The Canvas Whelen
Lean-To

The Minimalists Camping Shelter.

Set-up with a line of strong rope, two trees and two sticks.

IN-STOCK: Natural (1) and Pale Green (1) colors

from $375.00
 
 
 

Lean-To Tent Details:

This hunters lean-to tent, patterned after the Whelen lean-to of long ago, is as it was then, an excellent shelter in the wilderness.

Made with modern materials, this shelter is lightweight, portable, and versatile - simply string a rope through the ridge and tie each end to a tree. For more support, add some sticks to the front or a couple more guy lines, and peg the bottoms. It’s yours to get creative with.

The lean-to has ample room for two people and their gear, and will keep you warm all night with a fire going near the entrance. The design will keep you protected from the rain, wind, sun and snow.

MADE TO ORDER IN OREGON

  • Fabric :

    • Sunforger 10.1 oz Marine Canvas (White or Pale Green)

  • Tent Weight:

    • Canvas: 10 lbs.

  • Covered Footprint Size:

    • 7’ Wide x 6’ Deep

    • 5.5 ft. Tall

  • Folded Tent Size:

    • 6” x 13”

  • 14 Webbing Points for using rope to tie or stake various tension points as desired

  • Includes storage bag

  • Rope, Poles and Pegs not included

LEAN-TO PRICING:

from $375.00

**CURRENTLY IN-STOCK and Ship ASAP:

  • 1 X Pale Green Version

  • 1 X Natural Color Version

Free local pick-up available. Shipping calculated during check-out.

The average lead time for us making your very own lean-to is about 2 weeks. (maybe less)

Please call or email us with any questions. Or check out our catalog here.

The Whelen Lean-to: A Classic of Minimalist Camping

The Whelen lean-to is a minimalist camping shelter designed by Colonel Townsend Whelen in the 1920s.

Colonel Whelen, a staunch advocate for simplicity and efficiency in outdoor pursuits, sought a shelter that was lightweight, easy to set up, and provided adequate protection from the elements. His design was a departure from the bulky tents of the era.

Key features of the Whelen lean-to:

  • Lightweight: Designed to be carried with minimal weight.

  • Simple construction: Easily set up with minimal equipment.

  • Effective protection: Provides shelter from wind, rain, and cold when positioned correctly.

  • Versatility: Can be used as a shelter or an outdoor kitchen in inclement weather.

David Abercrombie, of Abercrombie & Fitch fame, recognized the potential of the Whelen lean-to and began manufacturing and marketing it in 1925. This brought the design to a wider audience and solidified its place in outdoor gear history.

Today, the Whelen lean-to remains a popular choice for backpackers, hunters, and campers who appreciate its simplicity and effectiveness. While modern materials have been introduced, the core principles of the original design are still upheld.