Tents /shelters in cold

imported
#1

This may be a stupid question, but I’ll ask anyway. I’ll be hiking in Ga. in 4 weeks and the weather is going to be expectedly cold. Forecast is down to 8 degrees tonight at Neel’s. If the shelter you arrive at is empty, is it advisable to put your tent (freestanding) up inside the shelter? Any reason not to (mice eat holes into the tent,etc)? I would think that it would have to be 10-15 degrees warmer inside the tent than sleeping on the shelter floor. I realize that when the shelters are being used, that it would be an inconsiderate use of space, but what if it’s empty? All comments appreciated.

Zydecajun

#2

Not stupid. Mice WILL eat holes in it just for fun. Tent does keep more heat in. We tented in shelter when it was warm just to keep the bugs off and the air moving better. But if more people show up just ask if they mind. We had such a small tent that it took up no extra room, a 34" x body foot print. If you want to tent do it away from the shelter down south or you’ll have holes for sure.

Bushwhack

#3

Is it generally warmer in the tent or inside the (relativly) sheltered shelter?

Zydecajun

#4

It is warmer in the tent under normal situations. However there are usually numerous tenting sites around the shelter that are safe from mice and still provide you access to the water and interaction with other hikers.

Most hikers use the shelters to prevent putting up tents in rain & snow and to keep it simple. You become adjusted to a shelter very quickly.

I use to stop whenever it got dark and set up camp, but now prefer to tent close to the shelters to provide interaction with other hikers.

You will discover your preference very quickly.

Happyhiker

#5

When you set up your tent inside the shelter you are gambling that no one else will show up. A tent inside the shelter is inconsiderate. If you want to tent, do it on the ground. If you have a breathable tent, using it as a bivy sack inside the shelter is fine. Hoping you stay warm, even at 8 degrees.

Maggie

#6

When I still had my tent I tried sleeping in it like a bivy sack (without any poles) with my head out the door. It seemed to work fine, but I’m not sure how much more of a heat advantage I got. During bug season, Skate rigged her one man tent up in the shelter for bug protection. No one seemed to complain.
TB

TurkeyBacon

#7

In doing several sections this past year in preperations for this years end to end, I met a thru-hiker who was on his forth. When I ask him what he felt was his best equipment purchase , he answered the OR Bug Bivy. He climbs into it in the shelter and sleeps without attack. I’ll be mailing mine, once I get it and when the critters come out in the season. FYI for those who hate mosquitos.

Serendipity