Thanks Ruud, was an experience building them. I appreciate much more now the effort that is needed to construct such a shelter. Collecting the leaves was an awesome task, even in a area that seemed abundant. Really needs consideration whether it's worthwhile vs calories expended, i.e. for pleasure, for longer term shelter, in extreme need. A smaller, more thermally efficient and easier to build shelter has to be a priority when you need it most.
I also hadn't appreciated how well insulated even these quite open shelters are. On both occasions the fires were warm enough to force me to sleep on top of my bag rather than in it, and with minimal clothing. But that's in our barmy british summer weather, no where near the temperatures you will have had to deal with on your trips!
I hope to do a winter / cold expedition in the next few years. I have plans for next year and the year after but maybe Maine in US in 2017. And a Norwegian tour before I retire.
I enjoyed reading your articles on your blog.