Why do some people hate sleeping at shelters

[peakbagger]

I did most of my section hiking in the off season when thru hikers were typically elsewhere on the trail. Usually we would have the shelters to ourselves or occasionally weekenders or SOBO's. The mice and varmits were far less noticable. Pure speculation on my part is that the mice and other varmits tend to multiply when the food source multiplies as the surge goes through. When we did get on the edge of the thruhiker "surge", things could get less pleasant on occasion usually due to a sense of entitlement expressed by a small but vocal minority of thru hikers. I also observed that there is some sort of shelter manners do tend to get developed as the surge stretches out and the nights on the trail increases.

That said, some of the shelters are just plain old, beat up decrepid places that are best avoided. PA had its share, which I attribute to the easy access from roads and partying which probably leads to the local clubs not wanting to make them nice. Unfortunately that frequently applies to the privies also.

[Linesman]

In a Maine AT shelter's log book I once saw an entry complaining about a couple having loud sex in a shelter while this thru hiker was trying to sleep. He even drew a diagram to show their close proximity to him...

[Engine]

In a Maine AT shelter's log book I once saw an entry complaining about a couple having loud sex in a shelter while this thru hiker was trying to sleep. He even drew a diagram to show their close proximity to him...

That lacks class.

[Tipi Walter]

The thing I like the most about the shelters is you get to meet tons of people.

This seems to me to be one of the lamest reasons to like shelters. Going to a Mall or hanging out at the DMV would be another way to meet tons of people.

Many forests ask you not to set up a tent, because every time 1 of us makes camp that is one more spot we have marked. Me personally, I think most of us are responsible, and the little wear we show grows over in a day or 2, but to say they are only intended to be used for brief stops and inclement weather, is the opposite of what I have always been taught. Was I taught wrong?

A huge persentage of "forests" do not restrict tent useage. And there are no shelters on a vast percentage of national forests and wilderness areas. AT shelters represent more of man's useless cleverness in all things natural and another tourist toll booth off the foot trail highway exit. Haven't we seen enough of buildings, structures, and over built homes? I go to the woods to get away from such boxes.

[Chaco Taco]

In a Maine AT shelter's log book I once saw an entry complaining about a couple having loud sex in a shelter while this thru hiker was trying to sleep. He even drew a diagram to show their close proximity to him...

HAHAHA I think I remember that.

[hammock engineer]

In a Maine AT shelter's log book I once saw an entry complaining about a couple having loud sex in a shelter while this thru hiker was trying to sleep. He even drew a diagram to show their close proximity to him...

That lacks class.

Or originality.

[hammock engineer]

I did most of my section hiking in the off season when thru hikers were typically elsewhere on the trail. Usually we would have the shelters to ourselves or occasionally weekenders or SOBO's. The mice and varmits were far less noticable. Pure speculation on my part is that the mice and other varmits tend to multiply when the food source multiplies as the surge goes through. When we did get on the edge of the thruhiker "surge", things could get less pleasant on occasion usually due to a sense of entitlement expressed by a small but vocal minority of thru hikers. I also observed that there is some sort of shelter manners do tend to get developed as the surge stretches out and the nights on the trail increases.

That said, some of the shelters are just plain old, beat up decrepid places that are best avoided. PA had its share, which I attribute to the easy access from roads and partying which probably leads to the local clubs not wanting to make them nice. Unfortunately that frequently applies to the privies also.

This debate will never stop. Loved them southbound from October through January. I think maybe 8 or 10 of the nights, including the smokies were with people I wasn't hiking with. We even carried a tarp just for tarping off the front of them. Makes a huge difference in the cold.

[Phoenixdadeadhead]

This seems to me to be one of the lamest reasons to like shelters. Going to a Mall or hanging out at the DMV would be another way to meet tons of people.

Your right Tipi, if I wanted to meet a bunch 13 year old girls who think Hiking is a dish in a chinese restaurant, I would go to the mall, but I actually like to meet like minded hikers with a love of the great outdoors. I could positively count the number of people within an hour of me who enjoy hiking on 1 hand.

[Tipi Walter]

Your right Tipi, if I wanted to meet a bunch 13 year old girls who think Hiking is a dish in a chinese restaurant, I would go to the mall, but I actually like to meet like minded hikers with a love of the great outdoors. I could positively count the number of people within an hour of me who enjoy hiking on 1 hand.

Granted, backpacking can at times be a lonely endeavor, but it must be remembered that the burn-out rate is high after spending a day or two with a crowd of backpacking strangers. The AT is as good a trail as any to meet people, but for me this should come in small doses with frequent time for solitude.

And I live in east TN, so I know how hard it is to find like-minded backpackers to hit the trails with. There's always the AT when I need my human-fix. Ain't too often, nowadays.

[Engine]

Granted, backpacking can at times be a lonely endeavor, but it must be remembered that the burn-out rate is high after spending a day or two with a crowd of backpacking strangers. The AT is as good a trail as any to meet people, but for me this should come in small doses with frequent time for solitude.

And I live in east TN, so I know how hard it is to find like-minded backpackers to hit the trails with. There's always the AT when I need my human-fix. Ain't too often, nowadays.

Tipi,
If you ever want to hike with someone, I'd be happy to head that way for a few days of time in the woods (work permitting). I'm sure I'd learn a lot (being sincere here) and would find the experience enjoyable.

[Tipi Walter]

Tipi,
If you ever want to hike with someone, I'd be happy to head that way for a few days of time in the woods (work permitting). I'm sure I'd learn a lot (being sincere here) and would find the experience enjoyable.

Anytime you feel like it, come on up and we'll plan something.

[Egads]

Well the ground is dirty and it makes my stuff dirtier. They also make my gear smell. The ground is hard and uncomfortable.

Sounds like a candidate to try out a hammock

[Engine]

I was trying to figure out why the ground would be any harder than a shelter platform...

[Chaco Taco]

Well the ground is dirty and it makes my stuff dirtier. They also make my gear smell. The ground is hard and uncomfortable.

Then what are you doin hiking???

[Egads]

In a Maine AT shelter's log book I once saw an entry complaining about a couple having loud sex in a shelter while this thru hiker was trying to sleep. He even drew a diagram to show their close proximity to him...

That lacks class.

Which one lacks class, the people making happy or the artist?

[Chaco Taco]

Or originality.

and virginity

[hammock engineer]

Sounds like a candidate to try out a hammock

I hammock in the shelter. Now we're talking. Done it and loved it. Best tarp I ever used.

[Phoenixdadeadhead]

I am so snail paced it isn't even funny lol, when I do bump into hikers going the same way I am, I only see them the one night. I do get sore from the planks though. I have been debating on whether or not to build a bridge hammock, I would still stay right next to the shelter though. I must be stranger than I thought lol.

[Engine]

Which one lacks class, the people making happy or the artist?

The making happy inches away from others who then become unwilling (I assume) participants due to proximity. As for the artist, I thought that was a little odd as well. If I was upset by the act I would be making this:

o
o o
o o o
o o o o o
x x x x x x x x
x x
x x

[Engine]

That didn't work as planned...it was supposed to be a 5/3/3 defense against the old flying wing offense.