Shelter rules

[dhock83]

I am new to thru hiking and just wandering what are the un-written rules of a shelter??

[superman]

You sound like a perfect volunteer to write formal and absolute rules for behavior in and around shelters.

[SGT Rock]

I don't think there is an agreed upon set of informal rules other than first come first serve.

[CrumbSnatcher]

alot of people think shelters suck! but not as much if its raining?

[Tennessee Viking]

I believe SNP only requires a permit. No reservations like the Smokies. There are fees for some its off-AT sites. Leashed dogs. And Graysons has some rules. Thomas Knob is listed as no campfires.

As a maintainer, there is pack out your trash, don't throw trash in privies, no graffiti or vandalism of the shelters. Hang your food whenever possible. Other than that, be respectful to other hikers.

[bigcranky]

Your questions is sort of like throwing red meat into a pack of hungry dogs.

2 rules of shelter etiquette:

1. Don't be a jerk.

2. Never forget rule #1.

[The Weasel]

A newbie asks a pretty reasonable question, and we treat her/him like they did something wrong?

There are a number of unwritten rules, most of which are violated fairly often:

- There is always room for someone in a storm
- Don't move/mess with someone else's stuff
- Don't cook inside the shelter unless weather is incredibly bad
- Don't kill mice
- Kill mice
- Clean your own mess
- No wet dogs in shelters
- No sex until everyone else leaves

Those are some.

TW

[Ekul]

[quote=The Weasel;793019]A newbie asks a pretty reasonable question, and we treat her/him like they did something wrong?

There are a number of unwritten rules, most of which are violated fairly often:

- There is always room for someone in a storm

the only reason to be in a shelter

[SGT Rock]

A newbie asks a pretty reasonable question, and we treat her/him like they did something wrong?

I think it was more an attempt to get across the idea that the whole topic ain't going to be agreed on. But if you follow basic rules of a polite society you should do fine.

There are a number of unwritten rules, most of which are violated fairly often:

- There is always room for someone in a storm

Someone should tell some of the people I've stayed in shelters with this. Of course I quit sleeping in them.

- Don't move/mess with someone else's stuff
- Don't cook inside the shelter unless weather is incredibly bad

I violate this all the time. It's a nice flat spot.

- Don't kill mice
- Kill mice

Go for option #2

- Clean your own mess
- No wet dogs in shelters
- No sex until everyone else leaves

Those are some.

TW

[Panzer1]

Don't move/mess with someone else's stuff

Whats wrong with moving someone else stuff? What if they leave their stuff in the way.

Panzer

[4eyedbuzzard]

...
- No sex until everyone else leaves...

No wonder StevenSeagal says you're all a buzz kill.

[Desert Reprobate]

Just remember, you have to eat what you kill

[Desert Reprobate]

A nice Korean cook book would be handy

[SGT Rock]

When it comes to mice that ain't true. The best thing is to display the carcasses as a warning to others.

[Kanati]

I am new to thru hiking and just wandering what are the un-written rules of a shelter??

1. Most shelters have a broom. When you walk on the boards where people sit and sleep, be sure to sweep up after yourself/companions before you leave, or in some cases when you arrive. Most everyone will thank you for it.

2. Never, never leave the shelter log book outside on the table, even if the day is sunny.

Enjoy your hike.

[Ekul]

When it comes to mice that ain't true. The best thing is to display the carcasses as a warning to others.

when the critter crosses my face the game is on and the trap is set. Dont sleep next to the walls. give yourself a few inches. No smoking unless its cool with the rest

[Lilred]

1. Most shelters have a broom. When you walk on the boards where people sit and sleep, be sure to sweep up after yourself/companions before you leave, or in some cases when you arrive. Most everyone will thank you for it.

2. Never, never leave the shelter log book outside on the table, even if the day is sunny.

Enjoy your hike.

I'd be careful about sweeping. It kicks up a lot of dust, mice dropping dust. I wouldn't be sweeping if I was going to be in the shelter right afterwards

[rickb]

If I understood Sgt Rock correctly his advise was:

-- Cook in them all the time, since its a flat spot
-- Don't sleep in them.
-- Encourage others to kill mice that live in them.

Not sure about the mice killing part, but he may be on to something with the first two suggestions.

Other thoughts that come to mind is that if weekenders or such have laid claim to a shelter and sort of made it thier home, no real need to ask permission to share the space. You can simply introduce your self and start spreading out your stuff.

Pitching a tent in a shelter is considered to be very poor form, no matter how buggy.

Hanging food in a shelter is fine, even if your shelter mates are bear paranoid. Except if there is a bear pole or metal box, then that's the way to go.

Walking quitely up to a shelter from the back and poking your head around with a big smile to the great suprise of the people already inside is not as funny in practice as in theory.

Where there are signs "suggesting" no fires at the shelter, best to keep yours on the smaller side.

When you wash the junk out of your pot, best not to fling the dirty water nearby, especially when others are waching. If there is a grey water dump area, use it.

Try to avoid all talk about the best stove, greatest pack, etc. Especially with weekenders. Keep ear plugs handy for gear talk as well as snoring.

When Southbounders and Nobos share a shelter, the tradition is for the Nobos to offer the Sobos a candy bar and or nip of whiskey, without expecting anything in return.

[The Weasel]

A newbie asks a pretty reasonable question, and we treat her/him like they did something wrong?

There are a number of unwritten rules, most of which are violated fairly often:


TW

Note what I said before listing some "rules".

TW

[Panzer1]

The real reason that people kill shelter mice is because some people just have a cruel streak that is somehow satisfied by killing small animals.

Panzer