10 Tent Mistakes Every New Backpacker Makes, by Oscar Hikes on YouTube. 5 min 35 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 35 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Pick a flat, level pitch before you unpack. Clear stones, twigs and pine cones from the whole footprint area so nothing pokes through the floor overnight.
Lay the footprint or groundsheet down first, then set the tent body on top. Keep the groundsheet edges tucked just inside the tent floor so rain does not run under it.
Stake the corners in wind before you insert the poles. Push each stake in at a low angle, roughly 45 degrees, pointing away from the tent.
Feed the poles through the sleeves or clips and raise the tent. Keep the door closed while it goes up so the wind does not catch the fabric like a sail.
Pitch with the door and the low end facing into the wind. This cuts drafts inside and stops rain blowing straight in when you open the door.
Attach the fly and stake out the guy lines. Tension them so the fly does not touch the inner tent, which keeps condensation from soaking your sleeping bag.
Store your pack and boots in the porch, not inside the sleeping area. Keep sharp items and food away from the tent floor and walls.
Vent the tent before you sleep. Open the vents or leave a small gap at the top of the door to reduce condensation inside.
Sleep on a proper pad, not directly on the tent floor. A pad with a good insulation value keeps the cold ground from pulling heat out of your body.
Check the forecast and wind direction before you leave camp. Take the tent down fly-first in rain and shake off dirt before packing it away.
Tips and common mistakes
Never pitch in a hollow or at the bottom of a slope, because cold air and rainwater collect there.
Do not over-tighten guy lines in strong wind, since a little flex stops the poles from snapping.
Keep the tent door zipped at all times to stop insects and damp air getting in.
Dry the tent fully at home before storing it, or mildew will set in and ruin the fabric.
Questions
How do I stop my tent flapping in wind?
Stake the corners first, pitch the door into the wind and tension the guy lines evenly. A taut fly with a small gap to the inner tent flaps far less.
Why is my tent wet inside in the morning?
That is condensation from your breath and body heat. Open the vents, leave a small gap at the door and keep the fly from touching the inner tent.
Should I use a footprint under my tent?
Yes, a footprint protects the floor from stones and damp ground. Keep its edges inside the tent floor so rain does not pool underneath.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
