Group of 4 guys going in on Sawbill at the end of July. I went in about 4 years ago, but can't recall how big the areas are for tents. A friend has a 6 person tent that can sleep all 6 of us comfortably. We're debating if it makes more sense to bring two, two-person tents with us or try to save space and just bring one larger tent.

I imagine the likelihood of smelling farts drops drastically with two guys in each tent, but that wasn't the question...

Bring two tents.
While there are many spots in the BWCA that can accommodate large tents, it's not a guarantee and most sites usually have tent spots that barely fit a two person tent. Having two is more versatile for adapting to a site.

The number of tent pads, their size, and quality varies with each site. I don't have any idea how big the 6-man footprint is, but I would opt for the 2 tents and think my odds better.

Question: are you paddling in, setting up, and base camping the entire time? or will you be moving daily?

There are some wonderful sites that could hold a 6-man tent, but unless you know of those sites, where exactly they are, and are planning on going to one, lucking into a site with a tent pad that can accommodate a tent that large without rocks poking you all night will be difficult.

Another consideration is weight/space. You will not actually be saving space with a tent that large. They typically weigh around 20 pounds, where as the smaller 2-person backpacker style usually weigh about 5 pounds. Packing them is more difficult as well and will take up more room in the canoe.

Personal opinion is, if you have the availability to take 2 tents, take 2 tents. It will be a little less comfortable (getting in and out of the tent), but it will give you more options to place the tent down.

Take 2 tents. And I'd recommend two 3 person tents as "2 person" tents often are a pretty good squeeze to fit people and some stuff inside at the same time.

I have a 6 person tent with an 8x10 footprint and have found a place for it every time we used it. I can remember some sites that it wouldn’t have found one, but we wouldn’t have opted for those sites even if we didn’t have tent limitations.

With that said, two tents are much more versatile, weigh the same, and you only have to deal with one tent mate. I would opt for 2 if given the choice.

I generally agree it would be easier to find two smaller tent pads than one nicer but larger spot. You could bring a larger tarp so there is a community space for everyone during meals but keep the benefits of two tents for sleeping purposes. Enjoy the trip!

While I agree with the 2 smaller tents vs 1 big tent responses here, I will say that I’m always surprised to see lots of those big tents when I’m tripping. Even deep in. Though it seems like it’s mostly folks that base camp. So yes, you can find sites that will hold those big tents. You can also use the maps on this site and the site that can’t be named to explore site ratings/reviews - including pics - that may prove useful in deciding which way to go.

Sawbill map

As others have noted, not all sites will be able to accommodate a single 6 person tent. Personally I like a little more space in my tent so if I'm traveling solo I typically take a 2-person tent and if there are 2 of us I will take a 4-person tent. When canoeing you have the luxury of the canoe carrying all your weight except for your portages and since it is not the same as backpacking, where you have all your gear on your back while traveling, I prefer a little more comfort even if it adds a few pounds to my pack when portaging a distance which is typically less than a 1/2 mile in length.

I would go with the other suggestions. Two "three" person tents.

Now that I think about it, our guys always spread out due to varying bed times and snoring. I would probably tell each guy to bring his own solo or two person tent.

ockycamper: "I would go with the other suggestions. Two "three" person tents.


Now that I think about it, our guys always spread out due to varying bed times and snoring. I would probably tell each guy to bring his own solo or two person tent."

I wasn’t going to say anything except +1 for two three person tents which will be HALF the weight of one 6 person tent….

But yeah, honestly, go with personal tent. That’s what we did on my last trip with my hard core voyageur pals from our seven-year old Wisconsin tripping summers at Camp Minne Wonka Lodge … we love each other dearly, but ladies of a certain age need their beauty sleep … and now everybody brings her own tent. Our trips are awesome when everyone wakes up well rested.

2 tents will most likely be lighter and you can spread the weight out more between everyones packs. Especially now with more people visiting the BWCA you don't want to have to find a site that has the right tent pads. It's been a while since I went with anyone besides my hubby but I was stuck in the tent with my sister once in a three day monsoon and we still talk to each other. I wouldn't take the extra weight of individual tents unless you have one person tents.
Catrina