How to?

How to 'Choose a Campsite'

If possible, choose a flat campsite that is:

• On well-drained ground above flood level

• Sheltered from wind - in the bush or in the lee of ridges and rocks

• Sheltered from dew, under sound trees

• Close to water supply

• East-facing to catch the early-morning sun

Avoid campsites that are:

• Under dead trees, large epiphytes, possible rockfall

• In a depression, a river bed or on moss that may fill with water during rain

Points to note when setting up a tent:

• Unpack your tent. If it is windy be sure to place something on the tent bag and tent fly to stop them from blowing away

• Separate the parts

• Connect your poles

• Place a tent footprint or groundsheet down

• Lay the inner tent out on the ground

• Identify the correct place for each pole and place the ends of the poles into the pole attachments, bending the poles to fit between them.

• Peg the four corners of your tent to the ground. Be sure to eliminate any slack in the tent by pulling the corners away from each other before placing the peg.

• Push the stakes into the ground at a 45º angle leaning away from the tent and make sure that they are as far into the ground as possible (but not buried!).

• Attached the outer fly by securing the fly to the poles using the loops/tabs on the inside of the fly, and attach the bottom corners of the fly either to an attachment at the bottom of each pole, or secure to the ground with pegs.

• Ensure the zips are closed and then peg out the rest of the loops on the bottom of the fly by gently drawing the fly away from the inner and creating tension between each peg.

• It’s important that the tension across the whole of the fly is even. This prevents the tent fly from flapping or touching the inner tent, and ensures that the inner is totally protected from the elements.

• Secure the guylines of your tent either to the ground using pegs or to nearby trees. The guylines should create further tension across the tent to increase the stability of the tent in high winds. They also ensure that the tent fly is kept away from the tent inner. This is important to keep airflow in the tent and to stop rain or condensation dripping through to the inside of the tent.

How to 'Pack your bag'

• Start by fitting a large plastic pack liner inside your pack

• If possible, place an item at the bottom that any water pooling will not affect

• Ensure nothing sticks into your back. Place heavy objects high and close to your back. 

• Place items that you may need during the walk near the top, e.g. your rain coat

• Don’t hang anything on the outside of your pack.

• Place any non-water resistant items in their own water proof bag