Are you out camping and realized you don’t know how to set up a tent by yourself? Did your family go off swimming and leave you the important job of setting up the shelter on your own?
I get it. We’ve all been there. And, you know, setting up a tent on your own is not the same as setting up a tent with someone else.
This is especially true when the tent is a larger, 2-3 person tent. Sometimes the pitching process can get overwhelming.
But if you can do it, you will be the hero of your family and friends. But how to do it?
Luckily for you, we’re here to help. Read on for our simple steps on how to put up a tent by yourself.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Tent – OK. This one may seem obvious, but, yes, you need the tent. Tent’s can come in various sizes and types, but the most common is the dome tent.
Tents come in at different prices from the dirt cheap to the over-the-top expensive. This model is a sample of one we feel balance price and quality.
Rubber Mallet – Depending on where you decide to camp and pitch your tent, the ground may be difficult to drive the stakes into with your bare hands. While you may not need it, we recommend a rubber mallet such as this one to help pound the stakes in.
That’s it!
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these simple step by step instructions for help on putting up a tent by yourself. Combine reading with watching the video and you’ll be all set to get that shelter up in record time.
1) FIND A GOOD SPOT
Depending on where you choose to camp, it may be easy to find the perfect spot to set up your tent. If you’re at a campground or state park, you’re probably going to be assigned a spot. If you’re out for more rugged camping, make sure you’re close enough to water and trails to be safe in case of emergency.
Either way, there are some general guidelines to follow when picking a spot to set up your tent. A good spot is:
- Flat and not on any steep incline
- On higher ground to prevent water collected at your tent in case of rain
- Free of rocks and other uncomfortable nature
- Partially covered by shade during the hottest parts of the day
- On firm ground for the stakes to grip into
Ignoring these hints can still result in a good tent, but you’re setting yourself for failure in the long run.
2) SPREAD OUT THE TENT
For some reasons, a lot of folks forget about this step and skip right to putting in the stakes. You need to spread out the tent first over your spot. Doing this gives you an idea for exactly where the stakes need to go.
Pro-tip: Place a small rock on the corners and edges of the tent to keep in place while you do the next step. This is also really helpful if it’s windy.
3) PUSH IN THE STAKES
With the tent spread out, you’re ready to drive in the stakes. Go to where the holes are for the stakes and push the stakes into the ground.
This is where your rubber mallet can come into play. Believe it or not, it’s actually good to have tough ground because the stakes stay more securely.
Warning! Do not hit the stakes too hard or with a standard clawhammer. This can cause them to break. Also, be sure that the clip part of the stake actually attaches to the loop on the tent.
4) CONNECT POLES AND THREAD THROUGH TOP SLIPS
The next step is to connect the poles. The poles are made of sectioned metal with a stretchy cord running through the middle.
Pull on the metal sections one at a time and insert them into the next section. The stretchy cord keeps them in place. Start at one end and continue to the next until the whole length of the pole is secure.
Next, thread the first pole through the slips on the top of the tent. This is often the most difficult step for people. Be patient; you’ll get it.
Pro-tip: Don’t tie any of the other parts of the tent to the poles until both poles are in.
Pro-tip: Once you begin inserting a pole, DON’T pull on it. This causes the sections to come out from one another. Adjust the tent material if something is caught and not the pole if you can help it.
Once you have one pole in, put in the other(s) as well.
5) INSERT THE POLE ENDS INTO THE TABS
Now that the poles are in the top slips, it’s time to get the tent standing up. Insert the end of the poles into the tabs at the bottom of the tent.
Start on one end and work your way around the tent in a circular fashion. Don’t be alarmed if your first pole end pops out as you go around.
Just make sure the ends are in tightly and keep going around. Eventually, the pressure of the poles hold up the tent and keep the ends in the tabs.
6) TIE THE TIES ON THE POLES
Don’t rest yet! Yes, the tent is up and pretty secure, but if you stop here, you may have some problems later on.
Along the edges of your tent poles are little fabric ties. Go around and tie each pole securely. This is key to spreading out the pressure of the poles in case of high winds. It’ll also keep the tent upright better over time.
I recommend using a shoelace double knot. This keeps the ties very secure to the pole but still lets you untie it with ease when you’re done.
7) PUT ON THE CANOPY AND ATTACH TO TENT
The canopy is the part that goes on top of the tent as an extra piece of material. Tent canopies differ in how they attach, but they still attach in similar ways.
The canopy goes over the poles and tent top and secures to the tent at a lower level. First put the canopy over the tent. Then attach the canopy one spot at a time going around in a circular fashion.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to put the canopy on? – YES! Putting on that canopy does a number of good things for your camping experience and for protecting the tent’s longevity. The reasons include:
- The extra layer reflects some heat from the sun and keeps the temp down in your tent.
- Canopies redirect rain and water away from the main part of the tent.
- They provide an extra layer of protection to the main tent from falling debris such as branches.
- Direct sunlight can be damaging to the tent material over long periods of time. The canopy protects the tent from sun damage.
- They protect the poles from water and sun damage.
Why don’t my poles fit in the tabs (grommets) at the bottom of the tent? – Unless you swapped out the poles with another tent, they do fit. The poles are meant to bend. Don’t be afraid to put a little pressure on them.
What should I do if a stake breaks? – Tents often come with extra stakes, so make sure you check the storage that the tent came in. If you still have most of the stakes, you should be OK.
Make sure the stakes you do have a match on the other side of the tent and you don’t load up on one side only. Try to distribute the weight if you can.
Worse comes to worst, find some thick branches (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and has a V-shaped crook to use. These won’t last long in a storm, but it should keep the tent in place during normal breezes.
CONCLUSION
Whether your camping partners ditched you or you’re going it alone, it’s worthwhile to know how to put up a tent by yourself. We hope you enjoyed our step by step process on how to do so.
Remember to take your time and be patient. It can be done with relative ease. Now go and impress your friends and family! (Just don’t let them get off the hook doing some work themselves).
Now get out there and enjoy the fresh air!
If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy how to make a wooden tent stake.