Hey Guys! 4 of us are heading on our second BWCA trip in early August through EP33 and I wanted to get some opinions on our tent situation. We have 1 large tent, 16' x 10', and 2 small tents. We were considering bringing the large tent, as it easily sleeps all 4 of us and saves some space in our pack. Its not as easy to set up but we will be base camping so that's not a huge issue. My major concern is the size of the tent pads. Do you think this large tent will significantly limit our camp options? Thanks.

My choice is the 2 samller tents. The large tent must weigh a ton or at least over 20+ pounds and need a huge area for set-up.

quote Grandma L: "My choice is the 2 samller tents. The large tent must weigh a ton or at least over 20+ pounds and need a huge area for set-up."

The large tent does weigh more than the 2 smaller tents combined but it is less than 20lbs. Space wise, the 2 smaller tents take up slightly more room when packed. The only other downside of the large tent is it does not have a footprint while the smaller tents do.

For me, I'd choose 2 smaller. I don't want to crawl over 3 other people getting in or out.

Smaller also gives you more tent pad options. I've not stayed on a site that wouldn't support at least 2 smaller tents, but I have been on sites where putting up a 16 x 10 really limits choices.

Also, take a good tarp and you won't miss the extra headroom of a big tent, you'll only be in it while sleeping.

Put me down for the two small ones.

if there's a bad snorer in the group bring 2 tents ;) when my brother comes with i make him stay on another campsite , JK but no bear would even think of coming into camp ;)

I had to make the same decision a few years ago and ended up going with 1 bigger tent. I bought the Cabela's Alaskan Guide 6 person. Yeah it's heavy but I figured if there was a need for that size tent we would have the power to carry it. I've never had to turn down a site because it was too big. Because it's a dome shape it fits into a fairly small area for a 6 person and is smaller than 2 smaller tents side by side. If it's just my wife and boys the big one gets left at home and the smaller one comes along.

In your situation however 16'x10' might be pushing the limits on what you'll find for tent pads.

Two small tents.

2 smalls

Two small tents. That way you and your buddy can mess with the other two guys. Of course so can they.

A big flat tent pad is tough to find on sites.

Would take the two smaller ones

two too.

We take two four man tents for four guys. Gives plenty of room to keep everything inside when it's raining and still room to move around and stand up to get dressed. We have never had a problem with tent pads for both tents on any trips. We basecamp and only go in six or eight portages so the weight isn't a problem double portaging.

Yup 2 smaller tents........3 man min for 2 guys. 4 man is even better.

reading this thread makes me glad we went hammocks. We take in 12 to 18 guys each year. . .split into 2-3 groups. We started out tents. Every one of them is now in hammocks. No problem finding sites. I can't imagine a 10x16 tent even in my back yard.

To me, the true test of a tent is this: How much is everyone else bothered when someone needs to take a whiz at 3 AM? I think a BW tent should have an easy exit for each person in it.