22 replies to this topic

[tommy89]

im feeling the same about finding my tent so my plan was to take some pics of my tent and the nearest flags. im going to be at camp triangle so i hope that will make it a bit easyer.

[drewsstrat]

As it get closer most of us suffer from a bout of excitement/anxiety in anticipation. I've been twice and still I like to have everything organised like a military operation. It doesn't always work out as planned, but I relax after getting close enough to know I'm almost there..

I can't stress the importance of knowing your tent before you go.. Although
some kind people will help you out i'm sure if you get stuck..

Finding tent in night should be a doddle as long as you remember your landmarks. Perhaps use a lock-up tent or sign as a marker before you pitch up nearby. Try not to pitch too near paths or toilets unless you don't have a choice. The other thing is don't overpack - there can be a huge trek from car park to camping field, so only pack what you can carry. Always keep supplies you need first on top of your bag followed by heavier stuff,
sleeping bag etc at the bottom

[HurrahBrother]

im worryin bout things like will i stick the tent up right,in the right place etc,

If you have the opportunity and space, pitch it this coming weekend. Shove in the bag with it a mallet, a roll of silver gaffa tape, some string and put some scissors in another bag. With those you can fix most things. One of those dangly car air freshner will help as well (5 days in a tent, hang it inside your tent it makes sense).

"and also how am i gonna find my tent, esp in the dark."

landmarks is the key.

If it is a common tent (vango and eurohike seem the most common brands) you can get to the point and know it is around here? somewhere? but which one! You have a couple of options,

- you know that gaffa tape, if it is silver, when you pitch it on site, cut a few strips and stick them on the side of the tent in an identifiable shape (D for Donna maybe), at night under torch light it sticks out.

- Or get some white acrylic paint and fabric medium from a craft shop, mix em up with a little water and paint something on it or sponge some of the mix on with a stencil. When it is dry, spray over with Nikwax tent proof just in case. If your tent is dark in colour, this also sticks out (I have done the pole sleeves on my old tent and can testify it sticks out under torch light).

"I just wondered if anyon else is feeling like me or am i just a total saddo worryin for nothin lol."

Nope, we have all been there and found either we do have a sense of direction after all, beer navigation actually works (baccus looks after his followers), or our own little tricks to help us find our tents.