Shelter tips, etiquette, etc.

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)

Great question.

Since you mentioned a tent, I'll assume that you tent camp. Most shelters would NOT accomodate a tent to be set up inside, nor would it be considered appropriate to do so. Most shelter users simply hang their pack and sleep on their pad with their sleeping bag/covers. Bug protection would be minimal - a bug net head cover would be nice. Mice are also a problem at shelters. Snakes eat mice, so they aren't far away from an easy meal. Personally, I avoid shelters because of these reasons. But if you already carry a tent, then why not just tent camp at or near the shelter.

No strict rules exist for shelter use. I think that the most important tip is to be considerate. Shelters are first come first serve in most situations. If you get there and the shelter is full, set up the tent or keep walking. Most hikers wake up early, so late night noise is looked down upon. Dogs at/in shelters can be problematic to some hikers. Snoring from other hikers is a problem for me (Take ear plugs to avoid this!). Hang your food and be clean. Don't unpack by dumping your gear out all over the floor/table... be neat. Wake up quietly and leave quietly.

The great thing about a shelter is that you get to meet people. Friendships are made and trail information is shared. It can be fun if everyone is considerate and kind. And from my experience, most people are.

How many days will you be out?

Thanks for the info. That all makes sense, and pretty much goes along with what I was thinking.

Yes, I do have a small tent with me. Generally speaking, I would rather be in the tent so as to avoid snoring people, crowded conditions in a shelter, etc. I am a light sleeper. I would, however, like to be around folks that are staying the shelter - as you say, making friends and chatting.

Last weekend I went to Tully Trail in north-central Massachusetts. They have a simply wonderful shelter that is practically a cabin. No one was there so I stayed inside, but struggled to keep my head covered and not get bug bites through the night. I do have a head-net and maybe should have used that.

My Tully Trail video on vimeo.com

The weather looks suspect but I hope to go back and do the entire 22 mile loop, starting tomorrow - since July 3rd is a work holiday. That would give me Sunday to recover a bit before going back to work.

The first day is about 7 miles and that gets you to the shelter. Camping is only allowed in or around that shelter. The second day you finish the rest of the loop - roughly 15 miles.

This is a great trip for me, since I am just getting out on the trail with a full pack for the first time in years. This will be plenty difficult for me, but the river, falls and vistas along the trail are wonderful.

Thanks for your advice.

There is nothing better than getting into a shelter drenched and near hypothermia, and having somebody already there put a mug of hot beverage in your hands...Then dripping gear is hung, stoves are on, and everybody starts telling stories from faraway hikes and travels...

That sounds like a great weekend trail! And a big nice cabin-ish shelter can certainly be lots of fun.

well, I hope to see you around here some more. This is a great forum.

Hi MojoJojo, How was the hike on the Tully. I am planning on making the Tully my first every sole backpacking trip. Like you I don't know the shelter etiquite but the replys give some good advice. I just wish Massachusetts had more tent sites on the longer trails besides the AT. I am currently hiking the Warner and would love to make it just one long hike but got warned by the DCR no camping so I have to do it in sections. Wish me luck on my first every backpacking trip. Hopefully it goes through.

helpful..post...and i appreciate the way everybody contributed and explained each and every minors...Thanx:)

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