Tent Pitching Tips

If you are looking for some tent pitching tips, Terra Nova and Wild Country are experts. Their tents are built to last, but only if they are cared for correctly. Here are some top tent pitching tips to keep your tent in the best possible condition:

Practice pitching your tent

It’s NEVER a good idea to head off on your trip before practising pitching your tent. Even if you think you know how to pitch it, it’s always best to be on the safe side. Plus, you need to check you have everything you need to pitch it before you go.

Clear the pitching area

Clear the site of stones and twigs and if possible, use a Groundsheet Protector (GSP) or Footprint. Groundsheet protectors or footprints, provide extra protection from sharp objects and rough ground, helping prolong the life of the tent’s groundsheet. Groundsheet Protectors are cut precisely to fit under the inner tent of each model, however, Footprints cover the complete footprint of the tent.

Keep inside your tent clean

We know it should go without saying, but it is not advisable to wear boots inside the tent. It will make your living space grubby and give you more to clean when you pack away.

Choose the right pitching space

Another invaluable bit of information to add to the tent pitching tips, is to ensure the tent is pitched with its back into the wind and use natural shelter (hedges, walls, etc.) where possible. Be sure to always choose a level, sheltered site that is well-drained to allow your tent to perform at its best. Also, sap is almost impossible to remove from flysheet fabric, so avoid pitching your tent under trees.

Secure the tent

• Always ensure that everything is pegged or weighted down, including the flysheet awaiting assembly. If you don’t, there could be some pretty serious consequences.
• Make sure you are using the peg correctly. The best angle is approximately 45 degrees, with the hook at the top of the peg facing away from the tent. In extreme circumstances, you can use two pegs crossed over to get a more secure anchor point.
• We provide the minimum amount of pegs and guy lines with each of our tents to match the intended use. But check that you have the correct type of peg and quantity of guy ropes to
  match your intended circumstance of use. You can purchase a wide range of extra pegs, guy lines and accessories here.
• Once pitched, leave the doors closed as much as possible. Keeping them closed increases the strength and stability of the tent. Never leave the doors open if you are away from the tent, particularly on windy days.

Tip: If you have to pitch an inner-first model in the rain, we would advise covering the pegged-down inner with the flysheet whilst you thread the poles. If conditions prevent this,
the speed with which you can pitch a Terra Nova tent (with practice) will minimise the exposure of the inner to the rain. Inner tents have a DWR treatment to enable any water that reaches the inner tent to bead and rolls away.

Make use of the guylines

Always use all the guylines on the flysheet. Guylines contribute to the overall strength of the tent, increasing its stability and performance in bad weather. Failure to use guylines correctly may result in damage to the tent. Where there is loose ground or snow, you can fix guy lines to things buried, such as rocks or equipment you may have with you. We also offer Dead Guys as an anchor system.

By following these tent pitching tips, not only will you avoid damage to the tent, but you’ll be able to keep it in the best condition for as long as possible.