The LeanTo: A ShortTerm/LongTerm Hybrid
Straddling the line between emergency shortterm shelter and longterm
shelter is the leanto. This structure requires some constructive effort, making
it more effort than a true emergency shortterm shelter, but not really suitable
as a longterm shelter because it has many drawbacks.
The leanto offers wind protection from only one side. This may be
fine if the wind always comes at you from only one direction. But if the wind
changes, the leanto offers little, if any, protection against the elements, and
you will find yourself getting slammed with wind and rain on your bed and
your fire. In addition, absolutely no heat is retained in a leanto.
When weather isn’t an issue or scarcity of building materials makes
constructing a full shelter challenging, use the leanto. To build a leanto,
place a cross beam between two trees that are far enough apart to fit your
sleeping body. The cross beam should also be high enough to allow you
I wouldn’t want to spend a very long time in a leanto, though it’s okay for a night or two.
If you’re going to the effort of making one, why not make another wall and build yourself
a proper Aframe, which is a terrific longterm shelter.(^156) | Survive!