Unlike older tents, the newer ones are much simpler and easier to pitch. Tunnel tents are one of these. They require minimum efforts to pitch, even for a beginner. Some manufacturers provide detailed instructions on their website and even guiding videos to help you pitch the tent. You can begin by reading of those instructions before following up with simple steps that are mentioned below.

4 simple steps to pitching your first tunnel tent in a few minutes:

  1. Finding a perfect location and laying the tent out

Find as flat ground as possible and remove all stones, twigs, and other sharp objects from the ground. Areas with dints should be avoided as the water can fill in these dips. Avoid putting up a tent under a tree. As much as it might seem tempting, setting up a tent under a tree will end up in loud dripping water, falling leaves, and twigs. Heavy wind can cause more harm by breaking bigger branches.

It is always a good idea to carry tent footprint to prevent wear and tear of the tent against the ground. It will also help you to keep the tent clean. You can also set up tarps to protect the tent from rain and sun. Flame retardant, heavy duty tarps are also available for coverage against fire and wind.

  1. Unroll the tent and insert tent poles

Place the bag of poles first when unrolling the tent. This will help in compressing the air out and create a tighter tent. Once, the tent is completely pulled out, peg the front and corner of the tent to help it stay put while you insert the poles.

All the poles are generally of the same size so it does not matter which pole inserts in which channel. In other cases, manufacturers will colour coordinate the channels with their poles to ensure that you get it right.

Begin with the main section and later proceed to porches and other parts of the tent.

  1. Pull the tent and lift it upright

This might feel like a tricky part, since tunnel tents are usually heavier than other smaller tents. You might want a helping hand if you are pitching a large tent. You can lift the roof section while the other person clips the fasteners to the pole.

However, if you are going to pitch the tent alone, ensure that you have unzipped the door for air to easily fill in the tunnel tent.

In case you are pitching the tent in a windy area, begin with erecting the front of the tent first. Place the pole end on the pin system and tighten the webbing adjuster. Place the rest of the poles.

Close the door before pegging the poles to ensure that the tent is pitched tight.

  1. Open all ventilations

Once pegged, open all the vents to avoid condensation.

There you go – 4 simple steps that will help any first-timer in putting up a tunnel tent within few minutes.