Hi all, I am just starting to camp again after many years. So long ago that I was a dab hand at the old ? A frame tents but now I haven't a clue how to erect one of these modern tents, I have just purchased a Highland Trail Tucson 4 man tent and it looks and feels great, the problem is I don't know where to start do I erect the outer tent first with the poles then attach the inner tent later ?
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I suffered the same mystification initially, all these bendy poles to contend with like fibreglass tentacles.
Have you looked on YouTube or even on the manufacturer's website, as sometimes there maybe a video that will help.
Or look for a similar shaped tent and search for that instead if you can't see your own.
In answer to your last question, yes, put the flysheet/outer tent up first, and then fit the inners. Some tents specify these can be left in place to save pitching time, but that does make it more awkward and there's the issue of trapping in damp.
The pitching differs a little depending on whether it's a dome or tunnel. And there seem to far more guy ropes than with frame tents.
If there are adjustable straps at the base of the ring/pin doodah, then loosen these as it'll make bending the poles into the pins a bit easier, then tighten them up once the poles are up.
In my experience, putting the pins into the poles each end is less hassle if done on the ground, rather than trying to flail around with unwieldy bits in the air, although sometimes that's inescapable.
I wish I'd had a video of the first couple of attempts I had at pitching these type of tents. Worthy of You Been Framed!!!
As I'm sure you know, have a go at home before you use it on a site (I didn't follow this advice ) to save your blushes.
If all else fails, I'm sure someone on site would come and give you a hand, that part of camping hasn't really changed.
I do hope you have fun and enjoy your camping comeback.
------------- Camping - emotional resilience in action, a triumph of hope over adversity and antidote to virtual reality.
Thanks Bridgeywidge, I eventually got there after 40 mins, although I did do it all on my own. It definitely would take 2 people. Set it up in the garden last night and had a few beers in it, good test for it as it rained heavy all night, no leaking so i'm very happy with the tent. Only problem is I have a few metal pole sections left over which the instructions I found don't mention. Probably something to do with the front of the tent to hold the cover up
Sounds like it - are there eyelet holes on a door section for the king poles to slot into?
Glad to hear you managed to tame the beast and wetted its head with beers .
Happy to have been of service. This website has been a mine of usefulness and entertainment since becoming a born-again camper, so it's lovely to be able to share that with another returner.
------------- Camping - emotional resilience in action, a triumph of hope over adversity and antidote to virtual reality.
Don't forget to leave a review of all tents you've used, for a chance to win fantastic prizes
Like yourself I returned to camping after a break of 25 years. The last tent then was a canvas frame tent. Thought I'd give the new polyester ones a try, bought a secondhand Kampa Shanklin to test out whether I still got on with camping, yes fine, then bought a larger Outwell Nevada M. I've now gone back to single skin canvas, there's nothing quite like it. Couldn't stand the constant flapping of the polyester all night long when it was windy, condensation despite more than adequate ventilation and seemed to get so many insects in it was a joke. Best move I made, invested in a Cabanon Gaudeloupe, it does deaden outside noises a lot, no problem with creepy crawlies, one person can erect it easily,it's super stable, when domes and tunnels were falling like nine-pins in 30 mph wind and rain mine stood firm, and if it's taken care of will last me for the rest of my camping days! Wonder if you will one day return to canvas too? Either way, enjoy!
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Topic: New to modern tents
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