Hilleberg,the tent people make a very nice group shelter.Silnylon seconds from Thru-hiker could be made into one with just some simple sewing--all long seams--and holes with hoods...it sounds like there was a "people problem" and not a gear problem..i have been out on canoe trips with friends who did not want to admit they were cold or tired and i ended up pulling in and make them get more or dryer clothes on..my wife had a bad habit of packing for local weather and then being cold in the camp--i never did get my poly-fluff pull over back--