this to the other base of the tent.

Step 11. Make sure that the base is elevated to make room for insulation such as leaves and branches.

Step 12. Put the mylar blanket between the top ridge line and the tube tent to keep you warm.

Step 13. You’re done!

Want more survival shelter tips? Check out these related articles from Survival Life:

4 DIY Shelters for When You’re Lost in the Woods

Emergency Shelter DIY | Basic Survival Skills

DIY Super Shelter

For a budget friendly shelter, check this out!

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get field-tested gear picks and drills delivered before you ever need them.

Win a
$1,000 Milwaukee Tool Package

 One DIY Projects subscriber wins May 10. Free to enter. Approximately $1,000 in Milwaukee branded products, shipped via Amazon.com.

Hosted by our partner site

Related Articles

Can you bring a travel emergency kit on a plane?

Hurricane Updates US Today (as of June 2, 2026) Hurricane

Quick Buying Guide Best Overall for Emergencies: WaterStorageCube Collapsible Water

At a Glance: Hurricane Season 2026 Below-Average Forecast: The 2026

Scroll to Top