Pitching a tent in the rain: 6 mistakes to avoid

Most wet nights in a tent come down to how it was pitched, not the tent itself. Whether you are camping in Kumrat during the monsoon or waiting out a storm in the north, avoid these six mistakes.

1. Pitching in a dip

Water runs downhill and collects in hollows. Choose slightly raised, level ground, and stay away from dry stream beds that can flood after heavy rain upstream.

2. Letting the inner tent touch the fly

Where the inner tent touches the outer fly, water wicks through. Tension the fly evenly so there is a clear gap between the two layers all the way around.

3. Loose guy lines

A slack fly flaps, sags and collects water. Peg out every guy line and re-tighten them after the first rain, because fabric stretches when wet.

4. A groundsheet that sticks out

If the groundsheet is bigger than the tent floor, it catches rain and channels it underneath you. Fold the edges under so the sheet sits just inside the floor.

5. Cooking inside the tent

It is tempting when it is pouring, but cooking inside a tent risks fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Cook in the open or under a separate shelter.

6. Packing away wet and forgetting about it

A tent packed wet will grow mould within days. If you have to pack it wet, unpack and dry it fully as soon as you get home.

Planning a trip? Choose a double-fly tent from our camping tents or mountaineering tents, and read our tent guide to pick the right one.