A fire bed will definately save your life. When sleeping in a cold environment, most of your heat will be lost through the ground, even in a sleeping bag. With this simple fire construction, you can raise the temperature of the ground to 100 degrees F.
First, locate an area that is as sheltered from the wind as possible. Be sure you can dig 10-12 inches deep without running into too many rocks or roots. Dig the trench 6' long, and 12-15 inches wide. Light your fire in the trench then spread it the length and width of the trench. You don't need a huge fire, you just want some good coals burning for 3-4 hours. After the time has elapsed, put a layer of dirt on top of the entire trench about 4 inches thick. Be sure to pack it down, and make sure no smoke is coming through. Cover the dirt with a layer of pine needles or other dry material.
In order to keep the steam from the ground from bothering you, place a tarp or similar item on top of the trench before you lay down.
Subject: Fire Bed 
Fri May 16, 2008 1:23 pm
