I don't stay at the shelters and I feel like I am in the minority. I know the most logical reason for staying at a shelter, but I was curious why so many people schedule their daily hikes from shelter to shelter.

Do you stay at shelters? Why or why not?

Do you stay at shelters? Why or why not?

hell no! why would anyone?

I used to...
Not anymore. They are full of mice and worse smelly dirty hikers :D

Only if the weather is reallllly bad do I stay at a shelter.

shelters suck

I don't! They are nasty, noisy, rodent infested and smells of dirty hikers.

I have a shelter in my backyard. Film at eleven.

I don't stay IN shelters. I hang a hammock.

Due to job responsibilities, the only time I get on the trail is the last week of July, first week of August. My experience and where I am currently on the trail has been that springs are most unreliable. And, I am the type that likes a fair amount of water at the end of the day and to start the next. Shelters typically have water close by and are more reliable.

That said, I would really rather stealth camp more but, until I can find a more reliable way to determine what springs are flowing and which are dry, I am going to err on the side of caution.

Oh and I have tried to get that information here but, it usually results in the thread getting hijacked to discuss the controversy du jour.

Oh Well.........

I suppose mostly because their there. They just happen to be conveniantly located and are a natrual goal. They usually have a reliable water source and a picnic table to sit and cook at and a fire ring. Most of the social mingling on the trail happens at shelters. That doesn't mean you actually have to stay in one, tenting near-by is always an option. Which is what I often do, just to have a good nights sleep!

I don't stay IN shelters. I hang a hammock.

Due to job responsibilities, the only time I get on the trail is the last week of July, first week of August. My experience and where I am currently on the trail has been that springs are most unreliable. And, I am the type that likes a fair amount of water at the end of the day and to start the next. Shelters typically have water close by and are more reliable.

That said, I would really rather stealth camp more but, until I can find a more reliable way to determine what springs are flowing and which are dry, I am going to err on the side of caution.

Oh and I have tried to get that information here but, it usually results in the thread getting hijacked to discuss the controversy du jour.

Oh Well......... Personally, I'm picky about my water and research the water before I go. There is a document somewhere that lists water and its source. I tend to want to fillup at springs and taps only. I carry a filter but rarely use it. I also cross check that document with the companion.

Shelters are easy, especially if it's raining. They usually have water nearby, and privies, and flat places to set up a stove, and a bench to sit on, and a roof over the cooking area. If I've been walking by myself all day, it's fun to have people to talk to in the evening.

Shelters are easy, especially if it's raining. They usually have water nearby, and privies, and flat places to set up a stove, and a bench to sit on, and a roof over the cooking area. If I've been walking by myself all day, it's fun to have people to talk to in the evening.

I do all those things, except I tent a little way away so I can sleep without the nonsense of the banjo-playing mice staying up late and the gotta do the miles, early-rising smilie mice stomping all around.

I often camp near a shelter for the same reasons already given: reliable water, privy, social aspects, nice location (Tray Mtn comes to mind). But I only sleep in them if it has been an all day nasty rain and tent spots are mud puddles. Bottom line: if I'm in the mood for social interaction, tenting near a shelter is generally the place to be. If I'm in the mood for solitude, I avoid them.

I grew up backpacking everywhere down here but the AT. Shelters are rare in the S.E. when one backpacks on trails other than the AT. Much more freedom to be had and self reliance needed when you don't consider shelters as the destination when you go backpacking.

I grew up backpacking everywhere down here but the AT. Shelters are rare in the S.E. when one backpacks on trails other than the AT. Much more freedom to be had and self reliance needed when you don't consider shelters as the destination when you go backpacking.

Yeah, I saw my first shelters in the Adirondacks and wondered ***? Checked it out and backed away quietly when I saw the voodoo little warning signs that look like an upside-down tuna can with a line run through them.

What Marta said, exactly.

Shelters are easy, especially if it's raining. They usually have water nearby, and privies, and flat places to set up a stove, and a bench to sit on, and a roof over the cooking area. If I've been walking by myself all day, it's fun to have people to talk to in the evening.

I agree with all of the reasons that Marta states. I only stay inside the shelter when it is mandated (e.g. Smokies). Instead, I choose to hang my hammock nearby the shelter. This affords me comfort, relative privacy, and seclusion from shelter noise and mice. It also allows me to use what I see as the positives of many (not all) shelter sites (table, privy, reliable water source, etc.).

What Marta said, exactly.

And I'll second (or third) that emotion.

But I have a question for the OP (modiyooch): Why solicit other people's opinions on this subject? Would the responses affect your own behavior or decisions on the trail?

I have a shelter in my backyard. Film at eleven.
I'd like to see that pic!:cool:

I am going to start camping more. But I loved Mountaineer Falls & Bald Mountain Shelters on my last section hikes.

The mice were too smart to come out of their holes into the freezing cold wind to bug me.

Shelters are easy, especially if it's raining. They usually have water nearby, and privies, and flat places to set up a stove, and a bench to sit on, and a roof over the cooking area. If I've been walking by myself all day, it's fun to have people to talk to in the evening.Save the bench and the alone parts, I got all that covered.:D I can understand the folks getting lonely.

I agree with Ed Bell. We don't have shelters out here or out west. We tented on our section because we planned to do that. We tented near shelters because of the water. It was so dry last year. We stealthed one night and had to really trek for water. But if I got cold and wet or was alone, I would use a shelter if I had a gear problem or if there was bear activity. I am small and don't want to be a snack even though I know the odds are small.

<snip>

But I have a question for the OP (modiyooch): Why solicit other people's opinions on this subject? Would the responses affect your own behavior or decisions on the trail?Since he said us non-shelter using folk are in the minority when it comes to the AT, he was looking for an alternate opinion from the shelter-set. (as opposed to the jet-set);)

When I hike by myself, particularly for several days in a remote area, there is a certain enjoyment to being able to visit peaceably with others who you don't know well about the trail and such at the end of a day. Not necessarily every day, or even most, but there are times when several days of solitude is enough, and a bit of contact is satisfying, too. In the East, and in some parks, that occurs at shelters or the organized campgrounds that you can (and sometimes must) stay at and which are often the only places one can have open fires. In the west, which has fewer shelters, the social aspect of hiking occurs more at established campsites, which are usually close to a water source, a hot spring, or something else desireable.

It's an optional thing, but one of the real under-considered aspects of backpacking is the chance to meet people and make new friends. Shelters and such can add to that.

Rusty

Shelters also concentrate use, and thus impacts. I think everyone but me should always use shelters! ;-)

And I'll second (or third) that emotion.

But I have a question for the OP (modiyooch): Why solicit other people's opinions on this subject? Would the responses affect your own behavior or decisions on the trail?No. I cannot tolerate mice and I love the seclusion while camping. I have found some beautiful places to pitch along the way. I was beginning to wonder if people thought that they were required to stay at shelters, GSNP and MD excluded. Also, I hiked with a friend this Spring and we had short days because we stopped at shelters. We would bypass a beautiful area just to get to a shelter and then it be too crowded and we had to tent at a distance. I also tend to walk until just before dusk. I don't think that I could stop at 5 in the evening, just because there was a shelter. Keep in mind, I am not anti social. I am very sociable. The friend that I hiked 140 miles with last Spring, I met the year before on the trail in PA. I am female and you should hear my coworkers. "you are hiking with a man you met for one day on the trail?" and my reply is "well you don't like it when I hike alone..." They just don't understand.

I have no real problem with them. I do carry a tent and usually use it. But I've slept in the shelters on nights when I was just too tired to be bothered putting up the tent. I've had little problems with mice. They've run over me a couple of times but never got into my stuff or chewed anything. I wear excellent ear plugs so I don't hear the snorers and talkers. I always stay next to a shelter - never stealth camp - because I like having the water nearby, the companionship, the benches, and tables, the bear cables, etc.

No. I cannot tolerate mice and I love the seclusion while camping. I have found some beautiful places to pitch along the way. I was beginning to wonder if people thought that they were required to stay at shelters, GSNP and MD excluded. Also, I hiked with a friend this Spring and we had short days because we stopped at shelters. We would bypass a beautiful area just to get to a shelter and then it be too crowded and we had to tent at a distance. I also tend to walk until just before dusk. I don't think that I could stop at 5 in the evening, just because there was a shelter. Keep in mind, I am not anti social. I am very sociable. The friend that I hiked 140 miles with last Spring, I met the year before on the trail in PA. I am female and you should hear my coworkers. "you are hiking with a man you met for one day on the trail?" and my reply is "well you don't like it when I hike alone..." They just don't understand.

OK, you've explained your own reasoning but it's still not clear why other people's shelter preferences would matter to you.

It's true that shelters can function as arbitrary goals and mileposts on a hike, but in that regard, just finding a decent campsite often has the same effect. And if it's company or companionship you're after, while camping for the night -- well, even more so. You hiked with a partner, so your need for companionship was satisfied that way.

Maybe they're just curious?

I hate ear plugs and can't sleep with other people around. Plus, they kind of creep me out (shelters, not people). Not gonna lie.

I hate ear plugs and can't sleep with other people around. Plus, they kind of creep me out (shelters, not people).

that's cuz shelters are unnatural in the woods. shelter areas are mini urban areas. disgusting

that's cuz shelters are unnatural in the woods. shelter areas are mini urban areas. disgusting

reminds me of crate/cardboard shelters where the homeless stay

Maybe they're just curious?

Maybe, but the OP has been around long enough to know that this is a very contentious topic. The thing is, it's not like a piece of gear; you can make up your mind (to use the shelter, or not) when the moment arrives. There's no need to commit or decide in advance. Heck, you can even choose differently from one day to the next. Just wing it. (That's what I do.)

I hate ear plugs and can't sleep with other people around. Plus, they kind of creep me out (shelters, not people). Not gonna lie.

I've seen creepy, ugly shelters, and I've seen some beautiful ones. I wouldn't generalize.

shelter areas are mini urban areas. disgusting
They are also prime mudsnake habitat. This is at the Roan High Knob shelter.
4664

When I was a kid in the 50's and 60's I imagined hobo life as an adventure and read a few books devoted to the subject. Seemed a cool thing to do.
The seasonal migration up and down the AT and the "community of AT-only hikers" kinda reminded me of the hobo culture and I found this link: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA01/white/hobo/thejungle.html There are some very interesting parallels

someone say Hobos? :eek:

They are also prime mudsnake habitat. This is at the Roan High Knob shelter.
4664

Why would you take that photo, much less post it here?

Maybe, but the OP has been around long enough to know that this is a very contentious topic. The thing is, it's not like a piece of gear; you can make up your mind (to use the shelter, or not) when the moment arrives. There's no need to commit or decide in advance. Heck, you can even choose differently from one day to the next. Just wing it. (That's what I do.)



I've seen creepy, ugly shelters, and I've seen some beautiful ones. I wouldn't generalize.

Yeah, well it's an interesting topic to debate, to be sure...

I'm not generalizing. I know there are some neat ones out there, and in beautiful locations. But they actually creep me out on several levels.

1. I like pristine places. A shelter gets a whole lotta use. Some have mice and pests. Just like public bathrooms creep me out, shelters creep me out. Because I'm laying in an area where many other people have been.

2. I can't stress enough that the people I encounter don't creep me out. BUT, the potential for a predator to find me is a lot higher if I am at a known shelter, than if I am out camping somewhere a little more stealth. I don't think predators are stalking me down the AT, but the fact remains that this is a marked location on a map where people know to go, and where they know they will encounter other people.

3. It is like a mini urban area, in that people congregate there. Large amounts of people, over time. Litter can accumulate. People can be careless. People can be wasteful. People go there to get drunk, on occasion. None of which particularly tickles my fancy.

4. Also, I find it really interesting how people feel better with a few walls up around them. Especially when bears are often smart enough to realize that shelters = people with packs of food.

So I'm not saying I automatically assume a shelter is going to suck. And I'm not discounting the positives - the potential for meeting great people/socializing at the end of a long day, water source, privies, etc... But I am saying that because of all of the reasons I listed, they creep me out.

And I would like to say that that picture completely validates my feelings. UGH. Thanks.

Why would you take that photo, much less post it here?

Thats what I thought too when I saw it....why did you take the picture in the first place?

someone say Hobos? :eek:

========================

Yeah ...I thought I heard the "H" word my own self !!

'Slogger

I usually camp in my tent or cowboy style (when there are no bugs and it doesn't look like rain) near shelters, but not in them. Once in a while I will sleep in a shelter, if it is windy or looks like rain, and if there is no good flat place without dead trees around to pitch a tent.

Camping near a shelter has the following advantages, usually: 1) near water source, and 2) a privy, which, while one must be careful to wash hands, is less trouble than digging a cathole, and has less environmental impact. Also, 3) an established fire ring, in most places, if one wants a campfire while still minimizing environmental impact.

Sleeping in shelters becomes far less objectionable in the winter, when the rodents and bugs are hibernating and you are likely to have the place to yourself.

Why would you take that photo, much less post it here?

Thats what I thought too when I saw it....why did you take the picture in the first place?
Because it was disgusting and all over the tenting area near that shelter. The shelter dwellers use the tent area as a toilet.

OK, you've explained your own reasoning but it's still not clear why other people's shelter preferences would matter to you.

actually, I was wondering if other people thought they were required to stay at the shelters. I ran into a Nobo in Maine who commented as such.

contentious topic?? I think that you read too much into my question. There is no hidden agenda. Keep in mind, I only have 10% of the posts that you have.

shelters are very beneficial to smart hikers. it keeps the riff-raff out of your stealth camp.

actually, I was wondering if other people thought they were required to stay at the shelters. I ran into a Nobo in Maine who commented as such.

Ah, OK. Well, shelters are "required" in GSMNP, and they become a de-facto requirement in other places like the Whites, unless you're skilled at stealth camping or are willing to bend the rules. There are occasional stretches of trail here and there where camping is verboten (eg. just north of Boiling Springs, PA, or in the WMNF above treeline, etc...)

contentious topic?? I think that you read too much into my question. There is no hidden agenda. Keep in mind, I only have 10% of the posts that you have.I haven't checked your join date, but it seems that here on WhiteBlaze, there's almost always a "shelter" thread going.

Tin has a good point. I would think it a bit more secure to be at a shelter, where people are likely to see you, making "problem people" nervous, than stealthing where no one is nearby if you need some assistance.

Rusty

For Shelter. I thought I'd be simple.

Tin has a good point. I would think it a bit more secure to be at a shelter, where people are likely to see you, making "problem people" nervous, than stealthing where no one is nearby if you need some assistance.

Rusty

wrong. a gal was nearly raped in 93 in tn. cuz when she arrived at a shelter there was a dude there that made her nervous. she moved on a mile or so. she tented. the dude some hours later showed up, entered her tent and attempted rape, she fought and stabbed him in the shoulder. he fled. long story short, he was tented close by. after a few days cops caught him. he had been recently let go from prison for a rape he commited 6 years prior. i wish the young lady had a gun and not a knife

i took my brother on his first backpacking trip a week ago in Va. I asked him if he wanted to try sleeping in the shelter. he took one look at the shelter and said: "**** that. i brought this tent along for a reason. why would i want to stay in a dirty shelter? let's camp." i was so proud. he even suggested bringing some Jack. :cool:

Asking why some people enjoy sleeping in shelters is like asking why Scottish men like wearing skirts.....


yes I am Scottish, I just haven't converted yet.

Ah, OK. Well, shelters are "required" in GSMNP, and they become a de-facto requirement in other places like the Whites, unless you're skilled at stealth camping or are willing to bend the rules. There are occasional stretches of trail here and there where camping is verboten (eg. just north of Boiling Springs, PA, or in the WMNF above treeline, etc...)
.
I camped in the Whites in July and was perfectly legal. Below treeline, away from the trail and away from the huts. It was either Carter Mt or Moriah. I can't remember. It was too early in the day to stop at Imp.

The best part about shelters is providing a haven on rainy days & nights. I've lost count of how many times I've arrived late afternoon at a shelter minutes before a drenching thunderstorm - twice on last years Long Trail hike (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=203585). Generally while hiking when lots of other hikers are out there, I tent in the shelter areas even if there's space; in addition to reasons cited by others, I snore (so I've been told) and don't want to disrupt others' sleep.

I like a lot of off-season hiking and use the shelters then.

I camped in the Whites in July and was perfectly legal. Below treeline, away from the trail and away from the huts. It was either Carter Mt or Moriah. I can't remember. It was too early in the day to stop at Imp.

That's pretty near the north end of the what I'd call "The Whites." The sections that are tricky for camping are from Rte. 93 to Rte. 16, more or less. Beautiful views from Imp Shelter, as I recall. Rattle River shelter is nice also -- at least, the location.

they Are Also Prime Mudsnake Habitat. This Is At The Roan High Knob Shelter.
4664

Exactly!

wrong. a gal was nearly raped in 93 in tn. cuz when she arrived at a shelter there was a dude there that made her nervous. she moved on a mile or so. she tented. the dude some hours later showed up, entered her tent and attempted rape, she fought and stabbed him in the shoulder. he fled. long story short, he was tented close by. after a few days cops caught him. he had been recently let go from prison for a rape he commited 6 years prior. i wish the young lady had a gun and not a knife

It could easily be the other way around; perhaps he didn't stay at the shelter because other people arrived and he moved on to near where she was, and if she had stayed at the shelter, she would not have been assaulted. No one can no for sure. But she was hardly safer for not having been at the shelter. And one event - however tragic - 15 years ago doesn't prove shelters unsafe.

People should just be their own judge of what feels safe to themselves.

TW

It could easily be the other way around; perhaps he didn't stay at the shelter because other people arrived and he moved on to near where she was, and if she had stayed at the shelter, she would not have been assaulted. No one can no for sure. But she was hardly safer for not having been at the shelter. And one event - however tragic - 15 years ago doesn't prove shelters unsafe.

People should just be their own judge of what feels safe to themselves.

TW

whatever. you can simplify anything. too many women have been raped and murdered walking the AT. all thistalk about" you're better off on the AT than in a city" is BS. my opinion :)

That picture demonstrates lazy disgusting behavior by the mud snakes makers. When when we tented we found ourselves in a nest of doggie do near Jerry Cabin where we tried to cook dinner just across from the shelter.
There are always going to be people that are inconsidereate and too lazy to go do their business in the woods or take a pet to do the same. The same folks who thow their trash out of their car window. Sef centered kids or total idiots. Ugh, I just crossed that shelter off. Well...unless I was freezing to death.