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.
