What comes to mind when you think of "Emergency Shelter"? Perhaps you envision an episode of "Lost" or "Survivor" and tackling the arduous task of building a hut from sticks and moss! Well, let me tell you, that SUCKS! Let's take a look at a simpler approach using these essential items that will save you a ton of splinters:

As a retired Navy SEAL, here are the 15 items I recommend for Emergency Shelter:

The Shelter Gear That Does Triple Duty:

Home Emergency, Evacuation, Kid's Sporting Events

What do emergency preparedness and kiddo sporting events have in common you might ask??? Crappy weather, that's what. Whether you're preparing for hurricane season or a day of cheering in the freezing rain, you need to be protected from the elements. Here are my 15 recommendations for staying warm and dry, no matter the weather.

Here's the Amazon link to the 15 Emergency Shelter gear items: https://amzn.to/3Xb2uMJ

Evacuating? Impending Storm? Family Hike?

These 15 items are essential to keep your family warm and dry:

1) Helly Hansen Seven J Waterproof, Windproof, and Breathable Rain Jacket with Hood:

First on the list... a bomb-proof jacket. Your first line of defense against hypothermia is to stay dry. You might not think "Jacket" and "Shelter" as interchangeable, but if you're trying to get from point A to B, you need to be mobile. If you need to be out in the elements, Helly Hansen has you covered.

• • Seam-sealed. Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR) with a storm flap and convenient quick-dry lining.
  • Fully waterproof, windproof, breathable fabrics and constructions.
  • For all situations and weather conditions where protection from the elements is needed.
  • Fixed hood, one-hand hood adjustments, YKK zippers, Adjustable cuffs, Bottom hem Cinch cord, Anti-chafe chin guard

Trusted by Alaskan Crab Fisherman and Soccer Moms alike.

2) Icebreaker Merino, Base Layer Long Sleeve T-Shirt:

Continuing down the path of mobile shelter... Think of your base layer as a body-fitted wool sheet. When combined with a durable shell, a Merino Wool base layer will keep you comfortable, even in the nastiest of storms.

• • 100% Merino Wool
  • Highly breathable, quick-drying, odor-resistant, & perfect for layering
  • Perfect for backpacking, climbing, hiking & adventure
  • Keeps you warm, even when wet

If I could only buy two things to prepare for walking around in crappy weather, it would be this and a jacket... happy tune included

3) THE NORTH FACE, North Peak Hagues Fleece:

Cozy Christmas blanket with arm holes? You got it! When the temp drops into the 50's or you stop moving in chillier weather, a fleece provides that extra layer needed to fight back the cold.

• 100% Fleece (recycled polyester)
• Soft, durable, mid-weight jacket delivers cozy comfort for long winter nights
• Made in the USA
• Creates a warming layer of air to keep you warm under your shell and over a base layer

Stylish, versatile, cozy... what's not to love?

4) Columbia Labyrinth Loop Hooded Jacket:

But Anders... I already have a base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell... Why do I need this??? This is your mobile sleeping bag. If you're on the go, you will get hot and sweat. Sweat is bad... Keep this handy to throw on when you stop moving (cheering your face off) or if you're climbing your local mountain.

• Omni-Heat 100% recycled synthetic down insulation
• Squishes down for easy packing without losing loft
• Stays warm even when wet

I prefer synthetic over goose down because it retains heat when wet... you'll thank me later.

5) Coleman Tent: 

Evacuation didn't go as planned? Good thing you're dry and have the wear-with-all to set up a tent! But seriously, if your best-laid plan failed to get you where you needed to go, have a tent on standby to get you out of the weather.

• • 6-person tent has enough room for 2 queen size air beds
  • WeatherTec system with patented corner welds and inverted seams keeps you dry
  • Durable frame and Poly guard fabric for reliable, long-lasting use
  • Easy setup in 10 minutes with carry bag included for transportation

No one likes sleeping with their head in the mud.

6) MalloMe Compact Sleeping Bag

Perhaps you didn't listen to me and wore all your gear... You're probably soaked from sweat. It's good to carry a backup. This lightweight bag is a good entry-level product. 

• 100% Polyester (warm when wet)
• Rated temperature from 40°F to 77°F (optimal comfort temperature 62°F to 75°F)
• Comes with a compression sack with straps (super convenient to store and easy to carry)
• Waterproof outer shell

Can't beat the price!

7) REDCAMP Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad:

So, you got your tent up, your wet clothes hung, your sleeping bag laid out, and you're all ready to crash for the night... Not so fast. You'll quickly become aware of every rock, stick, or pointy object hidden under your tent. And the ground is cold. I recommend using a closed-cell foam type of ground pad due to its durability.

• • Virtually indestructible closed-cell foam

  • Thermal capture surface reflects radiant heat to your body (improves heat retention by 20%)
  • Only weighs 17oz/480g
  • 1-year limited manufacturer warranty

Are there more high-speed pads available, sure, but you aren't gonna pop a hole in this one.

8) GUARD SHIELD Waterproof, Camo Tarp:

Need more space to hang your wet clothes or keep your camp stove out of the rain? How about hiding your brightly colored tent? We have you covered.

• • 6mil Lightweight Construction

  • Woven and Coated Polyethylene With Heat Sealed Seams and Rope In Hem
  • Rustproof Aluminum Grommets Every 3 Feet

Tarps aren't just for covering old junk in your yard!

9) Paracord (100 ft):

A tarp is much more effective when pulled taunt... Use some paracord to get those corners crisp and keep the dew off your face.

• • 550-pound tensile strength

  • Made in the USA
  • 100% nylon sheath with 7 Type-III twisted inner strands
  • Resistant to Environmental Factors and Harsh Conditions

Use it to tie down those sun umbrellas that keep blowing away.

10) EVERLIT Emergency Mylar Thermal Blanket:

There you are... no s*#t... you're all out of cozy blankets and your friend's kid is shivering like he's gonna knock out a tooth. PREPARED MOMMA TO THE RESCUE! Whip out one of these and keep that little bugger from freezing before the game ends.

• • Dual-sided, Aluminized/ Mylar

  • Field tested by Military Veterans

  • Retains up to 90% of your body heat
  • Can be used as a rain poncho
  • 1-year satisfaction warranty

They're too packable to not have a few.

11) Smartwool Merino Fleece Training Beanie:

Up to this point you've done all you can to stay dry but you'll inevitably start to get cold if your head isn't covered. Keep this merino wool beanie handy to throw on when you start to feel chilled. Covering your head is the easiest way to regulate your body temp.

• • Hybrid fabric to aid with breathability

  • Transports sweat away as a vapor, wicks moistures (we tested it ourselves)
  • Regulates body temperature
  • Cool in summer and warm in winter

Smartwool doesn't suck!

12) Kinco - Lined Premium Leather Work and Ski Mittens:

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves and these mittens are awesome! The leather provides durability and the lining is cozy. Kinco makes a great product.

• • Premium grain pigskin leather

  • More durable than regular cowhide
  • "Heatkeep" thermal insulation creates thousands of air pockets between the outer shell and inner lining
  • Naturally repels water
  • Nikwax waterproofing packet included

For added warmth, wear a wool glove underneath.

13) Darn Tough Merino Wool Boot Sock Full Cushion:

More itchy wool??? Not these bad boys! As the name states, they're "Darn Tough" and yes, cozy too. Picking up on a trend?

• • Made in the USA (Vermont)

  • 66% Merino Wool 32% Nylon 2% Lycra Spandex

  • High-density cushioning throughout
  • Fast action wicking pulls moisture away from the skin
  • Guaranteed for Life

These are LITERALLY the only socks I wear... minus the occasional business sock.

14) Salomon X Ultra Pioneer Mid Hiking Boots:

The only shoe I wore during my time hiking around the Hindu Kush??? You guessed it, Salomon. Light, fast, and tough as nails. Won't wear any other brand.

• • Full waterproof bootie

  • Lightweight chassis
  • Traditional lacing system

Go with what you know...

15) 100% Cotton Paisley Pattern Bandanas:

Have you heard the saying, "cotton kills"? Well, in this case, you'll be fine. The cotton bandana has TONS of uses. Here are a few:

• • Sweat Band

  • Pot Grabber
  • Wipe condensation from interior tent walls
  • Water filter

You could use a synthetic version in most situations but I'd keep it away from heat.

On The Move? Don't Forget Your Jacket

Getting caught in the elements is the last thing you want. Have this gear on hand so you don't risk hypothermia or worse.

Let this rad comic be your guide... Check it out!

If you've followed the story up to this point you should've noticed that I don't like being cold and wet. Your house is a safe place and leaving it means giving up that security. No matter the occasion, whenever you leave home, you should plan for the worst-case scenario. A trip to the soccer field on a cold fall morning could unexpectedly result in an extended stay on the side of a road. Plan accordingly.

You'll be glad you did!

Hope this helps get your mind moving in the right direction.

As always, don’t get caught without a plan. 

Written by: Anders Hayes |  Retired Navy SEAL | Goat Herder (part-time)

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