The longevity of any camping holiday is tied to how long it takes to put the tent up and down. Our handy walkthrough takes out the guesswork.
By Daniel Butkovich
If you set up a tent once a year on an annual camping holiday you may have forgotten the trick to getting it up first time, no sweat.
We jog your memory with this handy guide to erecting a dome tent.
1. Select a site
Handyman Magazine
Choose a flat area without large branches overhead to set up the tent.
Select an area that receives morning shade, as the heat of direct sunlight can become unbearable in summer.
Clear the ground of twigs and rocks that may damage the tent. Ensure campfires are a safe distance away.
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2. Insert the poles
Handyman Magazine
Lay out the tent, then assemble the poles and lay them in position.
Insert the poles through the sleeves, pushing rather than pulling to avoid them coming apart or catching on the fabric, then attach the clips to the poles.
TIP: If there is a slope, position the tent so your feet will be facing downhill.
3. Erect the tent
Handyman Magazine
Insert one end of the first pole into the eyelet at a corner, then insert the other end into the opposite corner, bending the tent pole and adjusting the fabric as necessary.
Repeat for the other pole to raise the tent.
TIP Have a second person help you align the poles with the eyelets.
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If you set up a tent once a year on an annual camping holiday you may have forgotten the trick to getting it up first time, no sweat.
We jog your memory with this handy guide to erecting a dome tent.
4. Hammer in the pegs
Handyman Magazine
Reposition the tent if required, then hammer a peg through the eyelet into the ground at one corner using a mallet.
Pull the opposite corner taut and drive in a peg, then repeat for the other corners, ensuring the sides are taut.
When camping on a sandy site, keep the tent anchored with sand pegs.
5. Attach the fly
Handyman Magazine
Drape the fly over the top of the tent, ensuring the guy ropes are on the outside and the entrance flaps align with the door of the tent.
Secure the fly by attaching the hooks to the eyelets at each corner.
TIP Avoid touching the fly if it rains, as this may cause water to seep through.
6. Secure the guy ropes
Handyman Magazine
Create a loop of rope at the lower end of the tensioner.
Pull the guy rope out from the seam towards the ground at a 45ยบ angle and hammer a peg into the ground through the loop.
Tighten the tensioner until the rope is taut.
TIP Stake guy ropes as close to the tent as possible to prevent trip hazards.
