Questions: Can 2 guys get by hiking the AT in a 2 man tent? Do you have to keep your backpack inside the tent at night? If so, a 2 man tent won’t cut it. Can 2 guys get by with a 3 man tent? We’re trying to use just one tent so we can split the weight between us. Help?
The Great Whazoo
I never been on the A.T. YET! but I think the must common anwers will be: 1. People dont want to carry your gear so it is safe. 2. The A.T. is the safest place with the must friendlest people they met and your gear is safe and 3. You wont want you gear in the tent.
Anthony
I have hiked a lot of miles on the A/T in section hikes for the past 18 years. A two man tent won’t hold 2 men and gear. You can leave your packs outside under your vestible if is large enough. Usually not. Or just put the pack cover on them and leave them outside your tent. I prefer to have 1 man per tent with gear inside. If there are bears in the area, I hang my food bag outside. Keep everything else free of food and trash and the pack and other gear should be safe. Early on in my backpacking, I would tie a rope to the pack when left outside and tie it to an inner tent pole. That way maybe I could scare a bear or whatever from hauling my pack off. Try the tarp tents. I have a Six Moon Designs tent and it only weighs 33 oz. It is a two man tent. Very spacious for one and gear. I am 6 ft. and can sit up and read or cook. Good luck. Hikerman.
Hikerman
Most 2 person tents will not hold 2 grown men and gear. But as stated above gear can be left outsized your tent. It is what alll of us hammockers do. Just make sure it is cover. Also let me note that I personally like to hang mine around a tree, sometimes critters especially porcupines are attracted to the salt in your sweat and will gnaw on the straps and backpad. – Your pack will be safe while you are sleeping nearby in your tent. On the other hand “be aware” that a number of packs have been stolen in the past few years. When you go into a restuarant/store, etc… bring your pack with you or have it placed where you can see it! In 2001 my friends pack was stolen in a matter of minutes when he left it by an outside table and went in to order a pizza. – I heard that 2 guys had their packs taken by a guy who picked them up and while they were in the store the gut drove off with their packs. I read somewhere this year that Mt Man from the Side Track had his taken by 2 fellow hikers he did not know. It is sad but true crime hits the AT as well sometimes but it is rare. Just watch your pack, it is your whole life center when backpacking. – Hope you both have fun. (PS: 2 hammocks can weigh less then a 2 person tent :happy ) Hammock Hanger:girl
Hammock Hanger
No I’m really not that illiterate… that is outside your tent and there is no spell check!!! Sue/HH
Hammock Hanger
The Great Whazoo
A 2 man tent does get crowded with 2 people and equipment. It might be okay for a night or two, but for any length of time it will not be enjoyable. Try your tent out before going. You can find out for yourself how crowded your tent will be. Some tents have nice big vestibles that you can store some of your equipment. Also plan and imagine the worst type of weather when you will be out. Rain for 4-5 days,etc. Keep in mind that you can also use the shelters. That way the tent can be used as a back-up or alternative site for sleeping.
Bilko
I have used both a two and a three-person tent for two adults. Your gear will not all fit in the two-person tent. The one we used (North Face slickrock) has vestibules on both sides - using those plus a pack cover will keep your gear reasonably dry (or bring a lightweight tarp, like an army poncho, and put your packs under it). The big advantage of the smaller tent is weight. We used the smaller one for a seven-day hike this year and it worked out fine.
Terry