I need to plan a safe place to sleep

What is happening

Step by step

1. 1

   Phase 1

   Before dusk

   • Check how long until dark and start looking while the light is still good.
   • Refill water on the way and treat it later.
   • Look for a flat, dry, slightly raised spot sheltered from wind – not in the lowest hollow.
   • If thunderstorms are possible, avoid ridges, summits and isolated trees.
2. 2

   Phase 2

   Checking the spot

   • Look up: dead branches, leaning or dead trees.
   • Check uphill: signs of rockfall, loose blocks, avalanche slopes in winter.
   • Check below: stream beds, gullies, debris or mud lines from earlier floods.
   • Check close by: ant hills, wasp nests, animal trails, distance from edges.
3. 3

   Phase 3

   Setting up

   • Insulation from the ground first: mat, backpack, rope or a thick layer of dry material.
   • Set up protection from wind and wet – tarp, sheet, emergency blanket or bivvy bag – and allow for ventilation.
   • Swap wet clothing for dry and keep one dry layer just for the night.
   • Keep lamp, whistle, water and phone within reach and close to your body.
   • Use a stove only outside and at a distance from the shelter – never inside.
4. 4

   Phase 4

   During the night and in the morning

   • If you get cold: eat something, tense your muscles, add layers – do not wait until you are shivering hard.
   • If there is a storm, rising water or sounds of rockfall: carry out plan B and call for help if in danger.
   • In the morning, only set off once there is enough light, and leave the spot without a trace.
   • Let your contact person know that all is well.

What to watch out for

• Cold-air hollows

  Cold air flows downhill at night and collects in hollows and valley floors. A spot a little higher up is often noticeably warmer.

• Dead wood above you

  Dead branches can fall without warning, especially in wind. Never camp directly below dead branches or damaged trees.

• Dry stream beds

  They are flat and tempting but can fill quickly when it rains further up – even if it is not raining where you are.

• Carbon monoxide

  Stoves, grills and embers produce odourless carbon monoxide. In an enclosed or small shelter it can be deadly.

• Condensation

  Emergency blankets and waterproof bivvy bags keep out wind, but moisture from your body condenses inside. Leave some ventilation and protect down or insulating layers.

• Fire and rules

  In dry periods the wildfire risk is high, and in many places fires and overnight stays outdoors are restricted. Check local rules.

• Food and wildlife

  Do not keep food and strong-smelling items at your sleeping spot, especially in bear country. Follow local guidance.

Special consideration

Children

Children cool down faster than adults and often notice late. Give them the best insulation, check hands and feet and keep them close to you.

Dogs

A dog also needs something to lie on against the cold ground. Keep it on a lead close to the sleeping spot at night.