The first fig I tried to protect in OK lived in a pile of hay covered with a big garbage bag.  Did just fiine.  Did the same last year but had some die-back even before a late frost caught the uncovered figs.

This year I tried something different.  I cut the tops and bottoms out of plastic barrels, leaving about a two-inch rim top and bottom to preserve shape stability.  I tied up the figs in a cone shape, bending some long twigs into a U-shape and turning them back to the ground.  Anything that did not fit into the barrel was pruned off just below barrel height. 

When done I set the barrels over the figs, then stuffed hay and wheat straw all around and between the branches, filling the barrels to the top, even mounding up the hay a bit. 

Next I put plastic lids (from cattle feed tubs) over the barrels and fastened them on with metal screws.  Finally I mounded soil around the bottom of the barrels.  The plastic lids fit loosely; they will shed water but will allow the barrels to breathe. 

If anyone else has tried this, I'd like opinions.

I don't have the probem here is SD, but that seems like a neat, quick, reusable setup that solves the containment and weaterproofing issues raher neatly.

I keep some of my figs in 3 discarded freezers/fridge just next to the house. Mostly the 1 gal to 5gal pots.

Hey Ox,

I love the idea. Hope you don't have any mouse problems this winter. Last year Bass had a problem with mice and I think he did something similar. Maybe your barrels will work better since you mounded soil around the base. Please keep us posted!!

Good Luck,
Little John

-Paully, great use of discarded appliances!

Paully
I like your idea for storing smaller figs.  Big chest freezers can be had around here for little or nothing.  I use one to store beekeeping equipment with wax in it.  Some people use them to store feed.

John;  Thanks for reminding me of the mouse problem.  I will lift the barrels just enough to insert some containers with rat and mouse poison, then reset them.  Won't take a half hour and may save the figs.  Cheap insurance.  I have to fight gophers constantly, so it is nothing new. 
Ox