An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week.
Shelter is one of the key requirements for successful survival, and securing it will greatly improve your situation in the wild. A simple lean-to not only provides protection from wind and rain, but can also act as a shield to help trap heat and keep you warm. Keep in mind, lean-tos are also beneficial in hot climates, when you need to be protected from dehydrating direct sunlight or windy conditions. Basic lean-to structures consist of two support poles, a ridge pole, and several roof poles. Insulating material is then packed onto the roof to help deflect the elements. To help speed up your build, consider using the low branches of existing trees as support poles and tarps or emergency blankets as coverage for your roof. With a hot fire placed just outside the open end of your lean-to, the roof should help contain the heat so you stay warm and dry on emergency overnights.
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