How to Pitch a Tent - Even In the Dark!
One of the very first things you’ll want to do when you arrive at your campsite is to choose a good spot to pitch your tent. Knowing how to pitch a tent and pitch it well is a key to successful camping.
You’ll be able to quickly and efficiently set up your tent under any camping circumstances if you familiarize yourself with your set-up ahead of time.
• Practice setting your tent up at home before you go camping so you can learn how it’s done
• Read the directions so you know you’ve set the tent up right (it’s a good idea to look them over again before you leave as a refresher, but don’t forget to pack them)
• Make sure all the parts listed in the directions are there, and make sure they all get packed with the tent
Setting Your Tent Up At the Campsite
Each tent set-up is different; some tents are much easier to assemble than others. The following steps will give you a general idea of how to set up most standard tents:
• Locate the directions and keep them handy for reference
• Clear a flat area for the tent-brush away rocks, sticks, and major debris-if you can’t find a flat spot, put the head of the tent uphill
• Lay out a ground cloth to insulate and protect from moisture-it’s a good idea to lie on the ground cloth to test your spot for discomforting debris before you get your whole tent set up
• Lay the tent out flat and stake the edges (this step applies to most tent styles); drive stakes in securely-stretching & staking the tent is especially helpful in the dark so that all ends stay where they need to
• Tuck ground cloth edges completely under the tent so it doesn’t gather water
• Assemble tent poles and attach them through their appropriate sleeves, grommets, or bands; place one set of poles at a time
• Lift the tent structure via poles and secure poles in bottom grommets
• Cover the set-up with a rain barrier (flysheet) for added protection from the elements; stake as needed
• Double check stakes and lines for security
• Roll out bedding and sleeping bags-even if sleep is hours away; this allows them to regain their loft (and you’ll have nothing to worry about in the dark, tired hours)
• Zip the tent closed to protect from pests and invaders
Tips for Pitching a Tent in the Dark
Of course, its best if you don’t have to set your tent up in the dark so you should try your best to plan your arrival with enough daylight left for the job; in general, you should plan on one-half to one hour for tent set up.
Sometimes, though, circumstances are beyond your control and you may have to pitch a tent in the dark.
These pointers can help:
• Have good lighting on hand-preferably more than a flashlight. A stand-alone lantern will cast light for a good distance all around. If you’re backpacking it, a headlamp won’t take up much room, will keep your hands free and cast light right where you need it.
• If you have a partner, have them pull the corner diagonally opposite you to stake the corners of the flat tent-this way you get a taught base. If you’re alone, stake the corner first, then the opposite diagonal.
• Follow the seams of the tent to guide you to the right pole sleeve, band, or grommet. Even if you can’t see well, you’ll be able to feel your way through this way. Since pole sleeves usually follow the main seam, following along the main seem from one sleeve to another should put you in the right sleeve.
A little preparation and a little practice will go a long way for an easy tent set up; should you find yourself building camp in the dark, knowing these little tricks of the camping trade will aid your low-light efforts.
