Chapter 5

Shelters

TYPES OF SHELTERS

PONCHO LEAN-TO

5-9. It takes only a short time and minimal equipment to build this lean-to (Figure 5-1). You need a poncho, 2 to 3 meters (7 to 10 feet) of rope or parachute suspension line, three stakes about 30 centimeters (1 foot) long, and two trees or two poles 2 to 3 meters (7 to 10 feet) apart. Before selecting the trees you will use or the location of your poles, check the wind direction. Ensure that the back of your lean-to will be into the wind.

Figure 5-1. Poncho Lean-to

5-10. To make the lean-to, you should—

• Tie off the hood of the poncho. Pull the drawstring tight, roll the hood longways, fold it into thirds, and tie it off with the drawstring.

• Cut the rope in half. On one long side of the poncho, tie half of the rope to the corner grommet. Tie the other half to the other corner grommet.

• Attach a drip stick (about a 10-centimeter [4-inch] stick) to each rope about 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) from the grommet. These drip sticks will keep rainwater from running down the ropes into the lean-to. Tying strings (about 10 centimeters [4 inches] long) to each grommet along the poncho's top edge will allow the water to run to and down the line without dripping into the shelter.

• Tie the ropes about waist high on the trees. Use a round turn and two half hitches with a quick-release knot.

• Spread the poncho and anchor it to the ground, putting sharpened sticks through the grommets and into the ground.

5-11. If you plan to use the lean-to for more than one night, or you expect rain, make a center support for the lean-to. Make this support with a line. Attach one end of the line to the poncho hood and the other end to an overhanging branch. Make sure there is no slack in the line.

5-12. Another method is to place a stick upright under the center of the lean-to. However, this method will restrict your space and movements in the shelter.

5-13. For additional protection from wind and rain, place some brush, your rucksack, or other equipment at the sides of the lean-to.

5-14. To reduce heat loss to the ground, place some type of insulating material, such as leaves or pine needles, inside your lean-to.