So, I am on an extended 'biness trip in Massachusetts and I am taking advantage of the backpacking out here, since I am an Indiana native (total flat-lander).

I am not familiar with sleeping in shelters, so I have a few questions.

I assume people don't pitch tents IN the shelters. If that's the case, how do you keep bugs off at night? I stayed in one last weekend and threw a jacket over my head, but it was hard to get good sleep while making sure no gaps let critters in to bite me.

Thoughts on that?

How about "shelter etiquette" - just tips and advice in general? If its raining, I assume people huddle in the shelters to cook and generally try to stay dry? Are most hikers willing to let people "squeeze in" to a shelter even if it gets tight on space? Do's and don'ts?

I don't mind looking like a noob, since I am one, but I don't want to do anything un-cool as far as those around me.

Thanks! (great forums, by the way)