If you are using a branch in place of a rope, you will need some way to keep it firmly attached to your trees, such as a notch in the tree.
You will be laying down with your head at one tree and your feet at the other–not with your shoulders between the trees.
If you are using a stick or branch, make sure you secure it to the tree as low to the ground as possible to trap heat. If you are in snowy winter weather, you can secure the rope a little higher up the tree to create steeper walls on your tent. The steeper walls will let the snow fall off more easily. Collected snow is heavy, and your tent could collapse if too much accumulates. Make sure that your rope isn’t causing any lasting damage to the tree.
Spread the edges as wide apart as possible to keep the tarp taut.
If you don’t have any rope, you can drive the stakes right through the grommets. [3] X Research source
If you have a tarp and some rope, you can make a lean-to between two trees. [4] X Research source
You should have just enough space under your brace for you and anyone else with you to crawl into. The more extra space you have there, the harder it will be to keep yourself warm. [5] X Research source If you can, keep the lean-to’s profile low to ground. This will help keep you further out of the line of wind, and won’t attract attention. This is helpful if you are trying to avoid detection, or otherwise stay out of sight. [6] X Research source
You can pile more of this debris on the floor and interior of your lean-to to provide extra insulation. [7] X Research source
If you do build a fire, keep an eye on it at all times. If you want to go to sleep, make sure someone will be able to stay up to watch it, or just put it out completely. Put a ring of stones around the fire pit to help rein it in.
Make sure you are away from falling branches or other hazards. Your debris hut will trap heat and keep you warm, but won’t protect well against falling objects. [8] X Research source
Make sure you leave space between two of the ribs for an entranceway to your hut. [9] X Research source The ribbing sticks need to be spread widely enough apart so that you can fit underneath them. About 6 inches (15 cm) on either side of your body is a good rule to follow. Additionally, they should be steep enough to let water or snow run off. [10] X Research source
If you need to, lash the sticks to the frame with string.
After you finish the outer layer, build another insulation layer on the inside walls of your frame. This interior insulation should be about 6 inches thick. You want your debris to be as dry as possible. If you don’t have enough dry material to cover the whole hut, make sure the driest and softest material is inside your hut, closest to your body. [12] X Research source If you are in deep winter, or an Arctic-type environment where there is little debris, you can pile thick snow on the frame instead. The snow needs to stay cold so it doesn’t melt, potentially soaking your stuff, or collapsing on top of you. [13] X Research source
Again, if the branches are falling off, use string to secure them to the frame. You will need to pass the string through the various layers of your hut’s wall.
Another good alternative is a large hiking backpack. It will be big enough to block the entrance, plus you will free up extra space inside the hut.
