5 Mistakes Every New Tent Camper Makes

Summary

In this video, the presenter highlights five common mistakes people make when setting up tents in the backcountry. These include failing to practice pitching the tent beforehand, incorrectly using guylines, improper staking, poor campsite selection, and using the wrong size groundsheet. A bonus mistake warns of the danger of widow-makers in campsites. The video emphasizes proper preparation to ensure a smooth camping experience, especially during unpredictable weather. The goal is to help campers avoid unnecessary frustrations and ensure a safe, comfortable outdoor adventure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always pitch your tent before heading out into the backcountry to familiarize yourself with its setup and quirks.
• 😀 Guylines are crucial for tent stability in high winds but should not be pulled too tightly as it can compromise the tent's performance.
• 😀 Properly staking out your tent is essential for ensuring the tent's structure and comfort, and avoiding potential damage in extreme weather.
• 😀 Choose a good campsite by removing sharp objects like thorns, rocks, and sticks under the tent to prevent damage to the floor or sleeping pad.
• 😀 Use a groundsheet that is slightly smaller than your tent's footprint to avoid water accumulating underneath the tent during rain.
• 😀 A groundsheet that extends beyond the tent can cause water to collect between the floor and the sheet, soaking the tent floor.
• 😀 Look for any hazards above your campsite (e.g., widow-makers) that could pose danger in high winds or storms.
• 😀 Test new tents before your trip to ensure you can set them up quickly, especially in case of bad weather.
• 😀 In poor weather conditions, setting up a tent without prior practice can lead to frustration and wet gear.
• 😀 Always check your surroundings for dangerous trees or branches that could fall, ensuring your safety while camping.

Q & A

Why is it important to set up your tent before going out on a trip?

Setting up your tent before a trip allows you to become familiar with its unique quirks and setup process. This is especially crucial for non-freestanding tents that rely on trekking poles, as not knowing how to properly pitch the tent can cause delays in setting up, particularly in bad weather.

What is the main purpose of guylines on a tent?

Guylines are designed to help keep the tent stable in high winds. They are not meant to be pulled too tight but should assist in preventing the tent from moving or collapsing during storms.

What can happen if you pull guylines too tight?

Pulling guylines too tight can compromise the tent's performance, potentially damaging its structure or causing the tent to fail under extreme weather conditions.

What does staking a tent properly ensure?

Proper staking ensures that the tent's design is correctly set up, which provides better comfort and livable space inside the tent. It also prevents damage, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Why is it important to choose a proper campsite when setting up a tent?

Choosing the right campsite helps avoid sharp objects like rocks, thorns, or sticks beneath your tent that could puncture the tent floor or cause discomfort. It also ensures a safer and more comfortable sleeping environment.

What risks can occur if you do not remove sharp objects under the tent?

Sharp objects like sticks, thorns, or rocks can puncture the tent's floor or damage your sleeping pad, leading to discomfort and potential wetness if rainwater seeps through any punctures.

What should the size of the groundsheet be in relation to the tent?

The groundsheet should be slightly smaller than the tent's footprint. If the groundsheet extends beyond the tent, water can accumulate between the groundsheet and tent floor, causing moisture to seep into the tent.

Why is it important to use a groundsheet made by the same company that made the tent?

Using a groundsheet designed specifically for your tent ensures that it fits correctly and functions as intended, helping to protect the tent's floor from damage and preventing water accumulation during rain.

What is a 'widow-maker' and why should you be concerned about it?

A widow-maker is a dead or dying tree branch that can fall during strong winds, rain, or snow. It poses a risk if your tent or hammock is set up under such branches, potentially causing serious injury or death.

What is the bonus mistake mentioned in the script, and how can you avoid it?

The bonus mistake is failing to check for widow-makers before setting up camp. Always look up when selecting your campsite to ensure that there are no dangerous branches above that could fall during severe weather.