Instructions for Putting Up a Dome Tent

A dome tent's design allows it to be free-standing, through the use of crossing, flexible poles that are anchored to the tent's corners. The crossing poles, especially in tents with more than two poles, make the tent more wind resistant and create vertical walls for increased living space. Unfortunately, the crossing poles can make putting up a dome tent difficult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Stakes Guy-lines
Stakes
Guy-lines

Step 1

Lay out the parts of the tent on the ground and connect the sections of the tent's poles. Most modern tents have poles linked together with cord. If your tent doesn't, chances are the poles, once connected, will be the same length. Many modern tents have poles that are color-coded for the grommets they fit into.

Step 2

If the wind is blowing, stake out the tent's corners that face into the wind. This will anchor the tent to the ground during setup and make the work easier. Even if the wind isn't blowing, consider staking the tent out anyway, in case the wind kicks up before you are finished.

Step 3

Lay the tent poles over the tent's body, running from grommet to opposite grommet. This will give you a good idea on where the poles will run.

Step 4

If the tent has pole sleeves, run all of the poles through the sleeves until they are centered evenly over the tent.

Step 5

Insert one end of a pole into the grommet and insert the other end into the opposite grommet. This arches the pole into the air. If the tent has sleeves, the tent will start to rise. If the tent has clips, start clipping the tent to the pole. Use the clips that run along the seam between the two grommets. Repeat for all of the poles.

Step 6

Pull the rain fly over the top of the standing tent and secure it to the tent using the fasteners.

Step 7

Stake the tent out and fill it with your gear. When staking, make sure to pull the tent tight in each direction. This will increase the living space and make the tent stronger You'll know your tent is taut enough when the rain fly sounds like a drum when you tap it.

Step 8

In strong wind, attach guy-lines to the guy-loops on the rain fly. Stake the guy-lines at 45 degree angles away from the tent. Guy-lines help keep the tent's poles in the proper shape.

Tips & Warnings

When selecting a location for the tent, look for level ground with no depressions. The ideal ground rises slightly above the surrounding area. To increase the life of your tent's floor, clear away any rocks, twigs or other debris.

When selecting a location for the tent, look for level ground with no depressions. The ideal ground rises slightly above the surrounding area.

To increase the life of your tent's floor, clear away any rocks, twigs or other debris.

Article Written By Bryan Hansel

Bryan Hansel is a freelance photographer and kayaking guide who began writing in 1993. His outdoors articles appear on various websites. Hansel holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and religion from the University of Iowa.

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