How to survive in the desert | Building a desert shelter

It's like a scene from Hollywood's most cliched films - a guy, sweating like a pig, meandering through the vast desert with little to nope hope of survival.

Yet somehow, he survives against all odds and reasonable doubt. At XT46, we know it's not that easy (even with breathable, awesome training shirts). But we'll make desert survival one step simpler by telling you that best way to build a desert shelter if you ever find yourself knee deep in sandy purgatory.

According to Discovery:

To build a shelter, find a low spot or depression between dunes or rocks. If necessary, dig a trench 45 to 60 centimeters deep and long and wide enough for you to lie in comfortably. Pile the sand you take from the trench to form a mound around three sides. On the open end of the trench, dig out more sand so you can get in and out of your shelter easily. 


Next, cover the trench with your material. Secure the material in place using sand, rocks or other weights. Check all sides and ends of the shelter to make sure it is secure. If you have extra material, you can further decrease the midday temperature in the trench by securing the material 30 to 45 centimeters above the other cover. This layering of the material will reduce the inside temperature 11 to 22 degrees C (20 to 40 degrees F). 


Another type of below-ground shade shelter is of similar construction, except all sides are open to air currents and circulation. For maximum protection, you need a minimum of two layers of parachute material. White is the best color to reflect heat; the innermost layer should be of darker material.


Remember, deserts get fairly cold at night. This shelter could make or break your chances of survival.