Creating structures and furniture by lashing tree branches together is a fundamental skill in wilderness living. Known as “stick and string,” is versatile and allows for the creation of a wide range of useful items. The key is to find strong, straight branches and to use a durable cordage or lashing material made from local plant sinew.
Here is a list of items that can be made by lashing tree branches of different length and diameter together:
Living Quarters & Shelters:
- A-Frame Shelter: A simple yet effective shelter made by leaning two long poles against each other and lashing them at the top. Shorter poles are then lashed horizontally to the frame, and a covering of leaves, bark, or tarps is added.
- Lean-to Shelter: A one-sided shelter made by lashing a single long horizontal pole between two upright posts. Rafters are then leaned against the horizontal pole to form a roof.
- Wickiup or Tepee Frame: A conical structure made by lashing multiple poles together at the top and spreading them out to form a circular base.
- Ridge Pole Frame for Tarp or Tarp Shelter: Two sturdy vertical poles with a horizontal ridge pole lashed between them. This provides a strong, elevated frame for a tarp or other roofing material.
Beds & Sleeping Quarters:
- Raised Bed Frame: Create a rectangular frame from four logs, lashed at the corners. Then, lay smaller branches or saplings side-by-side across the frame to create a platform. This keeps you off the cold, damp ground and away from crawling insects.
- Hammock Frame: A simple frame can be built by lashing three poles into a tripod at each end, with a sturdy cross-pole between them to suspend a hammock.
- Cot: A more complex version of a raised bed, where a rectangular frame is built and a canvas or woven mat is lashed tautly to the frame.
Furniture:
- Bench: Two parallel logs serve as the base, with smaller, straight branches lashed across them to form the seat. You can also make a simple bench by lashing two upright supports to a horizontal log.
- Table: A basic table can be created by lashing a flat surface (such as a large piece of bark or a carved wooden slab) to a frame of four upright legs and horizontal cross-braces.
- Stool: Three or four sticks lashed together with a round piece of wood or a tight weave of cordage for the seat.
- Chair with Backrest: A more advanced project, similar to a stool but with additional branches lashed to form an upright backrest.
Drying Racks & Storage:
- Drying Rack: A tripod made of three poles lashed at the top, or two upright poles with a horizontal pole lashed between them. Used for drying clothes, herbs, fish, or meat.
- Utensil Rack: A simple horizontal pole lashed between two trees or posts, with smaller sticks or hooks lashed to it for hanging cooking utensils.
- Pack Frame: A basic rectangular frame with a few crossbars, often with a shoulder strap made from a strong vine or woven material. Used to carry firewood or other heavy items.
- Shelving: A frame built of vertical and horizontal poles, with platforms made of smaller branches. Used for storing food, tools, or other gear off the ground.
Other Items:
- Tripod/Quadpod for Cooking: Three or four poles lashed at the top, with a pot suspended by cordage from the center. This is a crucial item for cooking over an open fire.
- Firewood Carrier: A large, U-shaped frame with a strap, used to make carrying bundles of firewood easier.
- Gate or Fence Section: Multiple vertical and horizontal branches lashed together to form a barrier.
- Raised Platform for Food Storage: A small enclosed box platform built high off the ground on a tree or poles, used to store food away from animals.