So... I was all proud that I didn't spend much on BW stuff last year at all... but a few weeks ago I pulled the trigger and ordered a CCS Lean2 Plus with a few accessories :) It's being shipped today!!!

I was wondering if there are any tricks/tips I need to know about setting them up.

1) Try to find an area with a large, relatively flat rock and root free area. I know this is sometimes impossible, but try.

2) find two trees to string the ridge pole between that you can get high enough and that has enough room behind it to stretch it back. Ideally there are trees back there for the other ropes, but rocks, stakes or logs can work too. If it has a slope, hopefully you can place the tarp in a way so the rear is down the slope for your feet so your head is higher.

3) Run the ridge line and tie with truckers hitch or tautline hitch to get it taut. Make sure the ridleline is strung in a way to keep the front tabs of the lean two in place and not sliding.

4) Make sure the front corners are tight and stake them down and then stake the back corners down

5) Take the line from the "spider" back to a tree to pull it up to give interior clearance.

6) tie out the outer back edges to lift the rear for foot clearance

7) stake rest of tent, put sod cloth inside and lay tarp for ground inside

you are pretty much done.

Best place to start is to read Dans instructions on his WWW about setting it up.
I leave my ridge line in all the time and use prusik knots at each edge of the shelter ridge.
Get plenty of tie out cords.
The more I use my L3P the more I like it.
Last weekend, torrential down pour Sat night, dry as a can be.
Also you can stake out the side loop directly below the ridge line at each side and wrap the front of the sides in towards the middle for extra protection. Slope the front porch down at a 45 at night for rain protection also.
CB

I like to find a stick to use as a spreader for the rear of the shelter. Pay attention to the drainage of the ground, more so than with a floored tent. Lots of setup photos have been posted! Have fun with it!

butthead

Thanks :)

I just got done reading the tips on Dan's website, and I've been checking out the setup pics for a while now. Those are great tips, Bogs, and that's cool what you do with the stick, Butthead !!

Now I'm going to have to learn a few more knots and play with it out in my backyard --I've even got two trees that I can practice on.

I placed my order today for the Lean3. I didnt get the plus, I'm not planning on using it for sleeping.... it's going to be the "Club House"

I hope to use it for my crew of 4 to relax in the shade, keep wood dry, store packs at night and cook in during bad weather...

It will get it's maiden voyage in 4 weeks when I attack the Sioux River in South Dakota for a quick 3 day trip. Pictures to follow...

They still make it with and without the screen door? I must have misunderstood - thought they dropped the without.

With or without is still an option. That's what the "plus" stands for. (plus = screen)

That's cool, Boji. If I didn't have a few tarps already, I'd be tempted to do that.

quote Amok: "With or without is still an option. That's what the "plus" stands for. (plus = screen)"

Well I must of not heard Dan correctly at Copia but can find only plus on website - albeit the photos show non-plus. Could be they'll make them on request but not catalog them.

I set mine up with a ridge line permanently attached and Prussik hitches on both ends to pull it taught.

The ridge line is not that high off the ground, just over 5 feet. So tie the ridge line about head high to give a few inches to pull it down when it is staked out taughtly.

Bring plenty of stakes of various sorts. Likewise bring plenty of ropes to tie it off. It can be fun to adapt it to the campsite.

Learn a truckers hitch and a quick release sheet bend.

It uses a lot of rope and stakes so if you want to save weight, get good aluminum and titanium stakes and good rope like Dyneema (Zing-It).

It is nice to have a ground cloth inside, at least for about half of the area to sleep on. I don't like using a full ground cloth because I can leave shoes or dirty packs on the ground inside. A sheet of Tyvek can be used for a ground cover.

It is nice to have some type of poles, at least one, to rig the awning. You can always use sticks. A clove hitch is a handy knot for that.

We decided to stop marketing the Lean shelters without the screen and all around sod cloth. We are showing only the Lean Plus models and offering only those models as stock. We can make the non screen / sod cloth models if ordered by phone.
On My personal Lean 2 Plus I pre-tie the ridgeline cord (45') in and use trucker hitches to set the ridgeline. I then stake the back two corners to the ground, pulling the roof a square to the ridgeline as possible. Then with the screen zipped down I set the front two stakes.
At the corners if the weather is stable, or possibly in one loop and then wrap the front angle in 90° to make a better seal against elements.
The the awning is guyed out or back or down depending on conditions.

Thanks for the clarification on that (Lean Plus/Lean), Dan. Also for the direction(s) on setup.

I've got a few knots to learn, looks like 3-4 to choose from :) I think I'll start with the Prussik & trucker hitches.

I plan on using the groundcloth from my tent on the inside (it's only 4x7 I think) just for my sleeping pad, jerold. I also like the idea of not worrying about my shoes when heading in for the night.

This was my first attempt at setting mine up in my yard. Not the prettiest but I improved!





In BWCA

Thanks Butthead - I will have to try the stick trick this summer. I suggest you spray the netting with Permethrin to help keep noseeums out. Sawyer says the spray should last six weeks, but I think is is good for a season if you don't wash the tent.

Dan - Have you tried a design more like the old baker tents or campfire tents where the back of the tent drops square to the ground? It seems to me that the back two or three feet of the leans are unusable and adding about an 18 inch high wall to the back would save a bit on the footprint and maybe on weight as well.

Congrats on the new Lean Amok. Have fun playing with your new toy.

For my next sleeping shelter, I'm a bit torn between a Lean and a Hammock. I need to try a Hammock sometime before I decide.

Thanks, Andy! Pick up a Byer Moskito hammock and try it out some night in your backyard :) They won't cost you an arm and a leg. OR, better yet, maybe see if anyone at spring wingnight has one you could try out some weekend??

Another way to pull out the back end with a single 30 ft piece of cord configured in a M shape, all the tension adjustment can be done from one side.
"NiteIze Figure 9 Carbiner" can be handy (I can tie a Prussic but usually take a few of these also).

butthead

Butthead,

Is that a lean 1 or a lean 2?

I'm curious how many people you think you can fit in there?

Is three too crowded?

I just got a Lean 1 plus but haven't been able to use it yet.

Set it up in my living room but haven't guyed it out fully yet.

I've got a trip planned for late June to Western Quetico. Going to use it as my primary shelter.

Thanks

quote butthead: " Another way to pull out the back end with a single 30 ft piece of cord configured in a M shape, all the tension adjustment can be done from one side.
"NiteIze Figure 9 Carbiner" can be handy (I can tie a Prussic but usually take a few of these also).


butthead"

Butthead, would you knock it off. I already want one bad enough without you posting more pictures and great tips. :)

Sorry SevenofNine, but ubbenholdthekraut, asked!
Plenty roomy for 2 (and gear, and dog). That is a full length BA air mattress.

butthead

Bwahaha!!

Thanks for the great tips, Butthead :) I can't wait to get home and try it out!!!

Thanks BH.

Might have to sweep out my garage and set it up when I get home. The bungie chords from the garage rails is a good idea.

Reflective line from CCS also helps at night around camp.

I did remember to order it with the reflective rope. I was thinking that I didn't want to clothesline myself inadvertently.

Good knot website: http://www.animatedknots.com/prusik/index.php?Categ=climbing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

Tomster

Prusik Knot

Thanks!!!

Now if only this darn rain would stop so I could set it up and monkey around with it ...

quote Amok: " Prusik Knot


Thanks!!!

Now if only this darn rain would stop so I could set it up and monkey around with it ..."

The Klemheist is a little easier to tie and often works better for tarps, Lean2, etc.

Klemheist

quote butthead: " Another way to pull out the back end with a single 30 ft piece of cord configured in a M shape, all the tension adjustment can be done from one side.
"NiteIze Figure 9 Carbiner" can be handy (I can tie a Prussic but usually take a few of these also).


butthead"

Ken,

I used the Figure 9 per your photo. Works like a dream buddy...Thanks!

I'm thinking I may add one for the awning as well.....

I sure do enjoy seeing all the pics you'all post on these CCS Leans. Been intrigued by them for a year now, and I'm thinking one will be in my near future! TW

Thanks for the other knot, JeroldHarter :) I'll post some pics if I ever get off my butt and out in the cold to set mine up ... I can't believe this crappy spring weather so far up here. 33 degrees this morning. Really?!? May 2 ?!?

miss ya phil. :(

giving thanks to have known you.

quote kanoes: "miss ya phil. :(

giving thanks to have known you."

Nice reflection, Jan. Thanks for the reminder for the coming holiday, even though I wear him on my hat every day.

quote CORIOLIS: "

quote kanoes: "miss ya phil. :(


giving thanks to have known you."

Nice reflection, Jan. Thanks for the reminder for the coming holiday, even though I wear him on my hat every day."

hes on my canoe.

I wish I that I had been able to meet Phil in person. I only knew him from his posts and his unfailing good nature here on the board. I admire that in a person and I admired him greatly.

quote kanoes: "

quote CORIOLIS: "

quote kanoes: "miss ya phil. :(



giving thanks to have known you."

Nice reflection, Jan. Thanks for the reminder for the coming holiday, even though I wear him on my hat every day."

hes on my canoe."

Poor Phil, he never got a chance to use his Lean in the BW. Sob.

Sad to think that he didn't get the chance. Reminds me to make the most out of each and every day.

How many Lean owners take the poles with the to BWCA? I just received my Lean 2+ for Christmas, but still need to get the poles and a floor. I plan to get the poles to use backpacking when there might not be trees available.

Do you use the lean 2 floor from CCS or something else?

Can't wait to try it out. With two younger kids I am excited about the room. Wish I would have had it for an Isle Royale Backpacking trip with my son last year. The little 2 person backpacking tent I purchased for the trip was just too cramped. Luckily I was able to return it. The lean with floor and poles is ess weight than my Eureka Alpine Meadows, just has a lot more room.

Re the poles and floor, it depends on how ultralight you want to go. The poles are easy to do without in BWCA due to the number fo trees and sticks you can use. The floor is a full floor which I rarely need but you can fold it over. A smaller sheet of Tyvek works also.

For rigging up the back of the Lean, you might want to check out using an alpine butterfly knot on the primary tie out and then attaching taut line hitches to the alpine butterfly loop from the secondary and tertiary tie-outs. Makes the setup and take down quicker and requires fewer stakes.

Re the poles and floor, it depends on how ultralight you want to go. The poles are easy to do without in BWCA due to the number fo trees and sticks you can use. The floor is a full floor which I rarely need but you can fold it over. A smaller sheet of Tyvek works also.

For rigging up the back of the Lean, you might want to check out using an alpine butterfly knot on the primary tie out and then attaching taut line hitches to the alpine butterfly loop from the secondary and tertiary tie-outs. Makes the setup and take down quicker and requires fewer stakes.

I always pack my poles. I don't always use them, but many times I have used only one, or I've used them on the canopy, or for one corner of my Tundra Tarp. It's one of those things that I find handy to have along.

I always use my floor.

My poles always come with !

i dont have a lean....i just like seeing amok's thread on top. :)

I use neither floor or poles. A GoLite Shangri La floor goes under my sleeping

bag the rest is open, no worry about cooking spills and wet shoes/clothes. Haven't needed or wished for pole in the BWCA. Drive up camps I'll take em along.

butthead

quote kanoes: "i dont have a lean....i just like seeing amok's thread on top. :)"

Yet...

quote bojibob: "

quote kanoes: "i dont have a lean....i just like seeing amok's thread on top. :)"

Yet..."

Yep. Time to get Amok's name back on top again.

Got a call today that the boy's new lean shipped today.

Two questions for you Lean sleepers:
1) Is condensation on the inside a issue? Been wondering if it is and whether an air vent at the back would help air flow through and reduce the condensation potential.

2) What about water flow under the tarp an onto your ground cloth? How much of a problem is that? I know sometimes there is no choice but to pitch in a low spot.

Sometimes I get condensation but no more than in a tent. It there is much of it, it tends to run down the sides rather than drip. It is not something I worry about.

You need a ground cloth to deal with moisture on the ground. You can seal up the entire area if you want but I usually do 1/3 for solo, 1/2 for 2 people to save some weight and to have some room for a chair and wearing my boots.

This Lean To looks interesting. I wonder how it would handle wind since it has a high profile and might catch a lot of gusts and therefore be noisy when you're trying to sleep ?

I have slept in mine in winds (with rain) that were reported to be in the 40 mph area. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it sheds wind. The Lean was also facing into the wind instead of having the back facing the wind.

The photo was taken the next day and the winds were still blowing pretty heavy. You can see the Lean and the tarp reacting to the winds.

I like it when this or any other AMOK thread comes up. I get a smile on my face, knowing how much Phil enjoyed this site and the folks here and his love for canoe country. Thanks AMOK

SunCatcher

quote SunCatcher: "I like it when this or any other AMOK thread comes up. I get a smile on my face, knowing how much Phil enjoyed this site and the folks here and his love for canoe country. Thanks AMOK


SunCatcher"

He was a great contributor and is fondly remembered by many. His words and wisdom are still contributing to this site today.

quote butthead: " Another way to pull out the back end with a single 30 ft piece of cord configured in a M shape, all the tension adjustment can be done from one side.
"NiteIze Figure 9 Carbiner" can be handy (I can tie a Prussic but usually take a few of these also).


butthead"

butthead,
That is WAY cool. I love that idea to keep the back more open and tighter.

I love my Lean3+.

I have old tent poles that I take with.

But I greatly prefer using trees for the ridgeline. I've been in several huge storms in the BW.

For the first storm, I was using the poles. When the winds hit about 40 mph, the poles snapped and the shelter was flattened. It was okay because it was daytime and we were under a CCS tarp. When the tarp was flattened, I actually relaxed. It just stayed down and kept everything inside dry.

For future storms, I was using trees. The winds easily reached 40mph. The shelter held up great with no issues.

For a few storms the wind was coming from the front of the shelter. We just lowered the awning. We still kept perfectly dry.


BUT, make sure that your floors do no extend out of shelter. If they do, any rain will run down the sides of the shelter and into the shelter.

I have been learning about my Lean 2 lately and stumbled on this old thread.
I thought it deserves a bump to the top.

I do miss Amok and Kanoes.

kanoes: "miss ya phil. :(

giving thanks to have known you."

Goodness me...
How sad to see this reply & then connect the dots a decade in the future, almost to the day.
I do not know the backstory, nor did I know Phil, though I know by the quality of the character of you fine folk on this board that Phil must have been quite the incredible person.

Rest in peace, Phil.

Soledad: "I have been learning about my Lean 2 lately and stumbled on this old thread.
I thought it deserves a bump to the top.


I do miss Amok and Kanoes."

Oh my...
I read this after my reply to Kanoes post & connecting the dots.
How very sad indeed.
Great people, they were.

So many members on this thread who are no longer with us or no longer post. Miss these guys and their posters.

Yup. Quite a time capsule.