Shelter

What is Wickiup? A wickiup, also known as “tipi” or “teepee,” is a conical tent indigenous tribes use to build a long time ago. The term “wikiup” originated from the Algonquian word “wikiyap” which means “dwelling house.”

Wickiup: An Ancient Shelter You Can Build Today for Survival

During the olden times, Indian tribes use the wickiup as a shelter. This type of shelter may be old but it’s definitely not outdated.

This type of shelter allows you to build a fire inside without you suffocating. Its spacious area allows more than one person to sleep in it.

This is the most fitting kind of survival huts in forests because it is easy to build and the materials to do so are readily available. It can be used as a temporary or long-term home.

Here are the basics of a wickiup construction:

Location and Material Selection

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Find a suitable place to build your shelter. It should be well above the waterline and away from any visible flood areas.

You should also take care to check for animal tracks and other signs to avoid any late-night visitors. Don’t forget to collect branches for your campfire, including other things you’ll be needing to maximize the hours left while the sun is up.

Wickiup Base Frame

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The base of your shelter is important because it will keep your house standing firm. Your wickiup is in the shape of a cone, so you should design the frame like a tripod.

Use three strong poles or wood available around you and build a tripod which will secure its place. For it to be stable, look for strong vines to hold your tripod in place, preventing it from being dislocated.

Tie it around the upper end of your frame and spread apart the other ends of the poles to make a space for you to get in. You can also use rocks to keep your frame from falling apart.

Weatherproofing

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Animal skins are the material normally used for covering a wickiup but there are plenty of other options available in the wild. Branches, debris, and even moss are all fantastic options for a covering.

It’s also a great idea to keep a few contractor trash bags in your kit because they make an incredible covering that holds in heat and makes it waterproof. This will provide you with insulation and protection from severe weather conditions.

Make sure not to leave holes or spaces to keep the heat from escaping, which will provide you with warmth inside.

Wickiup Bedding

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Look for large leaves or even small branches to create a nest for you to sleep on inside.

Don’t collect branches or leaves with spikes or sharp ends to avoid discomfort and injuries. Make sure to have sufficient space for you to lie on.

Final Touches

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Add additional poles or wood to keep the debris stable. This will also support your framing.

You can add another layer of debris to make sure the insulation is enough. Add leaves to avoid raindrops from running through your covering.

Always store extra wood in case your fire burns it all up.

See how comfy you can be in a wickiup tent in this video by Driftwood george:

Forgot to bring your tent for your camping trip? No problem! Now you know how to build a wikiup, you can just make one as your temporary shelter in the woods.

It would be a fun and satisfying experience for sure. Just don’t forget to bring your survival food kit so you won’t starve.

Have you tried building a wickiup? What was the hardest part of making one? Share your experience in the comments section below!

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