Tents II - Pitching Tips

When it comes to getting your tent set up in the woods, there are several simple tips that could make your life easier. The first piece of advice is obvious, yet often not heeded - set up your tent at home at least once before you go!

Once you have a campsite selected, look at your surroundings. First of all, are there any "widowmakers" (dead branches) above? If so, move! Which way is the prevailing wind? If the wind isn't blowing at the moment, then take a look at the trees - have they have a bend in one general direction? Does the ground show indications of where water lies or flows? You don't want to be in any area where water pools or flows.

Now that you have selected a spot out of the way of water and if possible sheltered by the wind, get your ground tarp or footprint out. Comb the area for sticks and moveable rocks, but refrain from digging up roots and rocks and mowing down the forest floor; you want to Leave No Trace. If you must be set up in the wind, position the most aerodynamically designed side of your tent into the wind. This may not have you facing the camp fire, but it could make for a more peaceful night of sleep.

Next is where there is some debate among the experts. The best advice is to stake out your tent at this point. Admittedly, I usually run my poles through next and then make some final position tweaks before staking, but staking first gives the tightest pitch. No matter when you do put in your stakes, you should not move around the tent in a circular pattern. Rather, pick one corner to stake, then go to the opposite corner, just like tightening the lug nuts on a wheel. This will ensure the most weatherproof pitch.

To finish, secure your fly to the tent body. This should definitely be done after staking and should also be done from corner to corner. If foul weather is on the way, most tents have guy lines that should be secured in order to add more stability to the structure. Now you're ready for a good night's sleep in the woods!