Sleeps ???

DragonAge · 08-05-2011, 05:34 PM

I always find that the estimates for how many people a tent can sleep is too high. Sure if it says and 8 person tent and you all squeeze in it might sleep 8, but not comfortably or with any extra space for stuff. I always subtract 2 from the number.

DThewanderer · 08-05-2011, 06:09 PM

I guess it depends on the people and the kind of trip. I find a 2 or 4 man tent is pretty actuate. However, if you are really going to sleep 8 it would have to be the right 8. The tent might get pretty cramped and to cramped for complainers.

Grandpa · 08-05-2011, 10:53 PM

Never sleep eight in a tent when seven are boy scouts that had beanie weanie for supper.

LivingToCamp · 08-06-2011, 07:30 AM

That's funny Grandpa! I personally think it should be a very large tent if you want to sleep eight in it. I too think it is probably over estimated so would downsize it a little to be safe and comfortable

Lamebeaver · 08-06-2011, 05:49 PM

Good observation.

One of my favorite tents is an Ozark Trail (Walmart) two person tent. It weights 3.5lbs and has room for me and all my gear. Here's the rub... I'm 5'7 and I need sleep diagonally to fit. I don't know how the &^%#@ they call this a two person tent.

I had a thee preson tent that worked well for the three of us when my kids were little. I suppose you could put three adults in in it, but there would be room for sleeping bags...that's it, and they would have to like each other a lot.

**CozInCowtown** · 08-06-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandpa

Never sleep eight in a tent when seven are boy scouts that had beanie weanie for supper.

I was thinking the same thing about chili beans and my daughter.... I'll just sleep in the truck.

oldmangunner · 08-07-2011, 02:15 PM

We had and 8 person tent on a trip we took to Myrtle Beach. there were 7 of us guys until one guy brought his GF. She complained about the space and us guys were all squished together just so she would be comfortable.

twilight · 08-07-2011, 02:52 PM

I would be interested to know how many square feet equals room for one person. Oftentimes, there is a big disconnect between sleeping space and the space required for a person and their stuff, not to mention all the stuff that has to come inside when it rains.

briansnat · 08-07-2011, 03:06 PM

Many tents arrive at the number based on a certain arrangement of the people in it. For example I have a 2 person backpacking tent, but the only way my wife and I can fit comfortably is if we sleep opposite ways, meaning our feet by each other's heads.

Most tents assume that sort of arrangement and some 6 and 8 person tents also assume a person or two sleeping perpendicular to the rest of the group.

But I agree, for max comfort use fewer people than the tent is rated for. I usually subtract one. E.g. one person in a two person tent, 2 people in a 3 person tent.

WalkingMan · 08-07-2011, 07:35 PM

My daughter would absolutely beat us to death if we slept close. I once woke up after having her in the bed with her diagonally on the bed and I was in one corner with my legs off of the bed. This kid could kill a prowler with no problem if they came upon her when she was sleeping. I have no idea where she gets it. I sleep like a rock and so does her mother.