Using only a hand axe and survival knife, I carved a dugout shelter into a steep, forested bank. First, I cleared brush and marked a 6-foot trench. Digging down 2 feet, I reinforced the walls with woven greenwood and packed clay. A sloped roof of layered bark and moss shed rain, while a small fire pit outside provided warmth and deterred insects. I insulated the floor with dry ferns and pine boughs for comfort. The entire build took two days, blending seamlessly with the landscape. This primitive refuge offered remarkable protection from wind, rain, and cold—proof that ancient techniques still work when modern gear fails.
