Big Stakes

Whether or not you choose a freestanding tent—which requires no staking to keep it erect—always be sure to stake your tent securely. The more fabric your shelter has, the bigger the sail area.

A dog could figure it out

Imagine my chagrin when I returned from a day of cragging to my base camp, only to discover there was no base camp. It had blown across the flats until it was snagged and shredded by a barbed-wire fence.

Stake the tent floor taut, then attach the rainfly. Use the guyline attachments to tension the fly; often you can adjust the fit where it attaches to tent stakeout points. A snug fly is less likely to flap in the wind, and water rolls off, rather than pooling up and causing the fabric to sag.

Protect Your Investment

• Never cook in your tent.
• Don't leave a tent pitched for too long in the sun. Excessive UV exposure will fatigue the fabric. You can reduce this by pitching a large, inexpensive tarp over the tent.
• Avoid using DEET-based repellents and then handling synthetic fabric—the chemical can melt coatings.
• Always push the poles through sleeves, rather than pulling them, to prevent from separating and snagging inside the tunnel.
• Keep it clean: Don't allow boots inside. Rinse off ground-in dirt with a hose, and blast a stream of water through zippers to remove grit. Spot-clean any stains or sap drips.
• Always allow the tent to dry completely and store in a cool, dry place.

Move on to Four Great Tents that Run the Gamut

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RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Gear
Tent Gear Guide
Tent Finder