How to Put a Tent Together

Every type of tent is basically put together in the same fashion. If you purchase one new, the instructions should be included in the package holding the tent. If not, you'll have to use your basic skills in putting a tent together. With some of the new, fancier tents that have several rooms attached, this might be a bit of a challenge, but with some effort you should be able to get the tent put up. Even so, all tents rely on the same thing to get them up and standing: poles.

Things You'll Need

• Tent
• Poles
• Stakes
• Hammer

Instructions

Tips to Putting Together a Tent

1. Organize all the parts that come with the tent. Lay the poles together in a group, based on their size. This will make it easier when it comes time to figure out which pole goes where. If you're dealing with a structured-pole system, the poles will likely be labeled. In a bungee-pole system, there are usually several pull-apart poles that are the same length.

2. Lay the tent out flat on the ground. Make sure you find a relatively flat area that isn't filled with rocks. This will make sleeping a bit easier. Stretch the tent out so you'll be able to see where the poles go. Lay the poles that go to each section at each corner of the tent so you won't have to move away from each corner when you're trying to put up the tent.

3. Stake your tent into the ground if you're putting up a cabin-style tent. These tents function with the old straight pole system. The poles are attached to the outside of the tent. Staking the tent down before you start putting the poles together makes it easier to get the tent to stand. If you're using bungee-type poles, staking the tent down won't be necessary.

4. Figure out if there is a system for assembling the poles. If dealing with bungee poles, there's generally two to four long poles that fit together in two sections. These will be the only poles holding up the tent, though you may have an extra pole that's smaller, for the tent covering. These poles usually slip together and then through a sleeve through the top, crossing over each other like an "x". Once you get your poles into place, slip the end into the metal clip on the bottom of the corner of the tent and your tent should be together and ready for use. Bungee-system tents are usually very quick to put up.

5. Place the longer poles together in even lengths if you're putting up a cabin tent. There should be several poles that will fit together for the top portion. Usually there are loops you can slip the metal poles through in the roof section and attach the legs to. This may take several tries to get the correct poles in the correct position. Remember, your longer poles will be the legs and the shorter ones are usually for the roof.