Overnight in the winter forest: how not to freeze? Overnight in the winter forest. Secrets of survival from an experienced tourist

Spending the night in the forest in summer in dry weather is not particularly difficult. Spend the night in the rain, autumn or in early spring harder and less enjoyable. Here's an overnight stay winter forest can be a test. The main "enemy" in this case is cold, but in addition to it there will be nuances and difficulties. For example, it will be more difficult to make a fire, it is also difficult to hide from the wind, wild animals can represent serious threat because in winter they often have to starve.

Overnight stay in the winter forest

How to organize an overnight stay in the winter forest?

In this case, we consider the situation when you plan in advance to spend the night in the forest. What you need to take with you for a comfortable and relatively safe overnight stay.

The absolute minimum that will help a person without serious survival skills to spend the night in a winter forest: a knife, a means of making fire (matches, a lighter, a steel), a coil of rope (paracord) and, of course, initially be warmly dressed and have some provisions with you , preferably high-calorie.

Well, if there is an opportunity and desire to spend the night in the forest in winter with comfort, then you will need much more tools.

For the above set, it is always better for a hiker to have a small hatchet and a hacksaw with him. The ax needs to be light and compact. It’s convenient to chop branches for a fire, hammer a peg, chop small firewood, but it will be difficult for them to cut down a more or less serious tree, but it’s not necessary if you have a wood saw with you. A good hacksaw is light, does not take up space in a backpack, and quickly cuts through a tree that is difficult to handle with a small ax. Yes, and a tree chopped with an ax is later harder to cut lengthwise for firewood, because the cut log will not be placed vertically evenly, and after the hacksaw there will be neat, even saw cuts. But remember, a hacksaw must be taken with large teeth and well-set, otherwise sawing firewood will turn into real flour.

If you plan to spend the night in the forest in winter without a tent, then you must have at least a piece of plastic film or a waterproof awning measuring 2x2 meters.

The LED headlamp is very helpful, it is economical and easy to use. When choosing a flashlight, do not chase power, take one that shines weakly, but for a long time, or one with which you can adjust the power of the luminous flux. Let the lantern shine in front of you at 2 meters all night long, rather than shine at 100 meters for an hour and a half and be discharged. During the daytime, keep your flashlight and spare batteries, or generally any battery-powered devices close to your body in inside pockets. This will protect the batteries from freezing and discharging.

Choosing a place to spend the night in the forest in winter

If possible, of course, you need to start arranging the accommodation for the night before dark, so as not to look for firewood and materials for your temporary bedroom in the snowy forest. And you need to start by choosing a place.

The best place to spend the night in the forest in winter is pine forest ( Pine forest). In the forest there are always dead trees, deadwood, thin young pines, from which it is easy to make a shelter.

A fire is a must

Next, you should take care of the heat and smoke, which may scare wild predators away from your future rooming house. Making a fire is generally the main thing, without which your overnight stay in a frosty winter forest can turn into the most sad consequences. And the organization of heating must be taken as seriously as possible. The type of bonfire that is best suited for heating a person sleeping near it is nodya, taiga, or in a simple way - a fireplace. .

All three of these fires are logs stacked on top of each other, burning along the entire length. Sometimes there are two logs, they are held on top of each other by four pegs driven in along the edges on both sides. More often - three. The construction of these fires requires patience, first of all, in the choice of dry logs (that's why we need dead wood), and in their preparation.

Gutters are roughly cut out in the logs, the lower logs are laid so that their grooves are next to each other and face the place where the third log will be located. To prevent the logs from rolling out, wedges are knocked under them from improvised material.

A little further away from the "nodia" a second fire is laid out - the usual "hut" or "well". The purpose of this fire is to prepare food and receive a large number coals for ignition "nody". But it is not kindled until it is light.

There is no need to mention that the places where we will make a fire should be cleared of snow as thoroughly as possible. If this is not possible, make platforms from scraps of poles with a diameter of 8-10 centimeters (this is where a hacksaw comes in handy!). Otherwise, having melted the snow, the fires will simply drown in it, and you will be left without heat. It is also necessary to store enough firewood to last through the long winter night.

Shelter

If you are without a tent, then a canopy, an inclined wall, will serve as a shelter. The fire should be located parallel to this wall at a distance of approximately 1.5 meters from the projection of the upper edge of the wall onto the ground. Closer - no need, so as not to get burned in a dream.

Since the construction of a canopy is quite laborious, it makes sense to look for something like a fallen tree, the trunk of which is at some distance from the ground. We lay straight, not thick poles on this trunk so that a canopy is formed, facing the fire. We rake snow under a canopy, preferably to the ground. We make a semblance of a couch, for which we lay thinner poles (5-6 centimeters in diameter) on two or three crossbars of poles with a diameter of 8-10 centimeters to make a couch.

The ends of thin poles must be cut into the crossbars so that they do not move apart. We cover the couch with spruce branches (branches of coniferous trees) - the thicker its layer, the more comfortable it will be to sleep. If there is enough spruce branches, then we cover our canopy with it from the outside. If not, we use our awning or plastic film, securely tying it to the poles of the canopy and pressing down with a couple of poles from above.

If we are not lucky and we did not find a suitable fallen trunk, we make two tripods from not very thick poles (5-6 centimeters) 120-150 centimeters high. To do this, loosely tie the poles at a distance of 20-30 centimeters from the upper ends with strong twine. We part the lower ends. The tripod is ready. On the "slingshots" formed by the upper ends of the tripods, we lay a horizontal pole (6-8 centimeters). Next, we build a canopy, as described above.

It is not necessary to kindle a fire with a node immediately, about an hour before the time when you are going to sleep, otherwise its heat will not be enough until the morning.

Well, now, the shelter is ready, and it's dark in the forest. Time to build our auxiliary fire, prepare food and tea. Do not spare firewood, the more coals - the faster and better the "knots" will flare up. Ready-made burning coals are transferred to the troughs of the lower logs of the “nody”, they are scattered along the entire length of the trough and covered with a third log as quickly as possible, laying it on the coals with the trough down.

Modern man constantly lives in the conditions of civilization. That is, he is constantly in crowded places with a supply of food, water and basic amenities. Getting into conditions wildlife he is practically helpless. But in fact, surviving in extreme conditions is not difficult. In this case, the most difficult thing is often the organization of the overnight stay.

Perhaps the most extreme and risky overnight stay takes place in winter. This is due to the peculiarities of this time of year:

• Negative temperatures;
• Snow;
• Wind.

Some of these adverse factors able to help in waiting for the dark time of the day in the forest. It's about snow. From it you can make the simplest shelter.

How to quickly build an igloo for a rooming house?

Inside it is desirable to build a fire. For this, the collected brushwood and. If you do not have the opportunity to make a fire, then the needle is made with almost no vents. In such a building, the temperature will be maintained around 0 ° C. In mountainous areas and in the presence of ravines, you can find places where a lot of snow has blown, here you can dig a snow cave. The principle of arrangement is almost the same as described above. Thanks to these buildings, spending the night in the winter forest should not be so painful.

If there is little snow, and you have an ax with you, then you can spend the night by making a fire called a nodya. She (nodya) is included in all the notes of experienced tourists and books with the secrets of survival. It looks like two smoldering logs laid one on one. This is an old and extremely effective method of survival in the taiga. The disadvantage of this method is the need for an ax and a source of fire.

To make such a fire, you will need to find a dry tree. It is advisable to use hardwood. Spruce and pine crackle when burning, scattering sparks around. The ideal option is aspen. It lights up well and gives enough heat.

It is better to fell a standing dry tree. You need to dump it like this:

• First, a tree is cut down by a third from the side where it is planned to be laid.
• Then they cut with opposite side, the second notch should be made five centimeters higher than the first.
• Next, you need to prepare two logs 2 - 2.5 m long. On the one that will lie below, a bald patch is cut along the entire length.
• It is on fire in several places.
• After that, the second log is laid on the lower log.

If you didn’t have an ax with you, then we recommend that you think about and purchase a hand-held camping saw in advance, which takes up very little space in a camping backpack, but is very effective and useful on a hike.

You should make sure that it starts burning. And there should not be a strong fire. In this case, it must be showered with snow, achieving uniform smoldering.

Next, a couch is made along the node. To do this, you need to lay spruce branches or branches. After that, a windproof barrier is made of snow and branches. It is also desirable to make a canopy of branches according to the principle of a hut. One such fire is designed for two people, it gives good and uniform heat.

Huts

Perhaps the simplest shelter from bad weather for spending the night in the winter forest is a hut. As a basis, you can use poles, skis. In winter, it is best to make a cone-shaped shelter, at the top you need to leave a small hole for smoke. The conical shape makes it easier to build a fire.

Before installing the hut, you need to prepare a place for it. First of all, you should choose a flat place, snow is removed from it if possible. Special attention should be given to the location of the fire. For him, it is desirable to use brushwood and branches of medium thickness. The disadvantage of such an overnight stay is the need to constantly monitor the fire.

Applying these survival secrets will help you spend the night in the winter forest. If there is obviously a risk of staying in the forest for the night, you need to take a minimum set of tools with you. You need to have an ax, matches, a knife with you. This minimum kit will increase your chances of survival in any conditions.

Consider a situation where, for one reason or another, we have to stupidly survive in the forest for some time. And, suppose that “it’s not the month of May in the yard ...” Clearly, we need to sleep. Not only sleep, I agree. But in this short publication, I will consider exactly the issue of sleeping in the forest (well, and partially not only in the forest, but in general under open sky).

So, if we have the opportunity (we, for example, drape into the woods from home), then we stock up in advance necessary things and before going out we put on everything warm. Remember - warm clothes will really give a considerable chance of survival. I mean all kinds of thermal underwear, thermal briefs, thermal socks and other thermal. Although as for socks, it is best to have hefty woolen ones with a fleece. In such, our leg will definitely survive :) It is also desirable to have such a thing. This is a good and compact thermal blanket with a heat-reflecting surface. When folded, it is about the size of a chocolate bar.

Further, again, if we have such an opportunity, we grab something to eat. Forget puddings and caviar sandwiches. We take semi-finished products and slowly perishable products, preferably lighter. Homeless bags (do-shi-rak, rollton, etc.), hunting sausages, jerky, crackers, chocolates with nuts or just nuts and stuff like that.

So, here we are in the forest ... Yes, I will again emphasize that I am talking about spending the night in the forest, but some points may well be applied to other types of terrain (mountains, steppe, etc.).

Remember, if it is possible to reach people without sleep - prem forward! The question of survival is urgent. Well, if we don’t have a chance to get to a crowded place, as, indeed, we don’t have the strength, then we get ready for bed.

It will be just fine if on the way to the forest (if our “escape” is planned) we take with us a sleeping bag (any one will be useful, but the warmer it is, the better), foam (put under your back and butt), awning (cover from rain ), a hammock (it’s not good to freeze your ass on cold ground, especially if our “escape to the forests” takes place in autumn, winter or early spring), a tent (of course, compact, windproof, waterproof).

Basically, a tent is not always the smartest choice. good tents are expensive, and not very good ones can easily get wet, blown out or be bulky and uncomfortable. Therefore, it makes sense to think about mobility and have a good sleeping bag on hand (it’s not scary at all with this), comfortable and compact foam under the butt (as additional protection against blowing), an awning (it is important that it be made of one solid piece, without seams) and a hammock. Having all this at our disposal, we can perfectly arrange an overnight stay in any place convenient for us, finding something in the forest is not a problem. And most importantly, we will survive and be saved. All this equipment weighs very little, and there are many benefits from it.

Please note that in the case of sleeping in a hammock, we willy-nilly assume a U-shape. For whom the back does not allow - you can modify the hammock. Make it possible to insert long sticks or elastic branches into it along the edges. Thus, we can always make ourselves a comfortable horizontal bed, suspended between two trees. Well, branches in the forest - in bulk.

Well, what should we do if there is simply no good hammock (or any hammock)? Or we were forced to save ourselves "with what is," i.e. without everything?

The rule of thumb is to wear whatever you can wear. You may come across some things along the way. Do not be shy. Survival requires sacrifice. Take it with you, you might need it. In this way we will create a barrier between body heat and environment. Heat dissipates more slowly, we survive more successfully. Next, you need to raise yourself above the ground as much as possible (at a distance of at least 15-20 cm.) To do this, you can break more elastic or not very branches, fold them under you, throw something like foam on top (or foam, if it is under hand), lie on top and sleep sweetly.

By the way, I count on your awareness and hope that everyone will immediately (after reading this publication) rush for the necessary good to the nearest store. So, if we have a sleeping bag, and a hammock, and foam, and an awning, and even a backpack, where all this will fit without any problems if necessary, then we can safely sleep in the open in winter. You just need to remember three rules.

1. Sleep better on an empty stomach, but colder. And vice versa…
2. At temperatures down to -5 degrees, in principle, it is really possible to sleep up to 8 hours.
3. At temperatures below -5 (presumably up to -15 degrees) - it is highly recommended not to sleep for more than 4 hours.

It is clear that the use of chemical heating is welcome (special chemical insoles under the feet, under the buttocks and wherever possible). These are not expensive, but the benefits of them ... Well, think for yourself :)

Yes, and one more important point. It would be nice to have a pistol, rifle or hunting knife with you. Although any knife will do if another is not at hand. Be prepared for the fact that the indigenous forest dwellers will want to know about the reason for your intrusion into their possessions. I'm not talking about the Master of the Forest;) It's better not to meet him.

Here is a common design. Hammock (right) and canopy (left)

And finally, for connoisseurs of comfort, you can purchase

1. The question that you will probably hear more than once when going to the forest: “Well, with what fright did you go there?” Therefore, in order to avoid hitches, it is worth immediately and clearly answering this question to yourself.
Options:
- I want to learn now and calmly, so as not to get confused if I get into a forced overnight stay
- I just want to gain new experience of working with my hands and head + new impressions
- I want to dilute the tedious life with a five-minute light controlled extreme
- I want to prove to myself that I'm cool and I can do a lot (no irony... this is also sometimes necessary)))
A thoughtful answer to this philosophical question never hurts.

2. Before getting ready for the exit, determine what skills you are going to meet the frost.
If this is generally the first exit and you know about the fire with the tent only in theory - winter sleepover bad decision. Generally bad! STOP!
The usual basic travel skills are a must.
Even if spending the night in the summer is not a problem for you, it is better to go for the first time in a pair with someone who spent the night in the winter before. Much better.
If there is no such comrade, take any. Going alone for the first time is the last thing.
Although, and this is quite possible, if careful.

3. Psychological attitude.
If you are ready, go. But without carelessness and maybe.
Frost does not feel the same danger as mountain abysses and sea storms. It doesn't inject doses of adrenaline into your bloodstream. He will overtake you, make you lazy and indifferent to everything, including your own life. Freezing ones do not scream and their faces are not distorted by grimaces. They just suddenly became too lazy to get up and jump and squat again.

Therefore, it is better to play it safe, now the house is warm. The story of Igor Grudtsinov sets the brain well. A good, tough guy who made a mistake.

Here is his last night.

So don't be shy
4. Theoretical training. Spend at least as much time as you choose your bike, camera or punch.

12. Food and drink.
Drinking greatly affects the sleep pattern))). But jokes are jokes, and at night getting out of the sleeping bag, unwinding socks, scarves, sticking your feet into hardened ice boots, and going to pee - this is not ice. More precisely, just too "ise". It is better not to get drunk in the evening.
About "getting drunk" - in nature you NEVER need to drink alcohol to warm up. You can do this when you come home, sitting in a rocking chair by the fireplace ...
It is necessary to eat in such a campaign without sparing the figure. Fatty, sweet and carbohydrates are welcome.
Porridge with meat, bread with bacon, hot sweet tea with chocolate - that's it.


And a couple more cans of stew and shmat lard in a backpack in reserve.
Don't forget that dinner will be all frozen by morning. And bread, and sausage, and onions - everything will turn into ice. Let the liquid turn into ice not in glassware, and tea not in a plastic mug.

Here.
If I forgot something - write, I will make changes.
If where I wrote nonsense - write, I will make changes.

I wish successful debuts to all beginners!
I wish all the old people not to lie too long on their laurels (sofas).
And Merry Christmas everyone!

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P.S. I regret to leave this site. If anything, I'm on a sister site under the same nickname.

About where to stay for the night you need to take care in advance. It is very important to choose the right place, at dusk and at night it will be much more difficult to do. What the neglect of such a recommendation can lead to is the following case.

At the end of the eighties, tourism was still incredibly popular in the USSR, schoolchildren and students constantly traveled around the country. Our school was no exception. Usually, immediately after the exams, in early June, we went on a week-long hike in native land. We were very well prepared, we covered about 200 km in a week, the daily route was 25-30 km. This time our goal was rock complex on the Nemda River (Kirov region), somewhere in the middle of our trip, we were unlucky - we lost our route, as a result of which we had to make a decent detour before returning to the right road. It was impossible to lag behind the planned schedule of movement, so we stopped for the night when it was already completely dark. We quickly set up our tents and cooked dinner. In the morning, unpleasant news awaited, in the reservoir where they took water at night, which we used for cooking and tea, a dead rat swam. The fact that it was boiled reassured few people.
If we had stopped for the night in the evening, this would not have happened.

Site selection and preparation

So, as already mentioned, it is advisable to look for a place during daylight hours. This is necessary in order for it to meet a number of requirements.

1. The place of overnight stay should be on a hill, no hollows, ravines, dry riverbeds, the weather is changeable, it can rain at any moment and the water will quickly flood the parking lot.

It is also forbidden to be located under coastal canopies and large trees, in the first case a collapse is possible, in the second - strong wind or lightning can drop a tree.
In a strong wind, it is better to sit surrounded by bushes or curtains of young trees, when there is no wind - on the contrary, on open space, there will be a little less midges and mosquitoes.

2. There must be a source of water nearby, preferably a flowing one.

3. Availability of firewood.

Having decided on the location of the camp, we set aside a place for a fire. It is best to breed it in small, moist hollows or pits. If there are none, we take additional measures to arrange it: we remove the top layer of turf on an area slightly larger than the fire will be, we put the bricks of the earth along the perimeter of the site with grass down.

In addition, it is necessary to remove dry grass and leaves at a distance of 1-2 m, it is especially recommended to do this in spring and autumn.

It is up to you to decide which type of fire it is better to kindle, there are plenty of varieties of them, you can get acquainted with them in detail in the article “. We only note the following: for cooking, first they make an ordinary fire in the form of a hut or a well, and then they prepare a night one, for heating and lighting on long time — different kinds nodes.
In the evening, a supply of firewood should always be prepared.

Preparing a place to sleep

While food is being prepared, clothes are being dried, it is necessary to take care of the lodging for the night. For this in suitable place we clear the ground of flammable materials and build a fire. His task is to warm the earth. After 2-3 hours, we remove the coals from the burning fire, we additionally clear the place.

In cases where there is little time to prepare for an overnight stay or this creates additional noise, for example, while spending the night at a capercaillie current, you can do the following. Two or three thick poles are placed on the ground across, thinner poles are laid out tightly to each other. The resulting couch can be additionally equipped with branches, spruce branches or a rug.

The forest bed is placed at such a distance from the fire that sparks do not reach the hunter, you need to sleep with your head to the leeward side. To reflect heat and protect from the wind, you can arrange a wall and a canopy of poles and branches.