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bombinbrian
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02/13/2020 03:08PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I have a group of 5 adults going up for a trip, husband, wife, two of her kids and my son. Everyone is over 18 years old. Two of them, wife and daughter, have never been to the BW. I have a couple of options for tents.

1. I have a 10x10 tent with a pretty good vestibule. It ways about 17 lbs, since I had aluminum poles made for it.

2. I also have a Kelty Circuit 3 that weighs about 5.6 lbs. I could get a 4 person tent so we'd have enough room for all of us. Let's face it, whomever comes up with the persons in a tent has to use skinny models to gauge.

Just curious what others would do.
 
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02/13/2020 03:44PM  
I'd go with two smaller tents as it can be challenging to find a tent pad big enough to accommodate one of those XL tents at many sites...
 
bombinbrian
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02/13/2020 03:50PM  
I also have an improved combat shelter, (Army 1 man tent), and a two person tent now. (Yes I might have a gear collecting problem)
 
pswith5
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02/13/2020 04:06PM  
2 tents are better than one. Spread out the weight. I would look at a 4-man and a 3- man. I know that sounds like enough for seven. But, tents are really all designed for close friends or families. Really close! 4 is really on!t big enough for 3. Etc..
 
Northwoodsman
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02/13/2020 05:06PM  
pswith5: "2 tents are better than one. Spread out the weight. I would look at a 4-man and a 3- man. I know that sounds like enough for seven. But, tents are really all designed for close friends or families. Really close! 4 is really on!t big enough for 3. Etc.."
+1
 
straighthairedcurly
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02/13/2020 05:11PM  
I'm in agreement with the 2 tent idea. I spent a lot of years sleeping with 6 people in a 6-person tent. I never want to experience that again. You always feel like you are squished between people. Now my limit of people in a tent is 3 with a strong preference for 2.
 
straighthairedcurly
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02/13/2020 05:11PM  
Double post...thanks slow wi-fi.
 
luft
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02/14/2020 01:02AM  
When I have done family trips with Twins87 we have had 6 people and use two 4 person tents.

That way the families have privacy and can get changed in the tent without the opposite gender/non-family member in the same tent.

The two tent system is significantly lighter than a 8 person tent, is easier to fit in a portage pack, and it is always easier to find good tent pads for a smaller tent.
 
02/14/2020 07:16AM  
Definitely go with 2 tents. As Sns said, it can be very challenging fitting a large tent into some maybe most spots.

Also though its snug I often times do 4 people in a 4 person. Just can't have any gear in there. Sleeping only.
 
02/14/2020 09:14AM  
Take 3 of the four man tents. Where you can fit them in, you will love the extra space and flexibility of use the extra tent will provide. I take 2 of the four man tents for just the two of us. Bill and I would never revert back to just one. More is better when considering tents.
 
mutz
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02/14/2020 03:15PM  
We have never gone with less than
Two guys one four man tent
Four guys two four man tents
Six guys three four man tents.
This leaves room in the tent for personal gear, and to be able to stand up to get dressed when it’s raining. Anything else is just a bit too friendly.
 
bombinbrian
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02/14/2020 03:42PM  
I usually take my one person tent to throw packs in
 
brenjoro
  
02/16/2020 10:48PM  
What Mutz said, we use the same formula for women. We bring a tad more stuff. 4-person tent is only good for 4 children who like each other. You need space for sleeping pads, some personal gear and in case of rain to play games, read etc. One tent for games, one quiet tent, and one for grandma (me).
 
YetiJedi
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02/21/2020 12:11AM  
My vote would be for the two tents for the same reasons others have stated. You might consider bringing a hammock - one person could rotate giving it a try and it would free up a little space in one of the tents if needed. :)

You could always try it out before you go to see if a hammock is your thing.

Happy planning and enjoy the trip!
 
02/21/2020 03:22PM  
Two tents, for sure.

You guys are hilarious with your "bigger tents" thing. I sleep two in a two-person, one in a one-person and have never felt crowded. I keep all my crap out in the vestibule, maybe you're all bringing stuff in with you? I'm not going to haul around more tent than I need.
 
02/21/2020 10:25PM  
TominMpls: "Two tents, for sure.


You guys are hilarious with your "bigger tents" thing. I sleep two in a two-person, one in a one-person and have never felt crowded. I keep all my crap out in the vestibule, maybe you're all bringing stuff in with you? I'm not going to haul around more tent than I need."


Many people like the wider sleeping pads. Unless you don't move at all while you sleep and use a narrow pad that is less than 20 inches, it is very difficult to fit 2 in a2 person tent. Most tents only give each person only about 20 inches in the tent. That means you are shoulder to shoulder and taking up all the floor space. The only thing I bring in the tent is my sleeping gear, clothes stuff sack, and a light.
 
MikeinMpls
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02/24/2020 11:56AM  
TominMpls: "Two tents, for sure.


You guys are hilarious with your "bigger tents" thing. I sleep two in a two-person, one in a one-person and have never felt crowded. I keep all my crap out in the vestibule, maybe you're all bringing stuff in with you? I'm not going to haul around more tent than I need."


My wife and I use an REI Quarter Dome T3. It's no longer made. Designed for three, it's perfect for the two of us. I'm a big guy and I sprawl. Works perfectly. We have room inside for our books, games, etc that we use at bedtime. I'm with the others... I don't know the size of the three people that are supposed to fit in the tent, maybe it's designed for three jockeys or kids under five feet.

I would always suggest two tents over cramming in one. Aside from the comfort issue, if one tent gets ripped or becomes otherwise unserviceable, you have another. You may have to sleep in shifts, but at least you'd still have one shelter.

Mike
 
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