The 12 C's of Survival Blog Series - Cover

When the wind picks up, the temperature drops, or the rain sets in, one principle rises to the top: you must protect yourself from exposure. In survival, it doesn’t take much for your body to lose the fight against the elements. Hypothermia can set in even in 50°F weather if you’re wet and exposed. Shade is critical under a scorching sun. Shelter—your "cover"—is what buys you the time to make better decisions, to treat injuries, and to survive.

In this installment of the 12 C’s of Survival, we break down Cover, one of the most foundational and time-sensitive aspects of wilderness survival.

Why Cover Matters First

You’ve probably heard the “Rule of 3” in survival:

• 3 minutes without air

• 3 hours without shelter (in harsh conditions)

• 3 days without water

• 3 weeks without food

Shelter becomes your second priority after breathing. It stabilizes your core temperature, shields you from the environment, and provides a sense of security. Whether you’re in a snowy forest, a blazing desert, or just a rainy mountain trail, Cover keeps you alive long enough to deal with everything else. Cover also includes clothing and combustion, two C's covered in earlier posts.

Types of Shelter: Natural vs. Man-Made

Natural

Nature can provide pre-made shelter or the means to craft your own. Pre-made shelters such as caves, overhangs, fallen logs or root balls, or thick vegetation are great starting points that will save you time and calories, however, you will need to improve these natural shelters to mitigate weather and heat loss.

Man-Made Shelters

These shelters include:

• Tarps

• Bivy Sacks

• Emergency Blankets

• Tents

• Hammocks

• Ponchos

With these shelters you take more control over your cover and gain the power to be prepared to survive.

What Makes A Good Shelter?

1. Location: The location of your shelter depends on your environment but generally you are looking for a location that can naturally mitigate wind, sun exposure, and precipitation but doesn't put you in the path of flash flooding, landslides, widow makers or a like.

2. Insulation: Your shelter should help you insulate yourself from the cold ground or surrounding air.

3. Protection: Your shelter should protect you from the sun, wind, rain and predators.

4. Efficiency: Your initial shelter should be quick and easy to set up.

5. Visibility: In a survival situation you want your shelter to be highly visible to aid in rescue, but you also may find yourself in a situation were being hidden is important as well. Your choice of shelter color and type can aid in both situations.

Shelter in Different Environments

• Cold Weather: Focus on insulation, windbreaks, and small enclosed spaces to trap heat. Snow caves, debris huts, and bivy setups excel here.

• Hot Weather: Shade is king. Use light-colored tarps, reflect heat away, and allow for airflow.

• Wet Weather: Prioritize waterproofing and keeping yourself off the ground. Ground cloths and raised sleeping platforms are key.

Training Tip: Practice Before You Need It

If you’ve never set up a tarp in the wind or pitched a bivy in the rain, don’t wait until it’s life or death. Practice:

• Speed setups

• Knots and tie-offs

• Adapting to natural terrain

• Making insulation with debris or pine boughs

Mindset Shift: Shelter is an Active Practice

Shelter isn’t just a product in your bag—it’s a process. You must recognize the threat of exposure early, act quickly, and think adaptively. Cover buys you time, energy, and margin for error.

Final Thoughts

Cover is not the sexiest part of survival, but it may be the most underrated. You can go hungry for days. You can even be a little dehydrated and still function. But once your body temperature plummets—or soars—it’s game over.

So ask yourself: Can I create a shelter in any weather, in any place, right now? If the answer is no, you know where to start.

Take a look at our Emergency Shelter Kit in the shop and our different Courses

Next Up: Compass (Navigation)

Stay Covered. Stay Alive.

If you missed the first few C's, click here!