Terrain: Slope vs. Plain
While sleeping on a perfectly flat surface is more comfortable, a slight slope has a key advantage: during rain, water will run off, preventing puddles from forming around your tent. If you choose a flat area, ensure the ground absorbs moisture well. A simple test is to push a tent peg into the soil. It should go in without much effort, but the ground shouldn't be so soggy that the peg sinks completely.
• Avoid Low-Lying Areas: These collect cold air, fog, and swarms of mosquitoes.
• Don't Go Too High: On hilltops and ridges, the risk of a lightning strike during a storm increases.
Wind: Your Friend and Foe
Always determine the prevailing wind direction. Pitch your tent with its rear (usually the side opposite the entrance) facing into the wind—this will make it a more effective shelter.
• Avoid Exposed Spots: A gusty night wind (especially in the early hours) can easily tear down or break your tent.
• Find a Balanced Spot in the Forest: Ensure there is enough clearing around your camp for the sun to dry the ground and for air to circulate freely.
Resources: Water and Firewood
Camp life becomes much easier when two key resources are readily available. Try to set up camp near a source of clean water and in an area with ample kindling and deadwood for a fire. Long trips to fetch water and firewood quickly lose their romantic appeal.
Safety First
Although proximity to firewood is a plus, avoid pitching your tent under dead trees or healthy trees with large, dead branches. They can come crashing down during strong winds or a storm. The same rule applies to heavily leaning trees.
Other hazards to consider:
• Inspect the Slope: If you are on a hillside, make sure there are no large, unstable boulders further up the slope.
• Keep Your Distance from Water: Set up camp at a safe distance from rivers and streams. A sudden downpour can cause water levels to rise rapidly and flood your site.
• Check for Neighbors: Wild animals generally avoid people, but it's still wise to look around for animal trails or burrows nearby.
How to Pitch a Tent Correctly
Once you've chosen the spot, it's important to set up camp properly.
1. Layout: Don't pitch tents too close to each other. Personal space is valued even in the great outdoors. Decide in advance where the kitchen and wood-processing area will be.
2. Site Preparation: After laying out the groundsheet or footprint, don't rush to drive in the pegs. First, thoroughly clear the ground beneath it of stones, twigs, and pinecones. What seems like a minor nuisance during the day will feel like a boulder under your hip at night. (A lesson learned from the bitter experience of many hikers!)
3. Pitching: Mark the spots for the tent corners to ensure the first pegs are placed correctly. After that, you can secure the remaining pegs and put on the rainfly.
4. Quality Check: A properly pitched tent is symmetrical, with walls taut and smooth, without any wrinkles. Ensure the inner tent does not touch the rainfly; otherwise, the tent will leak at those points.
Wishing you a great campsite and a pleasant rest
Next guide: Natural Shelters for an Overnight Hike Previous guide: A Saw on a Camping Trip: Selection, Use, and Care You can view the full list here: Survival Guides for the Mountains
