This shelter is probably the most widely used survival shelter in the world and for good reason. Shelter in most climates in mainly about being dry and this is probably the fastest primitive shelter to construct that will keep you dry in all but the worst storms. This shelter can be constructed in an hour or less and has a lot of versatility that other shelter don’t have! The first advantage is speed an ease of construction and the other benefit is that it can be built right next to your fire. Wind breaks can be constructed fairly quickly or you can simply build the lean to next to an existing natural structure to provide fire reflection for added warmth. Most shelters I see only create the roof but I like to add side walls to this structure and eliminate any windy spots unless I am in a warm climate. Always face your shelter opening towards the south east to reduce the likely hood of excessive winds or storms. Storms are more likely to come from the North or west but plan accordingly to your area!
Things to remember
-Construct a fire wall in the winter to reflect heat or build next to natural reflector
-Block in sidewalls in colder climates
-Double lean to can be created for much colder climates and shelters for more than one person
-If bugs are an issue then a simple platform bed can be constructed under the roof canopy
-In warmer climates construct a dakota fire pit and in colder climates create rectangular fire pit that runs parallel to bed
-Face opening away from prevailing winds which is normally east to south
-Use log staked off to create debris bed retaining wall between the fire and your sleep area
-Build debris bed at least 6″ thick for added comfort
-Lean to can be constructed free standing by burying to vertical posts and attaching header
If you have an interest in learning these skills then we suggest you take our Survival Standard, Advanced Survival Standard, or Primitive Shelter courses
