How to Pitch the Coleman Darwin 3 Tent | Complete Beginner's Setup Guide, by HimalayanHighs on YouTube. 8 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a flat, open spot with short grass. Clear away sticks, stones and woody stems so nothing pokes through the tent floor.
Lay the tarp on the ground and spread it flat. Fold the edges under the tent footprint so rain cannot collect on the tarp.
Unpack the inner tent and spread it over the tarp with the door facing away from the wind. Keep the zips closed so insects stay out.
Assemble the two fibreglass poles and feed them through the sleeves or across the inner tent. Cross the poles to form the dome shape.
Clip the inner tent to the poles at each attachment point. Work around the tent so the fabric sits evenly.
Throw the rainfly over the top and line it up with the door. Make sure it does not touch the inner tent.
Peg the corners at about 45 degrees, leaning away from the tent. Push each peg in firmly with a mallet.
Attach and tension the guylines so the tent stays tight in wind and rain. Check that the rainfly is taut all round.
Tips and common mistakes
Always use a tarp: it keeps the floor dry and protects it from sticks and stones.
Peg corners at 45 degrees leaning outward so the tent holds better in wind.
A tight rainfly that does not touch the inner tent means less condensation inside.
Leave a strip of tarp in front of the door as a porch for muddy shoes.
Questions
Do I really need a tarp under the tent?
Yes. A tarp gives a firm base, lets rain drain away underneath and keeps sticks and stones off the tent floor.
How do I stop the tent flapping in wind?
Peg the corners at 45 degrees leaning away from the tent and tension all the guylines so the rainfly is taut.
Should I close the tent zips while pitching?
Yes. Keep the inner tent zips closed during setup so insects do not get inside before you sleep.
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.
