Adventure to start-Booklet Booklet SHO-Adventure to start | Page 15
Determine where the sun will rise. It can be a good idea to anticipate the
sun's path for the morning time, so you won't be rudely awakened. In the
summertime, tents can act like ovens, meaning that you'll wake up sweaty and
irritable if you set up your tent in the direct path of the sun. In the ideal tent
placement, you'll remain in the shade through the morning so you can wake
up comfortably at a time of your
choosing.
Organize your campsite
appropriately.
Keep the sleeping area well away
from cooking and toilet areas,
preferably upwind of them. If you
have a fire at your campsite,
make sure it's not close enough to
spray sparks onto the tent, and
make sure you put your fire out
completely before you turn in for
the night.
SETTING UP A TENT
When we found the right spot, its time to set uup our tent:
1. Lay a tarp down before putting up your tent. When setting up your tent, it's
important to put a barrier in between the ground and the bottom of your tent to
protect it from gathering moisture. A good-quality plastic or vinyl tarp should
accompany any tent. Fold the tarp into the relative shape of the tent, but slightly
smaller. You don't want any part of the tarp to hang out beyond the edge of the tent,
otherwise it'll collect water underneath in case it rains. Fold up longer edges and tuck
them under the tent.
2. Lay out and account for all the components of your tent. Most modern
tents are made of lightweight nylon, all-in-one tent poles, and stakes, while
older army-style tents often feature more complicated poles and cloth
coverings. At the very least, you'll need the tent itself and the poles, and the
method of putting them is generally the same.
3. Lay your tent onto the tarp. Find the bottom side of the tent and put that side
down on the tarp. Orient the windows and door of the tent in the direction you'd like
them to face. Lay it out flat and turn your attention to the poles.