How To Put Up A Tent
If you're off camping, knowing how to put up a tent properly can really save you time and hassle once you get to the site. Pick up some handy tricks of the trade with this helpful guide from Halfords.
Tents come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and some are simpler to pitch than others. Each tent is different, so it's important to refer to your tent instructions for step-by-step guidelines - the tips below are intended to be general guidance only.
If you don't fancy spending a lot of time pitching, why not consider a pop-up tent? These simply spring up into shape when you take them out of the bag - all you have to do is peg them down.
How to Put Up A Tent - General Instructions
Note: The guidelines below are intended as general advice only and your tent may be different - check the manufacturer's handbook for full instructions on how to put up your tent.
- It's a good idea to practice pitching your tent in the garden a few times before setting off, as it will become quicker and easier each time you do it. Another good tip is to pack your tent last into the car, so you can unpack it easily when you arrive.
- When you arrive at your destination, find a suitable spot to pitch. Ideally this will be a relatively flat space on high ground - do not camp in a dip as water is more likely to gather here. Check for any hard or sharp objects in the grass before pitching.
- Tents come in many different designs, but the basic principles of pitching are usually the same. To begin, you generally lay the flysheet (outer skin of the tent) out flat, making sure the doors are zipped up.
- You then need to feed the poles carefully through the appropriate sleeves on the flysheet, bend them up so they form the shape of the tent, and pin them into place. Some tents, such as our Urban Escape range, come with colour-coded poles and continuous sleeves to make this part easier.
- Peg out the tent with the tent pegs and guy lines, using a mallet to drive the pegs into the ground. For most tents you should start at one end then progress to the other, pegging each side as you go. The tension should be at an equal level all round and tight enough to prevent the tent from flapping, without placing too much strain on the structure & material.
- To provide extra stability in windy conditions, ensure you peg each guy line so each one is taut.
- If you have a double-skin tent, you'll now have to secure the inner tent into place. Similarly, if your tent has an attachable rising groundsheet, now is the time to attach this using the toggles provided inside.
Putting Down a Tent - General Instructions
Generally you will take down a tent in the reverse order to how you put it up, however you should refer to your tent instructions for specific guidance. Take care when removing tent poles from their fastenings, as the poles can spring up - make sure you grip them firmly.
You must always ensure that your tent is dry before packing it, otherwise damp and mould will set in while it's in the bag. If needed, unpack your tent when you get home and leave it out to dry fully.
Tents at Halfords
Our tents can be reserved online and collected in-store, or bought online for home delivery. If you'd like any more advice which tent would be best for your needs, pop into your local store where the staff will be happy to help.