How to Build a Lean-To Shelter

A pole framework is covered with a thatching of evergreen boughs, rushes, heavy grasses, slabs of bark, or split wood planks. When constructing the lean-to, find two trees seven to nine feet apart with fairly level, firm ground between them. The distance between the trees will be the length of the opening of the lean-to, although it is possible to incorporate variations. The number of people requiring shelter should determine the size. Remember that it is the body heat from the group that helps keep you warm in the shelter and so it is important not to build the lean-to with a large open interior space area inside it. When constructed for one man it should be made long enough for him to sleep across the open mouth of the shelter, whereas for more than one it should be planned for them to sleep lengthwise. One or both ends of the ridge pole may be supported by a pole bipod or tripod instead of utilizing standing trees. This leaves the builder a wider choice of sites. It should be remembered that the steeper the slope angle of the roof the better it will shed precipitation and reflect heat from the fire. A 45 degree slope angle is generally considered a suitable compromise between available interior space and rain shedding effectiveness.

Once the framework has been constructed, proceed with the covering. Spruce boughs make an excellent natural covering, although the branches of any coniferous and of many deciduous trees will do. They are placed on the lean-to in the same manner as shingles on a roof., the first row at the bottom. The brush end of the boughs are placed down, overlapping the butt ends of the previous row. This method of thatching insures that rain will be shed more readily. Continue to lay rows of boughs in this fashion until the top or back roof of the lean-to is covered. Then repeat the thatching procedure until the entire roof is covered to a depth of at least six inches. The triangular sides are filled in with large boughs set butt end up as in thatching. The lean-to is an excellent shelter even in winter since it permit’s the utilization of any desired type of fire. With a low mouth, a depth no greater than the width of a sleeping bag, and the full length of the body exposed to the fire, a person can be surprisingly comfortable in the coldest of weather. It is possible to build a shelter of this type to house several people, but it is not nearly as comfortable sleeping with either head or feet to the fire as it is sleeping crossways. The fewer people in one shelter, the better the opportunity to remain warm.