All shelters below can be built with no cordage at all.
The A-frame shelter
This simple shelter is efficient at keeping you warm. You should build it only just big enough for you to be able to lie down inside it. It will keep warm air inside and prevent cold air from getting in.
Build the frame by leaning a big long branch towards a tree. Then lean smaller sticks against that branch close together. Make sure the ends of the sticks on the sides don’t stick out too far at the top or they will catch the rain and it will be dripping inside your shelter. Then add spruce branches or moss on top of the sticks. Make sure you add plenty. Ideally you shouldn’t be able to see through the roof from the inside. At last you add leaves or other debris to seal it all off. During winter you could also cover it with snow.
The lean-to
This shelter is a great choice when you want to be able to both sit up and lie down in your shelter. Nothing beats having a dry outdoor space when it’s raining. Take note of the wind direction and build it with the back towards the wind. Build a long fire close to your shelter with a reflector on the opposite side to stay warm at night.
To build the frame you first need to find two sticks with a branch growing on them. Cut or break off the stick about 10 cm from where the branch grows and cut off the branch 10 cm from the stick as well. Hammer both sticks into the ground and fit a long solid branch on top of them. Then lean a number of sticks against that one and weave smaller twigs into them diagonally. Then attach spruce branches onto the twigs from the bottom up. Make sure you add plenty. Ideally you shouldn’t be able to see through the roof from the inside.
The lean-to with a raised bed
This shelter is great in cold weather. When it’s cold you want to raise yourself from the ground because this is where you loose the most of your body heat.
To build the shelter, first look for two trees each with a branch growing on them. Then start by building the bed. Place some straight sticks diagonally on a couple of logs placed on the on the ground in each side. This will make your bed a little springy too. Add small spruce twigs or dry grass as bedding for extra comfort and insulation.
For the roof find a long branch to rest on the branches of the two trees. Lean a number of sticks against the top. and then weave smaller twigs into them diagonally. Make sure the roof is steep. At last you weave spruce branches onto the twigs from the bottom up. Make sure you add plenty. Ideally you shouldn’t be able to see through the roof from the inside.