Have you been thinking about going on a camping trip lately? Are you in the process of getting everything together and need some help with the tent? Perhaps you have no idea how to set one up or know how long it is going to take. Whether you want to learn from scratch or brush up on your skills, we've got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about tents, from setting them up to how long it takes.
Where should you set up a tent?
The first thing that you must be wondering is where to do it. It is actually pretty simple because all you need to do is lookout for a few things, and the rest is easy. When you get to the place you intend to camp for the night, you will first check if there are any designated spots for campers. Most beaches and parks do have these areas, and they are incredibly camper-friendly, so that's the place to go.
However, if there is no dedicated area, you will have to search around a little. Look for a flat area that is not too far away from where other people are. This just provides a little extra safety. Along with this, make sure you camp somewhere where there is plenty of shade. Looking for trees is the best thing to do when you’re searching for a good spot. Shady spots are cooler and protect your tent from premature aging as well.
How to set up a tent?
Now for one of the most dreaded things for people new to camping: setting up the tent. It may look a little confusing when you first purchase a tent because of all the different parts that make no sense. However, it is actually easier than you think. Here is a step-by-step guide to ease the process:
- After you’ve found the place you want to camp, you’ll need to get your materials out. This includes the tent itself, the accessories it came with, stakes, a tarp or footprint, and an optional rubber mallet.
- You will then need to lay the base. First, remove any debris like sticks, pinecones, and rocks, so that you have a flat surface. Then, lay any waterproof cloth, called a footprint, onto the ground. You can place it in any direction you like, but it is best to tuck away any extra material after your tent is set up. This base will protect you and your tent from water during storms and protects the floor of your tent.
- Grab a friend and stretch the tent across the base. Pull it tight from two opposite ends and stake them down. To do this, take your stake and push them directly into the ground, with the hook facing outwards. If you're having trouble pushing them into the ground, use a rubber mallet, your boot, or a camping hatchet.
- Stretch out the other corners and repeat the previous step to get all stakes in. It is best to bring extra stakes with you in case any of them break.
- Next, you'll have to grab the poles. Unfold them and insert the longest one into the outside sleeves of the tent. The styles of tents can be pretty different, so check the instruction manual that came with yours to identify exactly where it is. Be sure to slide them slowly, so they don't get caught onto anything.
- Repeat the previous step with any additional poles that the tent came with. It would be best if you referred to the instruction manual to figure out how many your tent needs.
- Now, you'll have to raise the tent. Slowly raise one of the poles of the tent from the top. Once it's high enough, fit the ends of each pole to its corresponding fastener or pocket that will be close to the bottom of the tent. Keep doing this until all the poles are fastened, and the tent is standing upright.
- Lastly, add the rainfly over your tent. This keeps rain or other moisture from entering the tent. A rainfly may need to be attached with a pole so if that is the case, insert the pole first. Attach these to fasteners on the side of poles or the bottom of the tent to hold it in place.
- Add any more stakes or rope if necessary so that it stays taut. After this, you're done! You have set up your tent perfectly and are ready to spend a comfortable night no matter what the weather.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Set Up a Tent?
Nine steps seem like a lot of work, doesn't it? So, how long does it typically take to set up a tent?
A regular tent can take under an hour if you’re setting it up for the first time. Most people figure it out in 45 minutes if the tent is a bit complicated to set up. However, when you go camping a bunch of times, it will come naturally to you. At times like this, it can take as little as only a few minutes.
It is important to note that these are average estimates. The duration may differ based on the size of the tent, the design, the place you're setting one up, and so on.
How to make things faster?
Whether you find setting a tent up enjoyable or not, everyone wants to find ways to do things quicker. Here are some things you can do to speed up the process:
- Try it out before going camping:
Before leaving for the trip, take the tent out to your backyard. Try putting it together, and take as much time as you need to figure it out. This way, since you've done it before, it'll be easier and quicker when you do it at the spot you want to set it up.
- Practice:
Just like everything else in life, practice will help you do things faster and much more efficiently. The more you practice setting up tents, the more you understand and get used to doing it and following those steps. As a result, each time you set one up, it will be a little easier than the last time you did it. This way you will be more likely to set up tents faster.
- Watch some videos:
Online tutorials are a great way to learn things. This includes setting up tents as well. If you want to get the hang of it, watch a few videos, and you'll understand how to do things better. You may even catch on to a few tips that real campers use to put a tent together. Just look some videos up, and you're bound to find a bunch.
- Grab a good quality tent:
The better the quality of the tent, the easier it is to set up. It's okay to spend a little more on something that is better and makes things easier. Better quality means ease in the set up process, so a faster routine. Along with this, tents of good quality offer better protection from UV rays and rain like this one from Kidz Adventure.
- Read the instruction manual:
Although we have given you a great step-by-step guide that will work for almost all tents, the tent you purchased may have additional steps. This is why it is crucial to take a look at your instruction manual, so you don't get confused. Along with this, it becomes easier to find any hooks or other attachments when you've read the instruction manual because you know exactly where to look.
- Find tents that don’t need a rainfly:
Many tents are made out of waterproof material that will prevent you from storms. This takes away the need for a rainfly which makes the process quicker. However, it is best to first check to what extent your tent can withstand water. If you’re going to a place where heavy storms are frequent, it is best not to skip this step. Sometimes, that extra layer of protection proves to be extremely worth it.
- Get the kids to lend a hand:
The more people, the faster the process. Getting your kids to help out is not only a great bonding experience, but it makes setting up a tent so much faster. Moreover, once they've learned, they're bound to enjoy it, so you can put them on tent set up duty next time you go camping.
What tents can you get for kids?
Putting up a tent can be even more fun for kids if you buy something especially for them. The best tents for kids that money can buy are the ones from Kidz Adventure. They are big enough to fit you as well and come in a variety of fun colors with cute designs that brighten their moods. They are bound to enjoy camping more if you give them a cute and fun tent to set up that they get to sleep in as well. Kids are pretty creative and love making things, so this could be a great learning experience for them. Kidz Adventure never compromises on quality, has great variety, and is affordable compared to other brands with similar claims. So, if you want a bit of added fun to your camping trips, grab a great, easy to set up tent from Kidz Adventure for your next trip.
Conclusion
Setting up a tent may sound difficult and extremely time consuming at first. However, it can prove to be much easier and quicker than you imagined. All you need to do is follow a few steps and practice for a while until you get the hang of it. After one or two trips, you'll realize that it is actually much simpler than you initially anticipated. The tent will never be a major problem, so if that's what's been keeping you from trying it out, move that thought aside. With these tips and good quality tents, they will never be too much trouble.