I was on Panther Mt. in the Catskills with a friend when he had his boots well shredded by a porcupine. Mine remained unscathed in the vestibule, while his , just a few feet out, were gnawed beyond saving. Fortunately, duct tape and the remnants were enough to get us down the trail and out. Shoes in the vestibule, but our packs are usually outside with pack covers on. There's very little in them after camp is set up. We are using a BA Fly Creek 2, which I keep thinking we'll add a larger vestibule to. I do like its light weight.....