I recently purchased a CCS Lean 1 to use for solo trips. My only concern is not having a bathtub floor. Often the BW campsites have options for tent placement and one has to pitch in a local that has questionable drainage, either water will pond under the tent or flow down slope through the tent site.

My questions for your experienced Lean/tarp users are 1) do you find water inflow to be a problem with just a groundcloth down 2) what have you done to prevent or solve the problem if it has been an issue?

In the old days they used to trench around the tent, but that's not an acceptable option anymore. I know many people are using shelters like the CCS Leans and love them. I'd love to hear your experience and whether water-inflow is something to worry about.

Woodsmoke

I don't own one but I took a quick look at the setup instructions on the CCS website. It looks to me like you're able to tuck a small portion of the sidewall under the ground cloth in order to keep water out.

I own a Lean+2. I use it in conjunction with the CCS ground cloth (floor) which is sized to fit inside. I have never had an issue with rain water entering the shelter and I have used it on any number of rainy nights. It just hasn't been as much of an issue as you would think.

If I am pitched in an area of questionable drainage, I take advantage of the fact that there are stake loops every couple of feet along the edge of the Lean. It really hugs the ground if staked properly and leaves little chance for water to enter anywhere around the perimeter.

As SourisMan points out it has a "sod cloth" around the perimeter that tucks under any ground cloth you may use inside. Although I use the CCS "floor" which is sized to fit my Lean I often have it folded so that only half of the inside of the Lean has the floor. My sleeping area has the floor underneath but the rest is uncovered and I still haven't had water inside.

I have also never had water pool underneath the floor.

However, I've never been through a hurricane or tsunami. There probably are some deluges that could give the Lean a problem, but I've never had any problems whatsoever.

The Lean isn't everyones cup of tea, but for the weight it can't be beat. it offers a tremendous amount of room, gives great ventilation, offers wonderful views. I can stand up to dress. I can sit inside on a stool or chair. I don't get cabin fever inside on a rainy day. It even has a canopy to boot. I love it.

Hereis what I use.

Thanks guys, Looks like I may not have a problem but you put me on to a good solution if I do.

The Lean ground cloth works fine. It does not need to be perfectly over the top of the sod cloth to work. If you just pull back the edges toward the center to make a fold, that lip will keep water out.

Although not the lightest option (2 - 3.5 lb depending on setup), or the cheapest option, the Cascade Designs cots (now owned by Thermarest) are ideal for use in a Lean. Keeps you 4 inches off the ground. Don't even need a ground cloth so save some of the weight back.

One caveat about not using a ground cloth. Often I am too lazy to use the ground cloth with my cot and it has never been a problem. I usually go up there in early June and the nights are cool. Last summer (July) though, the mosquitoes in general were horrible. Apparently, a large number of mosquitoes hide on the ground because once dusk came my lean was full of them and there was no way they could have leaked in from the outside. After 2 days of wondering about it, I used the ground cloth at the next campsite (even buggier) and had no problem with mosquitoes. So if it is warm and buggy at night, I learned a lesson to use the ground cloth.

This is a photo of a Lean3 with 2 cots, no ground cloth, and a bunch of gear:

I have used my Lean 3 in all seasons in all conditions over the years. Heavey rain has not been an issue, spent some nights where it poured all night stayed dry. I watch where I set up but no more than I would if I was using a tent. I use the ground cloth from CCS.
CB