Figure 1, Lean-to

This design is by far one of the most familiar and easiest to build temporary shelter.
You can build this shelter with or without a tarp and if built right will keep the rain out quite well
Build it double sided to make a tent like structure that will keep out the wind and rain quite nicely.
See below:

 

This is one variation on the Lean-to called the debris hut. THis is a snug and cosy little hooch that
keeps you very warm. this design is particularly neat because it utilizes the ridge pole to hang out your tucker to cook. This design can be changed by using short side polls and leaning them against the ridge pole (human made ,large Log or rock) and laying the debris on top. (see below)

Shelter Tips

The thing these Pictures do not see but from experience I have found to be essential, especially when building using only primitive materials or only a tarp is a series of latticework throughout the roof and sides of the shelter. This allows you to use smaller stuff such and piled leaves and stuff without fear of it falling through. Rainwater makes disconcerting bulges in the roof that can hold as much as 3 gallons of water depending on the size of the spaces between the lattice work. While this might sound like a good technique for water collection, it can also cause leaks and the weight can bring the whole shelter down on top of you.

My experience is that the spaces between your lattice work should be no bigger than that of your hand stretched out. you can build your lattice work in one of two ways, one is to select or cut sticks of similar length and lash them in the desired pattern

Or you can weave flexible green limbs between the crossbeam, the support beam and each other, this makes a particularly strong roof and saves on cordage as well

Shelter Choices & Materials

Shelter materials come in 3 categories:

1) Structural: Materials in this category are are such things as Large saplings, logs rocks, anything that holds weight. In a survival situation, it should be something that is easily procurable and strong enough to withstand the weight of the other shelter materials listed below.
Saplings and large limbs being the structural material used in the majority of shelters , I will concentrate on them
The choices you make in this stage of the shelter building process will dictate what type and what size of shelter you build. Keep in mind that bigger is not always better. A small tight shelter is easier to keep warm via body heat than a larger more airy shelter type.

2) Weather Resistant: This category can contain anything from plastic tarps to pine bows and bark to the shingles on your house. Like shingles, the materials in this category must be able to keep the wind and water out of a shelter and consequently keep you dry and warm. Good examples of natural shelter materials are woven pine bows, reeds, cattail stalks and grass thatch. Your materials choices will obviously depend on your environment.
Note: because I lack the experience necessary to advise about tropical, desert or plains environments, my recommendations will be centred on survival shelter for a temperate environment in either a deciduous or coniferous forest.

3) Insulation: this is the final phase of the shelter. Like the blankets on your bed, Insulation keeps your body heat where it belongs, in your body. select insulation that is prominent in your area. Some ideas might  be pine needles, cattail fluff, grass or fur. Basically, you can use any fluffy dry material  so long as it is not poisonous and contains no burs . Burs can create sores that will get infected; they are also darn uncomfortable!

I hope this little page helps you in your shelter building endeavours, For more information, go to your local
Barns and Noble  and look for some good survival manuals. You can also get great information be heading on over the  Hoods Woods Web site. Both options will give you great ideas and information. Remember, though, you can watch every video and read every book but REAL survival knowledge comes from practice practice practice!!