Dugout
A dugout is a shelter formed by digging a hole or depression into the ground or a hillside. It uses the earth itself for insulation and concealment. It is one of the oldest forms of human shelter, and it turns the ground beneath your feet into building material when other resources are scarce.
Why Preppers Meet the Dugout
Soil holds a far steadier temperature than open air. A dugout stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer than an above-ground shelter of the same size. That thermal stability protects your body heat, the same priority a sleeping bag serves. Set into the ground, a dugout is also low-profile and easy to conceal.
We see the dugout as the bridge between expedient and permanent shelter. It is more durable than a tarp or tent and asks far less than a full bunker. That makes it a good choice for a semi-long-term field shelter or part of a hardened bug out location. Drainage, structural support, ventilation and site selection decide whether one works. Our guide to survival shelter covers how to choose the shelter that fits your situation.
