SHELTERS, specific the Lavvu! I was first introduced to this awesome bit of military shelter when I first joined Lavvu owners worldwide, i was immediately drawn to it. I was not sure about the practicality of the tipi type structure with a pole in the middle and the awkwardness of closing and opening the flap due to the buttons but something about this olive green heavy canvas was appealing so I got one.
My first camp in it just got me hooked even more. It’s like no other experience I have had. The obvious that I’m sure most Lavvu owners experience is waking up in a dark area not totally sure if it’s light enough outside.
I think the nostalgia of using such a relevant military piece of kit adds to the enjoyment. Yet there is one type of setup that I am yet to understand. Half a Lavvu setup! This just does not make any sense to me. There must be a reason why someone would take the time to cart half a Lavvu with them, set it up and use it as a shelter but I can not see the benefit. Apart from giving you a few hours of shade and a wind barrier it kind of reminds me of those useless wind breakers one uses at the beach. It’s not really a shelter and I have looked high and low for historical photos that show it being used in this way but I can’t find any, bringing me to the conclusion that if a half Lavvu was used as an emergency shelter it was used more as a poncho as it was intended. One covering themselves squaring town with a little candle burning for a bit of light and that well needed heat.
Having a half Lavvu setup as in the photo can Only have a few Benefits in my opinion. A photography moment, a backdrop to showcase the Lavvu or glorify a moment, a big umbrella to keep the sun away. If the intention was to get out in the woods for a few hours I would much rather take cover under a tree instead of carrying the extra weight and take the time to set up half a Lavvu for a few hours.
Regardless I still think it’s a awesome shelter as a whole but as far as using half of it I don’t think I’ll be venturing too much in to it. I’ll rather just use it as it was intended. Half, as a poncho whole as a Lavvu.
What’s your thoughts of using half a Lavvu for a 3 to four day shelter?
Happy camping regardless of your setup preferences