How much extra space do you need for the ropes?

[princessbear80]

Total novice here. We’re thinking of getting a tent, first for the garden, then for a few weekends away. The ones I’ve seen online show me the measurements for the actual tent, but not for how far out the ropes go. How do I find this out, or is there a general rule of thumb? Thanks

It can vary quite a bit. depending on the size of tent, weather conditions etc.

As a rule of thumb I would say about a metre on each side.

Yeah, at least a metre, preferably close to as long as they'll go for the best support/tension. Unless it's totally windless, then you can put them close and probably skip half of them.

When you're on campsites you have to be 6m from the next tent so it's not important. In your garden, you've got a safe bolthole if the tent falls over so it's also not really important :)

There is a fiddly thing you can do to peg the guys very close to the tent:

You can cut up lengths of broom handle, make a groove in the top and make little poles like this;
www.canvascamp.com/en/short-guy-poles

Tip: drill through the pole first with a wide drill bit and then cut the pole through the hole: voila, two grooves cut!

You can also tie your guys to handy trees, fence poles, sturdy garden table if you are not expecting wind.

Allow a metre but for garden camping you can get away with less each side because it's not an open field and can avoid high winds

Thanks everyone!