The Whelen lean-to, anybody use them?

[moleman]

Been doing some research on the Whelen lean-to and from all accounts this style of shelter is simple and makes for a very comfortable camp, even in cooler weather as a fire at the mouth of the shelter keeps things comfortable.
Seems the shelters design works as a reflector to make efficient use of the heat of the fire and to make it even better, detailed patterns are easily found on line.
Looks like a nice place to call home for a few days while on a hunt.  [/url] [/IMG]

[ChuckC]

I have a Baker style, similar, that I really like.  
ChuckC

[Sean B]

I've used them when I would do living history & historical trekking.  I use a diamond or "plow front" as well.

[Knawbone]

Looks pretty nice, I wonder how well it would keep you dry in a driving rain.

[ChrisM]

Moleman and your canvas tents.

[moleman]

Dave, after our Georgia trip, im thinking not so well.  
Im thinking that there might be some modifications in order.

[robtattoo]

Love mine to death! Bought earlier this year from Beckel Canvas & made a set of lightweight, internal poles. I used it at the TN Classic thisyear, in the pouring rain,  in a canvas bedroll & stayed bone dry. You do need a good reflector fire to keep warm, but it's honestly the best nights sleep I've ever had outdoors.

[Longbowz]

Years ago a friend & I used one on a backpack elk hunt during the late season.  It snowed at least a foot most nights and the wind blew a good part of the time.  With a fire going we stayed reasonably comfortable. Because of the fire you can dry out each night.  Few other tents offer a way to warm up with a fire and remain light enough to backpack.  Wind is a little trickier since you must set it so the wind comes from the backside.

[Lamplighter]

If you have the Fred Bear Dvds, you'll see it in the Oldest game.

[matthewp]

I just saw it in the Oldest Game last night.  Looks like a good shelter.

[Orion]

Hey Rob.  Glad to see you found Beckel Canvas.  They make good stuff.  I bought the Whelan lean-to from them in nylon years ago.   Light, small and easy to pack. Use it for bivouacs and, when I'm packing my Tepee, I use the lean-to as a cook "tent."

[ChuckC]

Paul, check out how Rob has his side flaps a bit forward compared to yours.  3-4 feet from the looks of it.  I think that could make a big difference, closes things up just enough.  Could even close it a little more yet.

Just thinking out loud
ChuckC

[robtattoo]

Yeah, the width is dictated by the height. You can go as tall as 6'6" & 8' wide & fairly closed in, or drop the ridge height to 5' & nearly 10' wide. That's one of the things I love about it. cut one set of 7' vertical poles & you have unlimited versatility. If you have a couple of handy trees, you don't need poles at all! The setup options are pretty much limitless. The only negatives are the weight (20# with good stakes) making it a truck-camping tent & the lack of bug-proofing, but a smokey fire will fix that too.

[moleman]

Great set up Rob! In Colonel Whelans accounts, he claimed that it served him well to -20, A bit extreme for me, but for early season it looks like a great choice.  

[ron w]

I think those things are really neat.....that being said I must be getting old because a modern tent seems to a lot more practical to me, really practical when the weather turns bad. I have done lean-to camping in the Adirondacks and now that's as rough as I need to go. But as I said, they look the part.

[robtattoo]

This is Jerry's (Orion) nylon Whelan, set up in Colorado....

 

You can see what I mean about the height/width thing. Jerry's tent is dimensionally identical to mine, but look how tall it is & how close in the sides come...

[oldbohntr]

I still have a couple of nylon ones that I bought from LL Bean back in the 80s.   One has drop down bug netting for the front.  The standard one cost about $30 back then.  I've spent as long as 10 days in it on a backpack hunt. They've proven themselves to me. I prefer sleeping on a cot these days, but I will always keep these for special situations.

[Overspined]

A buddy of mine used one this weekend at MTB shoot in Michigan.  Said its almost white from spraying it with silicone over the years. Rip stop nylon, he sewed himself, got the pattern from a book.  He makes his poles from long heavy sticks.  Looked good but need a bug net for the face to keep the giant Mosquitos away. He's used it a lot over 20+ yrs.

[Sixby]

I used and loved them for years until we got hobos and brown recluses in this country. I cannot sleep with those creeps God creeping around so I use a sealed tent now. I guess I am anachrophobic. Got that from seeing some terrible wounds and several people dying from being bitten.

Whelens and that type are sure comfortable and warm though and I have spent many elk seasons with them.

God bless you all , Steve

[reddogge]

I used a Baker for over 30 years but grew tired of the heavy canvas tent and myriad of cut poles and ropes to erect it. I do think the Baker gives way more protection in bad weather and privacy in a family camping area. I would drop the flap at night. You have to bath and change your underwear once in a while, even if you are a real he-man type.