PSR ExpertPrimitive Survival Rating

Primitive Shelter

Lean-to

Fast wind-break used worldwide: a sloping roof against a ridge or cliff, often paired with a long fire.

1 min readMedium energyMedium reliability

At a glance

Energy investmentMedium energyFaster than a hut but needs more firewood overnight.
ReliabilityMedium reliability
Time45–90 minutes

Materials

  • Ridge and rafters
  • Boughs or tarp
  • Reflector logs for fire

Steps

  1. 1Orient the open side away from prevailing wind and weather.
  2. 2Lash or prop a ridge; lean rafters; thatch thickly.
  3. 3Build a long fire parallel to the opening with a reflector wall opposite.
  4. 4Raise bedding off damp ground.
Lean-to shelter of poles thatched with evergreen boughs against a lashed ridge pole, with a long fire burning in front of the opening
Fast to build and open to the fire, but it only works if the closed back is set into the wind.

Common mistakes

  • Wind shifts into the open face
  • Thin thatch drips on bedding
  • Fire too close—sparks on roof

Region fit

Best in: Temperate forest, Desert, Mountains, Coast & swamp · Poor in: Tropical jungle, Snow & ice

  • Temperate forestGood fit
  • Tropical junglePoor fit
  • DesertGood fit
  • MountainsGood fit
  • Snow & icePoor fit
  • Coast & swampGood fit

Fit keyGood fitPoor fitAvoid

Other methods

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