We always take three tents. Since we generally go around the 4th of July, we take full size 6 person tents if the long range forecast is for quite a bit of unseasonably high temperatures. Otherwise, we take a 4 person tent for each. In both cases, I pack a 2/3 man tent as a backup for when one of the others break down. Did happen 3 years ago on Duncan Lake.

The advantage of the 6 man is in the extra ventilation. Both sizes give plenty of space for gear and privacy.

When doing a really long day trip, we carry the extra to give us shelter in the event weather, injury, miscalculation of return time become a problem. A lunch type menu in that event will see us through until the next day. Better prepared than not.

While not exactly what should be done, I will admit that if we are on a less than satisfactory camp site, we will move if one comes available. To pack and be too late for the new one, only to have to try to get the other back is not my idea of a good use of my time. Especially if the original has been taken. I rationalize taking the spare tent and a few items along to actually SET UP at the new site to assure that I actually get the new site. Being on the lake overnight kinda gives me seniority in camp selection. While maybe not by the rules, I do not prefer to go into looking for a site again as I did the day before. I see this differently than holding a camp with a bag while scouting for a better one. Judge me if you will.

just be sure to tell anyone that looks like they are looking for a campsite that you are changing sites so they know the one you are leaving will be open, in fact let them have it while you are in the process if they want it, also tell them where you are going so they know not to go there

the frustration of someone leaving a bag is are they coming back? where did they go? what am I supposed to do? I can't be paddling around the lake looking for a site when somebody else is saving sites they may or may not use

Just to feed back. . .you EACH take a 4 person tent. . .for one person? Would it not make more sense to take a small tent for each person, and use a quality rain tarp for covering gear and sitting under in the evenings or in the rain? When we have larger groups, we have the guys bring no larger then 3 man tents for two people. We typically have one or two quality rain tarps set up in the center of camp that allows us to sit around if it is raining.

No one really "sits" in the tents or hammocks. We hang around the fire in the evenings, or sit under the rain fly if raining. When we hit the tent/hammocks it is to sleep.

We normally have four guys, couple of trips had six, the two guys in each canoe decide what they want for a tent. We have never had less than a four man tent. We all take cots and like to be able to stand up in the tent, but also all personal gear is kept in the tent unless it is hanging to dry. It's harder to find the right campsite for big tents but if you plan right it's not that bad.

sorry double post

We do take one four person or 6 person tent for each of us two. We like the ability to control temperature a bit and store stuff in the tent. I read well after natural light has receded below reading lumens I need. We take the BWJ shelter as well as a 10x10 tarp for use around camp as well. No portages of consequence make this all possible. The only problem would be a windy day to enter or leave on our trip. We do pack a lot of items and have a higher center of gravity than desirable for the Q 16 from the SR Co. All can be packed fairly tight and reasonably low center of gravity for our abilities to handle. This includes making sure that denser/heavier items are packed low in bags and/or placed low in canoe. In the the event of high winds, we would hug the shore line or wait the wind out for an extra day when leaving. Oh darn.