How to Set Up a Tent

A tent is a prerequisite when going camping or hiking. The following article will provide you step-by-step guidelines in pitching tents.

Tents have been used for accommodation since ancient times. It has been used by explorers, adventurers, for refugee camps, and also during emergencies. It is the most basic camping equipment and is also used, sometimes, by kids as a playhouse. Before choosing a camping tent make sure it is durable.

Things Required

Most of the items required to pitch a tent usually come along with the tent itself. If not, then you will need to buy a few things like a ground cover, stakes, rods, or snow pegs, and a hammer or mallet to drive the stakes in.

Method of Pitching a Tent

➡ Look for a flat ground to set up a tent. Flat ground is also comfortable to sleep at night. In case of snowy regions, try to find even land. Clear all debris, dried leaves, and twigs from the surface and make it as smooth and even as possible. Take into consideration the direction of inclination or slope before building a tent.

➡ Place the ground cover on the surface where you need to build the tent. Some people may think that ground cover can be used optionally. On the contrary, it will protect the surface and help to keep the space waterproof. Unpack the tent from your bag, and if you are camping in an area with heavy wind, put some weight on the tent to prevent it from being blown away. Bricks or stones can be used for this purpose if you do not have any heavy objects.

➡ Now take the stakes or rods and fasten each pole with the tent clip or key. You need to pull the tent taut, but, be careful not pull it so hard that it tears. Hammer these stacks or rods into the ground. Now put the tent rod in the center of the tent.

➡ Recheck if the stakes are firmly fixed into the ground. The tent will lean or even fall if the stakes are loosely held in the ground. If you are camping in snowy areas, you may get special snow pegs that can be used in snow. A rainfly can be used to prevent the tent from flying away.

Tips

• Try to pitch a tent in broad daylight if you are an amateur. Practice it at home before leaving for a camping trip.

• Before planning a camping trip, know the weather conditions of that place. This will be helpful you because a tent is built in a different way in different weather conditions.

• You must avoid setting up tents under trees as sometimes twigs falling from the trees can be troublesome. Similarly, do not pitch a tent in a valley as water collection can cause a problem.

Once you get to know the basic method, try pitching tents in different locations at different weather conditions. Practicing for a couple of times will be helpful and soon you will be able to do it perfectly and quickly. Benefits of camping can be best experienced when one is well versed in all basic camping skills, and setting up tents is considered to be an important skill one needs to learn to truly enjoy a camping trip.