I normaly portray cavalry and typically just sleep under the stars without a tent. (Never figured out how to strap the poles to my saddle safely. ;-) Occaisionally, if the weather calls for a tent I team up with my two mess mates and assemble a tent using our three shelter halves. The third half can be buttoned to one end and provides a place to store packs or tack as need be.
This last year at an early war event (dog tents weren't commonly issed yet) with poor weather we crammed 5 infantrymen into a common tent (aka A-frame, or wedge). The weather was such that we didn't stack arms. Even after we strung a line between the two uprights to hang gear on, with our weapons, accoutrements, and packs it was quite cramped. You certainly couldn't fit any cots, coolers or other junk in there that weekend.
