As much fun as camping can be, it can also be a little bit of a pain if your tent gets caught in the wind. Everything from heavy gusts to even the gentle breeze from passing car drivers can create havoc if you don’t have the right gear.
If you spend time outside, it’s almost guaranteed that you have seen at least one tent get blown away during your stay. The good news is that most tents aren’t designed for exposure to high winds. There are many simple things you can do to make sure your tent doesn’t get blown away and your stay outside is pleasant.
Keep Your Tent waterproof
One of the most important things you can do to prevent your tent from getting blown away is to make sure it’s waterproof. If it wasn’t designed for windy weather, it likely doesn’t have a breathable membrane. This means that water will pool on the surface and eventually leak in. You should also make sure that your tent has a rain fly or vestibule if you plan on camping in conditions with heavy winds. These accessories will protect the interior of your tent from rainfall.
Use guy lines
One of the easiest ways to help prevent your tent from blowing away is to use guy lines. There are two types of guy lines commonly used: self-locking and non-locking. Self-locking guy lines tighten when they’re pulled, while non-locking ones require a separate cord to be tightened around the tent frame. If you use locking guy lines, make sure the cords are at least a foot long to keep them from getting tangled with other objects or people.
Add a vestibule
A vestibule is an important part of any tent. Not only does it offer a covered area with a door, but it also protects your gear from the elements. It’s important to note that the vestibule should be at least as large as your doorway. If you don’t have enough room for a door and vestibule, you can simply build one yourself with two poles and a tarp. Adding an extra layer of protection is just one way to keep your tent from being blown away during high winds.
Stay dry in camp
The first thing you should do is make sure your tent is fully sealed. It’s important that all the zippers and doors are closed before the wind starts blowing. The last thing you want is for any water to get in and cause damage to your tent or belongings inside of it.
Next, make sure your tent has been properly secured to the ground with stakes or pegs. Before you arrive at camp, have someone set these up so that they stick out around a foot from the ground and are securely planted into the earth. This will help prevent some of the hassle of getting blown away by a gust of wind.
Another great tip is to bring extra gear in case something happens while you’re camping. Make sure you bring plenty of backpacks and jackets so that if anything does happen, you can grab more clothes quickly and get back under cover instead of getting cold outside until help arrives.
Make sure you’re sheltered
The first thing you should do is make sure that your tent is sheltered. You’re going to need a roof, whether it’s a tarp, canopy, or even just the trees around you. As long as you are safe from the wind and rain, then your tent won’t be going anywhere.
It can also help to have a stake or two for your tent so that it doesn’t blow away if the wind does pick up. You will also want to secure your tent with a line in case it starts to blow away by the top of your tent pole. Lastly, make sure to tie down all loose material on the outside of the tent so that nothing picks up and blows away in high winds.
Check the tent before you leave
Before you leave, make sure to check your tent for any loose strings or weak seams. If the tent is old and worn out, it could be dangerous to take on a campout. If you find any problems with your tent, these should be fixed before you head out into the woods. This way your camping trip will be more enjoyable because of the protection that your gear offers.
Another thing to do before you leave is to check how much space there is inside of the tent. Also, if you have a queen size bedding, make sure that it fits in the bag with all of your other gear. That way it won’t get lost in a crowd when you’re ready to go home.
Protect your investment
Tents are expensive, and you want to make sure that your investment stays intact. One way to protect your tent is by putting a tarp over it before setting up camp. This will ensure that the wind does not pick up a corner of the tarp and create an arrow of force that can cause damage or even blow it away.
Another idea is to put stakes in strategic locations around the tent, especially if there is a high probability of strong wind gusts. For example, if you are camping on the side of a hill with a lot of trees nearby, you should anchor down your tent on both sides as well as at the bottom. This will prevent your entire thing from blowing away in case a strong wind gust comes through. Another option is to use fly sheets for tents constructed from thin materials like nylon or polyester. These sheets are typically made from ripstop fabric and can be tied on top of the tent, providing extra protection for those areas exposed to high winds.
Don’t Camp Where It’s Windy
It sounds like common sense, but the best place to camp is never in a spot where there is a lot of wind. If you stay away from locations where high winds are common, you will be able to stay in your tent without worry.
Another simple solution is to use something like tent stakes or rope instead of stakes and ropes that come with the tent. If a gust of wind comes and blows away your tent stakes, it won’t take down the whole shelter. The extra weight on your other set of stakes can help them hold against stronger winds too.
If you do find yourself camping near an area with high winds, make sure you pack all of your gear higher up on your body. This will help prevent anything from blowing away easily. You might also want to invest in some guy lines to keep your shelter stable in strong winds as well.
If you’re really worried about getting caught by high winds, choose a tent that has a good groundsheet combined with a rain fly or tarp cover that protects the entire floor area. This will allow you to live inside even if the sky does begin to open up just slightly.
Final Words
To make sure your tent isn’t blown away, take extra care when packing it. If you are wearing it, make sure you have the straps on your pack secure to the tent so that no gust of wind can rip it out of your hands unexpectedly. Also, make sure your rainfly is staked down tight and that all of the guy lines are tight and securely tied. All tents come with a sturdy carrying case to transport them, but this shouldn’t be used as a storage option during camping.
If you find yourself in a situation where your tent is being constantly blown over or pulled around by the wind, try moving to higher ground or building a temporary shelter around you and the tent so that it’s protected from the elements.
When deciding what type of gear to bring, consider how much weight you can carry with ease. If you have too much weight on your back, it will be harder for you to walk when winds pick up speed.
FAQ’s
What are some tips for keeping your tent from being blown away in high winds?
Here are a few simple tips for keeping your tent from being blown away in high winds:
1. Make sure the stakes are out before bad weather hits.
2. Assemble the tent in a sheltered area.
3. Practice pitching the tent in high winds to ensure it will be easy to set up and break down when you’re not in the wilds.
4. Use a guy line to hold the tent more securely to the ground.
5. Install a door into your tent so you can close off part of your retreat if necessary.
What are the benefits of having a windproof tent?
The first step is to make sure you buy a windproof tent. This will protect you from the stronger winds and ensure your evening campfire is peaceful, not plagued with worries over your tent blowing away.
Additionally, windproof tents are typically more durable and have a higher quality materials used to make them. The extra protection will keep your tent in good condition and make it much more comfortable to sleep in.
The other benefit of having a windproof tent is that it makes setting up your campsite much easier. Strong winds can cause a lot of damage to your campsite, so being able to set up quickly and without worrying about your tent getting blown away can save you time and frustration.
What are the disadvantages of having a windproof tent?
Windproof tents are designed to keep the wind out of your space, not the rain or raindrops. That’s why they usually don’t provide much protection against the elements in general. Some tents come with a Rain fly, which does give you more privacy, but doesn’t offer much protection from the rain.
If you want to remain dry and have a pleasant time outdoors, no matter the conditions, you should consider purchasing a tent with a vestibule or porch area. The porch will keep your stuff out of the weather and dry.
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