Emergancy Shelter

What do you folks think?

vimeo.com/54555455

Cool shovel

you gotta do what you gotta do in an emergency, but I will not build another snow cave again for any other reason. The video guy makes it sound easy, but in reality it takes a lot of effort and time for even a remote level of comfort. Something to consider if your injured. Maybe with practice they can get easier.

I generally like and appreciate Martin's videos, but this seems like an idea that would only make sense if you are limited to a flat area. The classic into the hillside and then up seems easier. Maybe the total volume of snow moved is much less so it is quicker that way?

I've made a bunch of snow shelters. I like the idea of digging with light to work in and your head and shoulders out of the snow unlike a cave. Looks like a good answer for two people to share space and warmth. A cave for one person to crawl into might be quicker but it's good to have options.

It is a variation on the old ranger trench; certainly effective, but I don't think it is quite as good and safe as a classic snow cave; I would think it is quicker and less likely to get you sweaty & wet from contact with snow.

Seems like a good technique to add to the toolset.

I dug a couple of traditional snow caves on a traverse last spring and found it tiresome work. The problem with a traditional snow cave is that you spend most of your time groveling around on your knees moving snow from the cave out through the tunnel to the outside. The advantage of Martin's idea is that you can just toss the snow out through the roof slot. Maybe not so good for a building a snow palace, but nice for getting something done quickly.