TENT CAMPING

What is tent camping?

Tent camping is a great way to explore nature and enjoy the great outdoors without having to deal with all of the complexities that come with other forms of camping. Sleeping in a tent gives you the closest feeling of sleeping outdoors under the stars but with a bit more privacy. Tent camping is relatively inexpensive and has a wider range of destinations than other forms of camping due to its simplicity.

CAR TENT VS GROUND TENT

Car tent camping involves a tent with one side open to attach and strap down to the back of your vehicle. Typically, an SUV is ideal for this type of camping. This allows the individuals to sleep in the back of their car and use the remaining space in the tent for functional activities. If you have to get drive to get supplies after set up, you can unstrap the tent from your car and zip it up while your gone! This is recommended to people who need a spacious tent to navigate around.

Car Tent Camping

Regular Tent Camping

Regular tent camping typically involves a nylon tent with four loose walls. When setting up the nylon tent, poles are fed through the nylon material to give it a sturdy structure. Users of regular tents sleep, change, and do other functional activities in the tent. Regular tents vary in size and can fit anywhere from 1 to 12 people. This can be a helpful option for larger families or friends. For tents larger than a 2-person tent, it is recommended to have help set up the poles, and flexibility of material can become difficult to manage independently.

HOW TO SET UP A REGULAR NYLON TENT

STEP 1: LAY THE BASE

• Gather tent, poles, rainfly, and tarps

• Choose a clear, flat, and level sport to build your tent

  • Clear any sticks, pine cones, rocks, etc.

• Decide which way you want to orient your tent

  • Look for shaded spots and take the natural windbreak to your advantage

• Lay down the tarp as a base level to build your tent on

STEP 2: SPREAD & STAKE TENT

• Preferably with two people, stretch and spread the base of the tent across the tarp

• Pull tent tight and stake down the four corners of the tent into the ground

  • Use a mallet or hammer if the ground is hard

  • Drive stakes into ground with hook facing outwards

  • Pack a few extra stakes just in case!

STEP 3: FEED THROUGH POLES

• Unfold the poles that are usually connected by a bungee cord

• Connect each part to make one long pole

  • Make sure poles are connected securely

• Insert the longest (main) poles into the small sleeves on the perimeter of the tent

  • The two main poles will typically cross each other at the top of the tent

• Repeat with additional poles

STEP 4: RAISE TENT

• Elevate tent by slowly raising one of the main tent poles

• Each end of the pole should fit into a fastener or pocket along the outside corners of your tent (near the ground)

• Repeat with the other cross pole and other remaining support poles

  • Make sure poles are connected securely

• Check for any additional fasteners along your tent to clip your poles into to secure it better

STEP 5: ADD THE RAINFLY

• Drape the rainfly across the top of your tent

• Look for fasteners along the outside of your tent to clip/hold the rainfly in place.

  • The fasteners may be along the middle to upper portion or along the main support poles

EXTRA TENT RESOURCES & TIPS

• Bring an extra tarp for the entrance to prevent excess dirt and debris getting into tent

  • Can remove shoes at the entrance and limit clutter/obstacles in tent

• Flatten down the entrance lip of tent to avoid tripping

• Bring a small broom or broom and dust pan to wipe out tent

• The more the help the better! If your solo camping... ask a neighboring camper. Typically the camping community is kind and helpful.

• Place a supportive beam in the middle of tent to help you hold onto and pull self up if sleeping on ground

Links to Youtube videos:

How to Set up a tent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha43JNTtus4

Picking The Right Tent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB4AOUZVJ7k

What You Wish You KNew Prior to Buying a Tent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnqmnu-XMWc