Windy Day Tent Setup Tricks You Need To Know, by Honest Ramble on YouTube. 10 min 24 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 24 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Check the forecast and pick a pitch sheltered by a wall, hedge, rock or hill. Face the lowest end of the tent into the wind so gusts slide over it.
Lay the tent out flat and peg the corners on the windward side first. Push pegs in at a 45 degree angle away from the tent for a firmer hold.
Keep the tent low while you work. Do not lift the whole flysheet into the air, because it will act like a sail.
Thread the poles through their sleeves or clips with the tent still on the ground. Work from one end so the fabric stays pinned down.
Raise the tent into the wind, not across it. Have a second person hold the windward side while you fit the poles into the corner eyelets.
Peg out every guy line as soon as the tent stands. Pull them taut but leave a little give so the fabric can flex in gusts.
Add extra pegs along the windward wall and use double pegging on exposed corners. Pile rocks or gear bags over pegs that pull loose.
Pitch the flysheet last and peg its windward edge first. Check all lines again before you go to sleep.
Tips and common mistakes
Never let go of a pole or flysheet in a strong gust, as it can flap away or snap.
Use stronger pegs than the thin ones in the box for soft or exposed ground.
Pitch before the wind peaks and avoid ridgelines or open beaches if you can.
Keep the door turned away from the wind so it does not blow open.
Questions
Should I pitch a tent with the door into the wind?
No. Turn the lowest, strongest end of the tent into the wind and keep the door on the sheltered side. That stops gusts from catching the door and filling the tent.
What if I am camping alone in strong wind?
Peg the windward corners before you raise any poles and keep the tent low. A second person makes it much easier, so ask a neighbour at the campsite if you can.
Can I use rocks instead of pegs?
Yes, on hard or rocky ground you can weight the corners and guy lines with rocks. Check that they are heavy enough and will not roll in a gust.
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.
