it's a shame so many are dependent on shelters; it really controls the hiking miles and doesn't allow one to explore other trails.
Would you be offended if I told you to
TAKE A HIKE!
CowHead
"If at first you don't succeed......Skydiving is not for you" Zen Isms
I once was lost, then I hike the trail
Everyman:
Next time, ask about using your cell phone, or your gun, or something less controversial <grin>.
Everybody else, chill. We *know* you don't use shelters. You keep telling us over and over and over again. Thank you. The OP asked for some specific advice.
You'll want a piece of tyvek or plastic to use as a ground sheet. Put your sleeping pad and bag on top (duh.) You can sleep in either direction -- depends on the situation. If it's buggy you might want a head net or some DEET, but the mice really won't be a big deal if you use *ear plugs.* Do not forget the ear plugs.
There are usually strings hanging from the rafters with a tuna can to block the mice, used for hanging your food bag. You'll probably have to share. Usually works okay, but if the shelter has bear cables outside, use those instead. Many newer shelters have big wooden pegs to hang your pack along the wall. Leave the pocket zippers open. Don't leave any food in your sleeping bag unless you want the mice to visit.
Etiquette: Don't spread your stuff all over the place. If there are more than a couple of people there, keep everything on top of your sleeping bag/pad. That's your space. Try to be quiet after dark. Don't talk on your cell phone. Don't walk outside and pee right behind the shelter. Do keep the place clean, sign the register, and enjoy pleasant conversation with other people who share your (very) unusual interest in walking through the woods with a pack.
Big Cranky - Did not expect so much passionate feedback, but that is what this type of forum allows for. I was simply looking for practical advice as I am looking to do some overnight hikes this summer and was planning to hammock but wondered how it worked in shelters as I have never used one before. I am aware of all the people related issues that can happen (stay up late, fart, be inconsiderate, etc) but was not aware of the weather/mice stuff. No ill intended.
Nice post bigcranky. One thing I would like to add before i move on...
if the weather is really, really bad and the shelter is empty, be prepared for an invasion of prep school kids with an attitude (or some other group of whiners), lots of wet muddy boots and a leader who keeps whining, 'oh my, i didn't mean for all 16 to move in this shelter built for 10. i mean we do have tents.' bro and i took one look at each other and said, 'yep, time to pack out' and left in a huge downpour with nightfall quickly approaching. true story and last time i will ever attempt to stay in a dirty wooden box. but y'all have fun now... i leave you to your own pleasures.
Its a personal choice, try one out for yourself. I've spent many more nights in a tent than a AT shelter. There are lots of other trails besides the AT. I find the convenience outweighs the negatives in most cases.
If you like it, it doesn't mean you're lazy or unclean, or whatever else the anti-shelterist say. HYOH.
OK, many of you shelter dwellers don't carry a shelter alternative. During my 2000 thru hike I was hiking with TUK and a young woman. The young woman wasn't carrying any type of shelter. When we made camp she was going to cowboy camp (or cowgirl) but it started to rain. TUK made room in his tent and all was good. The next day we tried to settle the issue that resulted from that night. Here's the question: Does TUK get a notch on his headboard for sleeping with the young woman even though nothing happened? I don't think we ever resolved the issue but we did talk about it for a long time.
The notches aren't for actually sleeping. Some "afternoon delight" gets you a notch.
Maybe I should turn in my membership card, because I prefer shelters for the most part. Most of the issues can be easily negated with a very small amount of prep work. Worried about loudmouths or snorers? Earplugs weigh next to nothing. Mice getting into your pack? Hang the whole thing from the bear cables, not just the food bag.
And tho our health we drank a thousand times, it's time to ramble on...
I know this doesn't help answer the initial question but I have to agree with Lone Wolf. If you're tired and want a good night's sleep...you might get it in a shelter but a safe bet on a good sleep is away from the shelter...just my opinion.
Rain won't bother you inside a shelter 99% of the time and many have tarps. Most sleep with the head towards the opening and feet to the wall.
"Going to the woods is going home" - John Muir
"Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truely get into the heart of the wilderness" - John Muir