Where can I pitch the tent?
Do not try to pitch your tent in low lying areas, you could get very wet in case of rain !
First take the stones, brambles and roots out of the way. They could damage the groundsheet and be a nuisance when sleeping. Make sure there aren’t any anthills.
Always keep the sun in mind when choosing a place : at what time of day will my tent be in the sun or in the shade ?
In which direction ?
Track the dominant winds and make sure your tent won’t be exposed to these winds on its side to keep the guys from being blown off.
Put the entrance of your tent towards a nice scenery or towards the east, that way you can wake up with the sun.
How can I pitch it?
Put the groundsheet on the floor and fix it in the ground with pegs over the impermeable flaps.
Put the two spikes in the corresponding holes in the ridge of the tent. Put the poles upright on the groundsheet (protect it with collars)
Hold the poles upright, close the zippers.
Tighten the front and rear guys, then the corner guylines, and last the ones on each side.
Put a cigar on each mast and put the ridge pole above them. You can now put the flysheet.
Put the guys of the flysheet in the same order as for the tent.
Some piece of advice:
Cold always comes from the ground. You can put some newspaper and a blanket in between your sleeping bag and the flysheet to be better insulated. (also use a ground cloth)
When it rains loosen the guys of the tent a little and tighten those of the flysheet.
Once the tent is pitched, dig a trench around it to allow the water falling from the tent roof to be evacuated.
If you want your trench to be useful the tent roof should land above the trench and your tent should not be pitched in a low lying area.
If you want you can add a hole at one corner of your trenches.
Every morning make sure you tidy your things. Put the sleeping bags together. You can also put your backpacks over the pile to make a sofa.
Fold one half of the groundsheet over the sofa. That way your things will be protected all day long , even if it rains.
If you change sides each day, you will enable the grass to regenerate and ot won’t be yellowish at the end of your camp. Once you get home don’t forget to take care of your tent: You should dry it, air it, and check it for its next use.
