How to Build a Backpack Dome 7'X7' Tent

camping tent image by Igor Shootov from Fotolia.com

Backpackers hiking into backcountry campsites often prefer small tents that are lightweight and easy to set up. A common tent type for this activity is a dome tent that is 7 feet wide by 7 feet long, which leaves hikers with enough space to stretch out and keep their gear dry.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Pithing a Dome Tent

Things You’ll Need:

Tent
Stakes
Tarp

Step 1

Clear a seven foot by seven foot space on flat ground. Remove rocks or sticks that will make sleep difficult or puncture the tent floor. Applying a cover of leaves and pine needles can help make the tent floor more comfortable and also insulate the tent at night.

Step 2

Spread the tent top-side-up over the cleared area. Pull each corner of the tent outward until the tent lies flat on ground.

Step 3

Assemble the tent poles. All dome tents come with at least two long poles that interlock. Some dome tents may have an additional short pole meant for the rain cover.

Step 4

Thread the pole through the tent sleeves, which run diagonally across the top of the tent. The poles often become stuck on the sleeve and should be guided carefully to avoid damage to the tent.

Step 5

Insert the peg at each corner of the tent into the corresponding pole ends. Begin with one end of each pole, then insert the peg into the second end of each pole. The tent will rise when the second set of pegs are inserted and the poles bend.

Step 6

Cover the tent with the rain cover. Insert the short pole into the sleeve or straps on the underside of the rain cover. Clip the corners of the cover to the corners of the tent. Tie the tent to the tent and rain cover poles using the straps at the tent's peak.

Step 7

Drive stakes through the stake loops at the tent corners and through the ends of the guy wires on the tent and rain cover. Stakes should be driven at an angle towards the tent. This will prevent the stakes from loosening under stress.

Tips & Warnings

Pitch your tent on flat ground away from any depressions where water might wash through or accumulate. Never pitch your tent in a sandy dry wash, where a sudden flash flood could make for a dangerous night.

Article Written By Jim Jansen

Jim Jansen has been writing articles since 2005 and has been featured in publications such as "The River Watch," and also contributes to Trails.com and LIVESTRONG.COM. He has a Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Michigan State University. Jansen specializes in outdoor recreation and environmental topics.

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