How to pick a campsite pitch and set up your tent
Where to pitch, how to set up in minutes, and tricks for staying dry and comfortable.
Where you pitch matters as much as how. A good spot makes for a comfortable, dry night.
Choosing your spot
- Look for flat, level ground. If there's a slight slope, sleep with your head uphill.
- Avoid dips where rainwater collects.
- Check above for dead branches.
- Use natural windbreaks like hedges, and point the door away from the wind.
Setting up step by step
- Clear stones and sticks from the ground.
- Lay down a footprint or groundsheet slightly smaller than the tent.
- Spread the tent out, door facing the right way.
- Assemble the poles and attach them as the instructions show.
- Peg the corners at a 45° angle, leaning away from the tent.
- Add the flysheet and tension the guy lines.
Staying dry
Keep the flysheet taut so it doesn't touch the inner tent, open vents to reduce condensation, and keep wet gear in the porch.
Taking it down
Dry the tent before packing if you can. If you pack it wet, open it up at home within a day to stop mould.
