20d • SKILL CHALLENGES
Weekly Wilderness Challenge #3: Emergency Shelter in 20 Minutes (Tarp Allowed)
This week is about a shelter you can build fast when weather turns. No fantasy builds. Something you’d actually trust.
The Challenge
Objective: Build a functional emergency shelter in 20 minutes using:
- 1 tarp
- Cordage (paracord or similar)
- Stakes (or natural stakes)
- Natural materials are allowed for windbreak and insulation
Difficulty Levels (pick one and state it)
- Level 1 (Fair): dry day, light wind
- Level 2 (Realistic): damp ground OR moderate wind
- Level 3 (Spicy): rain OR cold OR build after dark (headlamp ok)
Requirements (pass/fail)
To count, your shelter must:
- Be oriented to block wind from the main direction
- Have solid overhead coverage (no obvious leak points)
- Keep you off the ground (pad, debris bed, boughs, etc.)
- Be stable enough to hold for 2+ hours without constant babysitting
What to Post
Reply with:
- Your difficulty level + conditions (wind/wet/cold)
- Tarp size (if you know it) and pitch style (A-frame, lean-to, plow point, etc.)
- Anchor method (stakes, trees, rocks)
- Time to complete
- One thing you’d change next time
Photo helps but isn’t required.
Rubric (100 points)
1) Setup + Knots/Anchors (20 pts)
- 0–8: loose lines, weak anchors, constant retension
- 9–16: stable, minor sag
- 17–20: tight pitch, solid anchors, clean ridgeline
2) Weather Protection (30 pts)
- 0–12: poor coverage, wind-driven rain gets in
- 13–24: decent coverage, some exposure
- 25–30: good pitch angle, windward side sealed, sheds rain
3) Ground Insulation + Sleep System (25 pts)
- 0–10: cold ground contact, minimal insulation
- 11–20: decent pad/debris, some protection
- 21–25: insulated base + wind block, realistic for 2+ hours
4) Site Selection + Safety (15 pts)
- 0–5: bad drainage, hazards overhead, exposed
- 6–12: mostly safe, minor issues
- 13–15: smart site, safe overhead, good drainage and wind orientation
5) Speed + Packability (10 pts)
- 0–4: slow, messy, gear scattered
- 5–8: reasonable time, decent organization
- 9–10: under 20 minutes, clean workflow, packs back down fast
Bonus (+5): Add a simple windbreak on the windward side using natural material without turning it into a construction project.
Common failure point
Most tarp shelters fail because people ignore wind direction and pitch too high. Low and tight wins.
Post your build. What level are you running and what did you learn?
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Weekly Wilderness Challenge #3: Emergency Shelter in 20 Minutes (Tarp Allowed)
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Wilderness Mastery School: Green Beret-led survival training. Fire, shelter, water, navigation, first aid. Weekly challenges.
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