putting up tent alone

[kiwibella]

I know there are lots of single parent campers amongst us so just wondering how difficult it really is to put a tent up with only one adult? My dh can't make our planned trip this summer. I would still like to go with our girls but I've never had to put the tent up. I usually follow dh's instructions.

Depends on your tent and the age of your girls. I have arthritis so am not much help for most of putting our tent up. You could go with another friend and each help put up the others tent you would them have someone to talk to in the evening. Try putting the tent up on your own.

thanks castle! My eldest dd is 14 - so we might have to have a few attempts in the garden... and plan on arriving with lots of daylight.

look on youtube - lots of vids of tent erections (snurk) done singlehanded.

You should be fine with a 14 yr old helping.

I managed my biggie with the DDs 10 and 12 ish. Was fine.

my husband hates camping - strange i know - so i have camped for years without him - have 3 boys and they've helped me put up 8 man tents since they were 10 - oldest that is. but it is quite hard work and does depend on tent and how long you are going for. worst bit is getting the main body of the tent up, especially if its windy - but other campers will often help. think your idea of practising in garden is good, as you will know how easy it is with your tent

Learn how to do it before you go, and get your 14yo to help you. It's not particularly difficult once you know how, but depending on the tent there will most probably be bits that you can do by yourself, but will be MUCH easier with a second pair of hands (plus useful for pegging out)

Failing that, rope in someone from the campsite - there is always someone like my dad helpful who can't wait to show off how excellent his tent-erecting skills are

forgive accidental tent punnage

where is your Dad going camping this summer, Icouldhavewrittenthis?

oh, all over the place, where are you? if you're in the same place I could point him in your direction (you wouldn't thank me for it though )

you should be fine with a 14 year old our 7 year old was useful. have fun

One of the reasons I chose my (new) tent was that I could put it up on my own, as the likelihood of DH joining me on a camping trip are less than zero.

I have two small enthusiastic dogs small boys though who are very keen to lend a hand. We will cope.

they are small, my boys, in case I didn't mention it enough times

You'll be fine with a 14yo helping. I'm 5ft2" and can put a 5 man Outwell tunnel tent (big standing up room one) completely by myself. You definetly need to practise in the garden first though.