1. A Brief on Tent Pitching
A tent is a shelter consisting of sheets of fabric or other material draped over or attached to a frame of
poles or attached to a supporting rope.
Types of Tents
Avian Tents
One or two straight poles with the Tent cover spread out create a covered
ground area. They are mostly used for quick shelter and generally light
weather conditions.
Pyramid Tents
One central pole and the Tent cover pulled tight and spread out around the
center pole form a pyramid shaped pocket. Pyramid Tents are rare in Hiking
as the center pole effectively divides the Tent in multiple smaller
compartments.
Traditional A-Frame Tents
Two-legged frames at the outer ends of the Tent with the Tent cover form a
triangular pocket. Old backpacking tents were often A-frame Tents. The
increased roominess of hoop tents and domes has replaced most A-frame
tents.
Modified A-Frame Tents
Add a ridgepole and a center hoop to the traditional A-Frame to create a
larger volume version of the traditional A-frame pocket. Modified A-Frame
tents are also becoming rare in Hiking.
Hoop Tents
Use one to three hoops with the Tent cover to form a tubular pocket. The
curved walls give a bigger volume with the same ground surface. Hoop
Tents are surprisingly strong as they divide pressure over the full length of
the hoops.
Wedge Tents
Two intersecting hoops with the Tent cover form a square to round pocket.
These tents are very popular in Hiking as they combine great strength in
combination with the least use of material and weight.

2. Dome Tents
Three or more intersecting hoops with the Tent cover form a multi-faceted
ground floor with a dome. The added hoops give this tent increased
strength in comparison to Wedge Tents. However, they are mostly pretty
difficult to erect. Most 4-Season tents are domes with four intersecting
hoops.
For general camping purposes, we shall discuss Alpine and Dome Tents here.
Choosing the right location
Tent Area
In general, you will want to set up your Tent on an even surface of smooth soil or grass that allows you
to easily secure your pegs.You will want to make sure that your Tent is the highest area in its direct
vicinity to keep water from entering your Tent area.
Cooking Area
Unless conditions force you to cook inside you will
want to create a special Cooking Area. It should be
at least 30 feet from your Tent(s) and is located in a
way that the prevailing winds will blow possible
ashes and sparks away from the Tent(s) and not
towards it.
Washing Area
The washing area is where you will take baths and
wash the dishes. Having it near a stream or other
water source will save you time and effort. If you
are going to use soaps, make sure they are
biodegradable and make certain that you wash at
least 300 feet away from the nearest water source.
Make sure not to leave any trace. Empty soap
bottles and other containers are a natural disaster.
Toilet Area
You will want to keep this area at least a few hundred feet away from your Tent and other camping
areas and out of sight of your camping mates and other people. Again, make sure you are at least 300
feet away from a possible water source. Find a place with soft soil that allows you to dig a hole at least
10 inches deep where you can bury your 'contributions'. Use fuel to burn any toilet paper that you might
be using. Make sure to cover up your toilet area well before breaking up camp and you might want to
cover the area with stones or branches to keep other campers from digging your toilet area.

3. Step 1: Select a Location
- Choose high and flat ground.
- Avoid valleys to prevent water collection.
- Clear the area of rocks and branches.
- Place a tarp or cloth on the ground (the size to the tent) to
protect the bottom.
- Try to pitch your tent in the daylight
Step 2: Separate the Poles
- Put together all of the tent
poles.
- Unfold each pole.
- Click the segments of each
pole together.
- Divide poles into groups,
separated by size.
Step 3: Unroll the Tent
- If you haven't already, remove the tent from the
bag.
- Carefully unroll the tent.
- The tarp may be connected to the tent.
- Open the tent, spreading it in both directions.
Step 4: Pitch the Tent
- Select one of the longer poles.
- Feed through the flap on the right side of the tent.
- At each end of the pole, fasten the pole into the key.
- Securely fasten each clip around the pole.
- Make sure to pull the tent taut.
- Take one of the small poles and insert it into the center of the
tent.
-Secure into the key and fasten the clips.
- Repeat with the remaining four poles.
- Use the remaining stakes to secure the tent to the ground.
- Fit the rain-fly tightly over the tent.
LEAVE NO TRACE

4. Pitching a Tent in Windy Conditions
Windy conditions can make it very challenging to set up your Tent as the Tent cover is likely to flap and
lead a life of its own. Before filling in your backpacks with some stuff, here are some tips on how to pitch
a Tent in windy conditions:
 If the winds and weather conditions are very rough then you might want to wait for things to
settle down a bit before you try pitching your Tent. You could look for a Natural Shelter or
Create Makeshift Shelter first if the changes of your Tent being blown away are too great or if
you need to seek shelter as quickly as possible.
 Find the most sheltered location and get as many teammates as possible to help and act as
weights.
 Make sure to have some heavy but smooth objects at hand before you unpack your hiking tent.
You can use them to weigh down the Tent sheets and keep them secured.
 Unfold your Tent sheets as close to the ground as possible and place heavy objects on them as
you unfold it. Use your body if no objects are available.
 Depending on the structure and pitching method of the Tent you can now start driving in the
first pegs. Fix the windward side of your Tent first! Keep all sheets flat and weighted down.
When the moment arrives that you have to lift up the Tent sheets, do so as fast as possible.
 Once you are done, make sure to check all pegs. It is likely that some of them are not very
securely connected in your hurry to get your Tent upright.
 Only dig drainage moats if you have a Tent without a high waterproof lower wall or if you expect
extreme rains. In most cases, digging drainage moats is not needed, takes extra time, and
damages the surface. Pitching your Tent at slightly elevated surfaces can prevent problems.
Pitching a Tent in Snowy Conditions
Snowy Conditions make it harder to find firm and level ground to secure your stakes in. Furthermore,
there are risks of getting snowed in. Here are some guidelines:
 Choose your location well to decrease the chances of getting snowed in or, even worse, getting
caught in an Avalanche. Take your binoculars and stay away from steep barren slopes. Scope out
the terrain above you to ensure that if an avalanche were to occur, your camp site would not be
in its path
 Level out the surface where you will pitch your Tent and perhaps even dig a site. Make sure the
entrance area is dug out well to minimize the chances of the entrance getting blocked by snow.
 In case of very bad surfaces, try tying down using branches, skies, snowshoes, or other things at
your disposal.