About Lean-tos

History

• Lean-tos have been a tradition in the Adirondack Mountains for many centuries. For years lean-tos have been comfortable and reliable places for hikers and campers to sleep. They are a great way to sleep sheltered away from the harsh elements and to seek overnight refuge.

Function

• Lean-tos can have many different functions. They can be simple shelters, sanctuaries, retreats, areas to have lunch or dinner or even places to gather inspiration or map out strategies. Lean-tos can serve whatever specific purpose that a hiker or camper might need it for.

Geography

• Lean-tos are not only an Adirondack tradition in the United States. They also are found in the Nordic European nation of Finland, although in Finland they are called "laavus" instead. These Finnish lean-tos serve as temporary housing for people on hiking, camping or fishing expeditions out in the wilderness. They are especially common in the Pukala national forest of Finland.

Features

• It's not that difficult to build your own simple lean-to. You will need to find a suitable spot for your lean-to, and find a fallen tree or massive rock to lean your structure against. You will need to gather branches, sticks, moss, pine needles and dried fern to create an appropriate lean-to. Make sure you have between 10 and 20 pocket knives for tools.

Considerations

• You can also order materials to construct your own lean-tos from various Internet stores. Some stores with large, diverse selections of lean-to materials include RK Lodges, Gabriel Ash, Amazing Glazing, Clearspan, The Adirondack Lean-to Co., Adirondack Guru and several others.