How to Build a Lean-to

This easy-to-build shelter will help you stay warm and dry in the wilderness.

Things You'll Need

  • 14-function Pocketknives
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a good spot to build your lean-to. Build in a fringe area, neither in the center of a field nor a dense thicket, but somewhere between these areas. Choose an area at least 50 yards from a body of water, as evaporating water tends to add extra chill to the air.

    • 2

      Find a fallen tree or a large, long rock to build your lean-to against. You can also tie a branch horizontally between two trees a few feet off the ground. There are hundreds of variables to making a lean-to; the important thing is that you have a sturdy brace to lean your structure against.

    • 3

      Lean stout sticks along the horizontal brace of your lean-to. Crawl beneath them to make sure there is enough room to sleep under. There shouldn't be too much extra room, but it should be long enough to cover you completely.

    • 4

      Pile smaller branches and twigs on top of your stout branches, leaving only an opening at either end exposed.

    • 5

      Pile all manner of debris - moss, leaves, pine needles, dried fern or whatever nature makes available - on top of your structure.