LeadOperator's question in the gear forum got me thinking about shelter materials and what is really necessary in colder temps, say 20-40 degrees. I wanted to build another shelter from things that could be carried in a small survival pack with the rest improvised on site. I'm going to be doing this in segments since free time can be more difficult these days due to work and family obligations. The ultimate goal is to make a natural insulation bed, lean to made from plastic sheeting and a mylar blanket, and a fire reflector.
I'd like to encourage others here to build one along with me even if you don't have time to sleep in it. You might be surprised how much fun it is.
The first step is to find a suitable location in a wooded area free from dead hanging branches (look up!). Then clear the ground of soggy debris, rocks, and large obstructions.
Then if you'd like you can build a fire reflector, this allows you to do more with less fancy sleeping gear. Not that I am suggesting leaving the sleeping bag behind but you never know what the conditions will be or if you get caught out without any gear.
Next I took two larger logs and places them length wise parallel to where the fire would be. This will help hold the insulation bed in place. They were staked with large natural "tent pegs" made on site.
Next time I will be making the layers of the insulation bed from grasses and sticks then spending the night in it but it might be a few more weeks before I can do so.
Build an insulation bed with me 
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