What form of emergency shelter do most people carry hiking the AT through the Smokies

**rodonne1** · 06-30-2013, 20:24

I'm leaving in four weeks for a Smokies thru hike and was just wondering what most folks carry as a backup shelter incase they don't make it to their designated shelter or get caught in a bad storm? As of now, I'm planning on carrying only my rain gear but curious to hear what others do?

**Wise Old Owl** · 06-30-2013, 20:26

a uber light tent or hammock ... a few use a tarp and groundcloth.

**Lone Wolf** · 06-30-2013, 20:26

i always carry a tent. i've never hiked without one

**coach lou** · 06-30-2013, 20:55

Tarp and poncho, w/groundcloth

**Wise Old Owl** · 06-30-2013, 20:58

You should post a picture of your great setup... I was drooling... serious.

**Malto** · 06-30-2013, 20:59

Originally Posted by rodonne1

I'm leaving in four weeks for a Smokies thru hike and was just wondering what most folks carry as a backup shelter incase they don't make it to their designated shelter or get caught in a bad storm? As of now, I'm planning on carrying only my rain gear but curious to hear what others do?

What shelter would you carry if there were no shelters in the Smokies? Answer that and you have your answer. You should never rely on the shelters because you will need a shelter the same time that everyone else does and there are no guarantees.

**hikerboy57** · 06-30-2013, 21:02

only mice rely on shelters for shelter....and food

**Ezra** · 06-30-2013, 21:07

I would not feel prepared if I did not have my tent with me...it is essential.

**coach lou** · 06-30-2013, 22:03

Originally Posted by Wise Old Owl

You should post a picture of your great setup... I was drooling... serious.

P4060030.jpg
PA270050.jpg P5260382.jpg Z-Pacs....I think is the company.....they have a Cuben fibre Bathtub floor that is going to slip right into this baby!

**hobbs** · 07-01-2013, 00:17

I carry a Tarptent...

**SGT Rock** · 07-01-2013, 07:05

I always have my tarp and hammock.

**RED-DOG** · 07-01-2013, 07:07

A light 1 man tent is all a person needs.

**Nutbrown** · 07-01-2013, 07:29

Tarp and hammock.

**moytoy** · 07-01-2013, 07:35

I started hiking the AT in the GSMNP over 50 years ago and I never carried a tent. I always used the shelters. I changed that practice in the mid 80's. It's much smarter to carry a shelter in the backcountry.

**bear bag hanger** · 07-01-2013, 07:36

For an emergency shelter, all you need is about a 5X8 tarp. In cuben fiber, they are about 4 to 6 oz. I wouldn't consider a full tent as emergency shelter, but if you don't mind the weight, you'll be more comfortable. While I have heard of people hiking the whole AT using only shelters, I wouldn't plan on it. If it's raining, when you need a shelter the most, you'll find them full.

**litefoot2000** · 07-01-2013, 15:23

Tarp and ground cloth. Went the whole way.

**Dogwood** · 07-01-2013, 15:53

6'X7'x9' cuben tarp.

**da fungo** · 07-01-2013, 15:58

Originally Posted by hobbs

I carry a Tarptent...

I get "uo" in the morning - what's that, urinary obstructions? That would hurt.

**treesloth** · 07-01-2013, 17:16

http://zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid_pocket.shtml

**AllenIsbell** · 07-01-2013, 17:52

Very nice^

Thread: What form of emergency shelter do most people carry hiking the AT through the Smokies

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Display

What form of emergency shelter do most people carry hiking the AT through the Smokies

Posting Permissions