Camping is one of America’s favorite pastime. There are many families and friends that choose to camp on a weekend holiday or vacation for many reasons. Whatever your reason there are some very important considerations to keep in mind while camping. We will touch base on the process of erecting a 4 man tent. What to look for, where to do it and how it can be set up as easily as possible.
There is without a doubt some important suggestions to consider when putting up a 4 man tent. The first thing you want to be aware of is how many people you are going to put in the tent. For some reason tents seldom fit the amount of people they suggest comfortably. If you have a four man tent, it can probably fit 4 children without any gear sleeping. I sleep 2 people in a 4 man tent with gear and that is almost uncomfortably close. If you are looking for comfort while camping and have a group of 4 with gear, I recommend using a 6 man tent. If you are backpacking or carrying your tent long ways then go for the 4 man.
Next, look for a flat, or slightly sloped, soft area with no rocks, or rocks that you can remove. If this is impossible because of your location the do the best with what you have. You also want a location where you can put the stakes into the ground. Clear the area of sticks, pine cones, rocks. Take your tent out. You should have 2 tarps. One for the inside of the tent and one for underneath the tent. Put one of the tarps on the ground in the cleared area. Next, put your tent on the tarp and spread it out. If you camping area is sloped the you are going to want your heads at the top of the slope. If can be dangerous to sleep with your head at the bottom of the slope.
You should have some poles with your tent. Put your poles together and slide them through the sleeves on the outside of your tent. (Every tent is different, if you are having troubles, feel it out a bit and see if you can figure it out or refer to your tent’s directions). When the poles are through the sleeves now comes the fun part. For beginners I recommend having one person step into the tent and from the inside lift the poles up. Next, have everyone put the poles into the rings at the bottom of the tent. This will give the tent structure and its height. Once this is complete make sure your tent is where you want it and hammer the stakes into the ground.
Here is your tent!
There are a couple more things to do. Next put the second tarp in the tent and spread it out before your gear is in there. I have a ‘No Shoe” policy in my tent. This keeps out a lot of dirt and bugs. After your tarp in in the tent you are free to put in all the gear that you want. These tarps are very important. If it does rain the water will get caught between the 2 tarps and not your bedding. One other thing with the gowned (bottom) tarp. Make sure it is tucked underneath itself, so when it does rain the water won’t pool up on the tarp and seep under the tent. Lastly, put the rain cover (a.k.a. the tent fly) o top of the tent. This will keep the rain out, and you are ready to camp!!!
A couple of small suggestions. Always, always keep your tent zipped up. This will keep the bugs out of your tent. If it is hot and sunny I always keep the rain fly off the tent until it rains or I leave the campsite. This keeps it a little cooler and the ventilation flowing.
Happy Camping!!!!!
Chris Reynolds has been an avid camper for 30+ years. If you need more info on camping or tents follow this link!
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