How to Choose a Shelter Location and Build a Lean-To in the Wild

When it comes to wilderness survival, shelter is a top priority. Whether you're out for adventure or facing the unexpected, knowing how to pick the right spot and construct a basic lean-to shelter can mean the difference between comfort and catastrophe.

Choosing the Right Location

Before building anything, location is everything. Here are a few key considerations:

• Avoid Deadfalls: Steer clear of leaning or rotting trees that could fall in high wind or rain.
• Check the Ground: Look for flat, elevated ground with good drainage to avoid pooling water.
• Wind Protection: Set up with your back to prevailing winds, using natural barriers like ridges or thick shrubs.
• Avoid Washouts: Don’t build near low points or dry creek beds that could flood unexpectedly.

Building a Lean-To Shelter (Step-by-Step)

1. Select Your Ridgepole and Supports
Start by selecting a strong, straight ridgepole and two forked upright sticks to support it. The ridgepole forms the backbone of your shelter. In this setup, we used sturdy green saplings.

2. Secure the Ridgepole
Firmly anchor the supports into the ground, then rest the ridgepole across them. Lash them tightly using natural cordage, like split bark or twisted roots. It doesn’t have to be fancy — it just has to hold.

3. Add Angled Support Poles
Lean additional poles along one side of the ridgepole to create the lean-to frame. Space them evenly and wedge them into the ground at an angle.

4. Add Leafy Branches for Cover
Layer leafy branches (maple, pine, etc.) over your angled supports. This creates insulation and sheds rain. Start at the bottom and work up for shingle-style water flow.

5. Finish the Roof and Check Coverage
Once fully covered, test your structure by lying inside and checking for gaps. Add pine boughs or moss to plug holes.

Final Thoughts

This simple lean-to shelter is fast, effective, and made entirely from natural materials. If you’ve got a knife and time, you’ve got a roof over your head. Practice makes perfect — the more you build, the faster and sturdier your shelters will become.

Explore more backcountry skills, survival gear, and rugged essentials at Rugged River Supply LLC. https://ruggedriversupplyllc.com