Make a Lean-to Shelter by Simon Curran

Simon Curran - 22nd November 201827th November 2018

Make a Lean-to Shelter

The whole reason we go camping, for many, is to be at one with nature. To reconnect. After an awesome day in the outdoors and an amazing evening around the campfire, why lock yourself in a rip stop bubble and detach yourself from the spectacular night?

I say tents are over-rated! We don’t need them! There are dozens of camp setups that keep you closer to nature, from hammocks to tarps and bivis. However, if we’re going to try to be at one with nature, how about trying something a little more natural?

If you try this, trust me, your mornings are going to be on another level.

Just as there are many styles of tents, there are as many types of shelters.

In this article I focus on the lean to. Use the following steps below to help create your own:

1. Location, location

As with any camp, finding the right spot is key, and knowing what to look for is essential.

Ideally, you’re looking for a pair of trees to set up your ridge-line and a clearing in front, where you could have a good camp fire. When choosing the trees, look at the ground to make sure it is level and clear of any big rocks or roots that you would end up lying on. Note that the bigger the shelter, the harder it will be to warm up, so make it snug.

Get a tree limb (preferably green as the flexibility helps a lot) a little bit longer than the width between the outer edges of the trees you have chosen.

This should then be suspended around 4ft off the ground to form a cross bar or ridge.

2. Square lash

The square lash is a tried and trusted lashing to use. It’s quick, simple and very effective.

However, if all you know is the double knot that you tie your shoes with, then use it.

As long as the ridge limb is tight and secure, use what you know.

3. Get your sticks together.

You will need as many limbs as you can find. They should be about as tall as you are, with an up reaching hand (7ft ish).

Lay them, evenly spaced onto the ridge limb, at about a 45 degree angle. Lay a log on the floor, parallel to the ridge to keep these sticks all in line. This will help with insulation too.

4. The set up

Once the main frame is set, fill in the gaps with smaller branches.

It’s at this point that you can start to leave the branching fingers on the limbs as long as they face up.

The more time you spend getting this right the better.

5. Insulation and seasonal debris

Now it’s time to cover the shelter with whatever is available.

Leaf litter is great. Just gather armfuls and pile it up. On top of that, layer up branches, with green leaves still attached, and thatch them from the bottom upward.

Alternatively, cover it in sods of moss if available. It also helps to place a few extra branches on top to stop your debris slipping or blowing away.

6. Dress it up

Adding some finishing touches makes this a real home from home.

A few springy boughs for insulation and a reflector wall to help bounce back the warmth of the fire makes a significant difference.

Also add a thick bedding of dry leaves to lie on top of to give insulation from the ground and added comfort.

All photos courtesy of MKS Photography

About the author

Simon Curran works as an Outdoor Activities Instructor with Monster Adventure in Bradford.

After taking up canoeing at the age of 25, he also began coaching archery, climbing, canoeing, shooting, caving and lots more. He eventually became a leader with 70th Woodside Scout Group in Bradford where he was introduced to the wilder side of camping.
He is also a proud father with some very wild kids.