Well, here we are, we have the tent, we have the site, so what can possibly go wrong? I assume you have chosen your tent after educated research, and I assume you have chosen your site with all of the prerequisites in place.
If not - fear not, here are a few tips.
The first thing is actually choosing a tent I suppose.
You need to consider several points before you slide that credit card into the machine, or rifle through your wallet for the cash.
1.
Are you looking for a long term tent, or short term.
In other words, do you want this to last for extended use, or is it for a quick one or two trips.
Money is the key here and you will find that you can buy tents of similar construction but manufactured for different lifetimes.
2.
Will this be a family tent or just a quick pop-up for two in case on emergencies? You really need to consider this point.
You don't have to sacrifice quality here, but you do have to consider the welfare of the occupants and thus the size.
Bear in mind that most four man tents will sleep four men, but only if they sleep cheek to jowl! When my wife and I chose our first tent we opted for a five man tent and found that we were comfortable - five men would not have been! 3.
Where will I camp? Is this easy going camping on grass or soft ground, or will I maybe explore more rugged terrains.
This is a deciding factor in your choice of tent.
Make sure you select one that is going to last the distance and not have the groundsheet wear through after just a couple of trips.
4.
Am I a fine weather camper, or do I like to (growl) rough it now and then? Staying dry is a major consideration.
Make sure that your sleeping area has a built in groundsheet and that it comes at least 100mm or 4 inches up from the floor.
Also make sure that the fly will cope with inclement weather and offer proper protection.
Don't forget to consider the children who may be confined to sleeping in the annex! 5.
Is weight a consideration - am I backpacking or four wheel driving? This should play a part in your choice.
6.
Make sure you do your research well before you settle on the tent for you and your family.
Don't go cheap if you are serious.
Make sure you go for quality, but quality at good value for money.
OK.
As I have said before, we have the tent and we have selected the site we like.
Wonderful views and the sun is shining.
But what if it rains? Are you well protected from being flooded out - and what about the creepy crawlies? 1.
Do not camp in a flood zone.
I know this sounds obvious but, ask the locals.
Is this a flash flood zone? In which case make sure you don't camp too close to the inviting 'stream'.
2.
Do not camp below a cliff face (no matter how small), without investigating what is up there.
Ask yourself, is my campsite likely to become the base of a waterfall in heavy rain? 3.
Make sure you have a good 'footprint'.
Protect your tent base from perforation from rocks and the like by laying down a good groundsheet first (a high quality tarpaulin will be good), and make sure it lies inside the boundaries of your tent base to prevent pooling in case of rain.
4.
This really goes with tent selection, but make sure you have adequate ventilation and insect screens and that you are not camped in an area infested with mosquitoes for example.
5.
Try to camp on a flat level surface, and preferably on a slight slope running from your head to your feet.
This should minimise any flooding issues in case of rain.
This just about covers the essentials, but I am sure there are other considerations that you will likely pick up as your camping journey continues.
There is a quiet joy in learning from experience! No matter what manner you choose to camp in - tent, caravan, RV, or campertrailer, you should check out my web site below for more tips, tricks, and destinations.