Shelter Heating with Hot Rocks

by Frank Sherwood

Here are two simple ways to heat a shelter that cannot use an internal fire. Using these methods there will be no need to spend another cold night again.

The first method is to place several football-sized rocks in the fire and cook them for an hour or two. Dig a hole in the work area of the shelter about one foot by one foot and six inches deep. After the rocks are hot, remove them with forked sticks and place in the hole. They will keep you warm all night.

Be sure to keep all flammable materials from falling on them because it could start a fire or smoke up the shelter. By experimenting with the number of rocks, you'll be able to regulate the heat.

The other method is for warming your sleeping area. Remove the bedding materials and dig a trench one foot wide by one foot deep and about body length. Place the hot rocks in the trench and cover the rocks with six inches of dirt. After the moisture has baked from the ground, replace the bedding and get ready to spend a warm night. When you get up in the morning place the rocks back in the fire in preparation for the next evening. Again, experiment with these methods so you'll be able to sleep comfortably.

Heating a shelter that cannot have an internal fire is no major problem. If you follow the few simple precautions you will spend a warm and enjoyable night. Remember, do not select the rocks for heating from near a water source because they might explode when heated. Be sure nothing flammable falls onto the hot rocks to start a fire or smoke you out.

Finally, be sure the rocks to be buried are covered with four to six inches of dirt to prevent burns, and allow enough time for the moisture to be baked from the ground before bedding down.

Follow these methods and spend many warm and cozy nights.

From The Tracker magazine, Summer 1982, published by the Tracker School.
For more articles from The Tracker magazine, visit the Tracker Trail website.