How to pitch a tent

Teach: How to pitch a tent

What to say

To pitch a tent, practice once at home, then choose flat, slightly raised ground away from dips where water pools and from dead trees overhead. Lay a groundsheet a little smaller than the floor, stake the corners at an angle, fit the poles, clip up the body, and stretch the rainfly taut with guy lines staked out so it does not touch the inner tent.

What to show, in order

1. Set the tent up once in a yard or park before the trip and check that every part is in the bag.
2. Choose flat, firm ground that is slightly raised, never a hollow or dry stream bed, and look up for dead branches.
3. Clear stones, pinecones and sticks, and lay a groundsheet folded so no edge sticks out beyond the tent floor.
4. Spread the tent with the door facing away from the wind and stake the corners, driving stakes at about 45 degrees away from the tent.
5. Assemble the poles, fit them to the clips or sleeves, and raise the body.
6. Put the rainfly over the top, match its door to the tent door, and attach it at each corner.
7. Stake out the guy lines so the fly is taut and does not touch the inner tent, and open the vents.

The check question

Ask: Why keep the groundsheet smaller than the tent floor? Answer: So rain cannot run onto it and pool under you

From EveryManKnows. General information, not professional advice.