How to Properly Set Up a Tent When Camping

A quick way to protect against rain and snow in the field is to stretch a protective covering in the form of a specially designed awning. There are several types of canvas stretches: a tent, a tent, a regular canopy. Lets look at the basic ways of how to set up an awning on a camping trip with or without trees, over a tent, with sticks and stakes.

How to set up a tent in nature

The easiest way to set up an awning is in the woods, where there are natural supports. The most popular ways of stretching are as follows:

Tent. Stretch a rope between two trees. Lay the tent on it, dividing it with a rope into two equal rectangles. Fix the ends with pegs at the bottom.
Canopy for the hammock. Lay the cover on the rope diagonally, stretch the bottom corners with trekking poles or stakes.
Semi-pyramid. One end of the rope is attached to a tree, the other to a peg. This increases protection from the wind.
Near the trees to stretch the tent is not difficult, much harder to do it without the presence of natural supports.

How to install an awning without trees

Methods of stretching on trekking poles or special support poles are just as varied:

• A classic cabin. Stretch a rope between two trekking poles and put up a simple tent – without a floor or with the ends tucked inside. Secure the edges with stakes or press them down with rocks.
• Protection from the wind. One edge of the awning is attached to the rope at a height, the other is tied to the pegs at the bottom or fixed in another way. There are two variants too: with or without bending inwards.
• A double-sloping triangle. One end of the cover is the entrance, the other touches and is fixed to the ground. Optimal choice when there is a lack of fasteners, you only need a trekking stick. Provides protection from rain and alternating wind, saves heat well.
• The advantage of these methods is their independence from the presence of natural supports. Such shelters can be installed in any convenient place. However, it is necessary to carry the right number of poles, which increases the weight and volume of luggage.

How to set up an awning over a tent

When the weather is good, one canopy or tent is sufficient during a hike. However, during heavy rain or wind, you may need additional insurance for protection. If an awning needs to be placed over the tent, use:

• natural supports for stretching the cover;
• additional poles or trekking poles;
• the same supports on which the tent is attached.
• The best option is a sloping canopy with a slope toward the wind. If it rains heavily, you will have to periodically shake off the water from it.

Advantages of an awning compared to a tent

In addition to the obvious difference in weight, a protective awning has other advantages:

1. Versatility. The coating is installed in many ways, giving varying degrees of protection depending on the weather.
2. Installation speed. With skill, the awning can be stretched in 2-3 minutes, and installation does not require a flat area.
3. The protective cover folds up to the volume of a mans umbrella and has an average weight of 450g (3x3m). The canopy is much cooler in hot weather and less stuffy in rainy weather.

Safety precautions when installing an awning:

• Avoid dens and anthills near them;
• Choose trees of low height (excluding deadwood);
• Place the shelter away from ponds, ravines, and steep slopes.
• During installation, properly fasten the knots, stock up on lanyards and stakes, tension the tent well – and your shelter will protect you from the heat and bad weather.

Using an awning during a camping trip

Some people take a tent with them when they go camping. But there are also people who prefer to take a tent. After all, it can be used to make a tent or just a shelter from the rain. And if the wind blows hard, the tent can be used to make a screen that protects you from the wind.

Main purpose

Awnings come in different qualities and materials. But it usually weighs less than a tent, so it is convenient to take with you on a camping trip in the woods.

But most importantly, you can make a variety of shelters from the rain and wind in a matter of minutes. It is convenient to use it as a temporary shelter when you stop to rest and eat.

When you go camping with a group of people and you get caught up in the rain all day. A tent allows you to make a spacious shelter from the rain. Where all participants of the hike will be able to safely put their belongings and even change into dry clothes and rest.

When the tent is stretched over your heads, you can build a fire and cook your own lunch or dinner. You cant do that in a tent and would have to come up with other ways to prepare food.

Yes, even if you find yourself hiking alone, you can just get a tent, unfold it and cover yourself and your backpack as a cape, which will save you from getting wet.

Choosing an awning

Sometimes they sell metal spacers along with the tent. Or you can buy them later. But they increase the weight and volume.

It is much more convenient to use ropes to install an awning. They take up less space and can be used to shape your shelter to any shape.

You should also be careful when choosing an awning to buy. The material from which the tent is made can be different, as well as have different impregnation. And sometimes even without impregnation.

Pay attention to the seams. They should be high quality and firm. Try pulling in different directions with your hands.

On the size, there is an individual approach. Awnings can have different sizes, but I think the most popular size is about three by three meters.

Installing the awning

The tent should be stretched so that all sides of the tent are strongly stretched. This will prevent water or snow from accumulating and the tent will not sag in this area under the weight.

It is better to choose an awning with eyelets. It is desirable to have long ropes for fixing the tent. This will allow you to stretch the tent more. And in case of emergency, a long rope can reach a tree or branch that is far away.

The roof of the tent shelter is better made with a slope. It is necessary to put additional poles or to pull back the centers of the roof with a rope.
If the roof will be stretched horizontally (for example, with ropes at all four ends will be attached to the trees), then the snow and rain will accumulate on top.

Probably the best option is to make a double-skinned shelter out of a tent. In this case, there will simply be no opportunity for water and snow to linger on your shelter.

When a strong wind blows, the awning is installed on this side with a slope. In this way you get a single sloping shelter. It will protect you from the strong and cold wind. And if you make a fire, the tent will serve as a screen that will reflect and retain heat.