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Posted by trouthunter on June 1, 2008 at 8:49:43 am EDT
In reply to Are there any tents with good vestibule space for a dog? posted by utahhiker on March 13, 2008 at 2:13:44 am EDT

Hey utahhiker, I have a good bit (9+ yrs.) of experience backpacking with a dog. I own a 120 lb. male Akita, and that is my companion during the winter when my wus friends want to stay home. (wah-wah)!
I am not a gear head, so I will refrain from suggesting a specific model of tent. I can tell you what I have learned about dogs and tents. I have had the same tent for ten years, a Mountain Hardware Skyview 2 which is no longer made. It has a large vestibule which works well for my dog, and enough space inside for my stuff.
I have found this arrangement works best for me.
Most dogs like to be up running around every couple of hours and having one in the tent with you is not an option for most people. If you buy a tent/tarp just for your dog, it will be another shelter you must set up/take down, and don't be surprised when you wake up and your lab is sleeping on the ground beside YOUR tent. You cannot zip most dogs up in his/her own tent while you get your eight hours of sleep. My dog can easily sleep out in blizzard conditions, but prefers to be close to me and all the "camping stuff".
Your lab should fit fine in a decent sized vestibule and have adequate shelter from a storm. She can still sleep wherever she is content in good weather. Some people cut an older thermarest in half to keep the dog off the wet/cold ground. This did not work for me because my dog just walked around with it in his mouth shaking it violently and finally "killed" the thing.
Keep in mind drainage issues when you pick your tent site

Just a side note here, I would strongly suggest buying a dog pack if you haven't already. Your lab can easily carry her own food plus your tent fly, which will lighten the packed weight of the tent you choose. Either that or YOU will carry her food and she will get a free ride! There is plenty of good info out there about introducing your dog to a dog pack, so I won't get into that.

My recommendation is a well made two man tent with a full fly & large vestibule or add on vestibule. Let your dog carry her food and the tent fly/add on vestibule. Remember, dogs have full time 4 wheel drive and a little extra weight will not hurt them!

Have fun and tell your lab I said hi!

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