Tips On Pitching A Tent.

Pitching a tent can be a bit challenging, especially if it's your first time, in the dark, or even more so... a combination of the two. :-)

1. When pitching a tent, make sure to set it up away from the campfire. Most newer camping tents are made of plastics that can burn or melt if you're not careful.

2. If you're new to tent pitching or if you've recently invested in a new tent, I highly recommend reading through the instructions and setting it up before you take it on a trip. Having previous experience setting up your new tent will make it that much easier to do it at your campsite... especially in the dark. Do you see a theme here? ;-)

3. Avoid pitching a tent in depressions or anywhere water is going to pool if it rains. Waking up to find yourself surrounded by 3 inches of water that has funneled into the low area you set up in isn't good.

4. Try to find an area that's slightly elevated and sheltered from the sun and elements to pitch a tent. Shade will help to protect your tent from the oxidizing effects of the sun which will fade and weaken the fabric over time. Little details like this can help your camping gear and hiking equipment last longer and serve you better.

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5. On the flip side, avoid camping under a tree or small stand of trees that stand by themselves as they can act as lightning rods in thunderstorms. Between the lightning and falling branches they're not a safe place to be.

6. Staking a tent helps to give the structure support and keep it in place when it gets windy, so make sure to use all of the stakes provided. If the ground is rocky and you can't find a place to plant a stake, try tying the effected guy line off on a rock or log.

7. As I've mentioned previously, one of the most important things you'll want to take an extra minute to do is clear the ground where you plan on placing your tent of sticks and rocks. This not only protects the floor, it saves you the hassle of having to get up in the middle of the night to remove a stone that happens to be where you least want it. This is especially true if you sleep on a pad.

8. Although the better quality new tents come with taped seams to help waterproof your tent, it's still a good idea to try pitching a tent before you take it camping for the first time. Once it's up spray it down with a garden hose and check for leaks. Once it's dry, apply seam sealer to any areas that leaked, or better yet seal every seam from the get go. Tip: Any stitching that you can see light through should be sealed.

9. Bring extra tent stakes, it's possible to misplace or break them while pitching a tent. Find more information on camping tents, tent footprints, and tent poles here.