Q&A for How to Make a Tent

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What's the best material if I want to build my own tent?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

You want something waterproof, windproof or wind-resistant, and then also fire retardant. Those are sort of the key things you're looking for. Most of the time, this means you need a synthetic material. Nylon is a really good choice.

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Question

How big should I make my tent?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

A lot of people just assume that they only need room for their body, especially if they're camping alone. But you definitely want some extra space to store your belongings. It's just always nice to have some extra room, so I'd make it a little bigger than you think you'd need.

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Question

Should you keep your food in a tent?

Britt Edelen
Outdoor Educator
Britt Edelen was an active member of his local Boy Scouts troop near Athens, Georgia from ages 8 to 16. As a Scout, he went on dozens of camping trips, learned and practiced many wilderness survival skills, and spent countless hours appreciating the great outdoors. In addition, Britt worked as a counselor for several summers at an adventure camp in his hometown, which allowed him to share his passion for and knowledge of the outdoors with others.

Britt Edelen

Outdoor Educator

Expert Answer

No, in most cases you shouldn't. If an animal gets the scent of your food, you may wake up with critters trying to break into your tent. If you are going to keep food inside of your tent, keep it away from you and on the end where you're resting your feet. I generally wouldn't recommend keeping food in the tent to begin with, though.

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Question

Is it possible to do it in the forest?

Abmckay572

Community Answer

I'm pretty sure it is. Just remove the twigs and rocks from the ground, then follow the steps above.

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Question

Will the tent be stable in the rain?

Community Answer

Yes, it will be stable but you will get some rain coming in through the sheet, so bring your tarp.

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Question

How could I make a tent in a rocky area?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

If your surroundings do not provide you with the natural resources to make a tent, then you can't make a tent. But if you do have fibrous plants, vegetation, leaves, etc. Then you can use the rocks to keep your ropes in place, and to serve as one or more of the walls of your tent or shelter.

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Question

Can it be done by children?

Community Answer

It depends on the age of the children. If you are under 10, I'd recommend having an adult help.

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Question

Could I make a larger version?

Community Answer

Sure, all you need is a bigger tarp and more objects to weigh it down. You could even staple or sew a few tarps together.

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Question

Can I make a tent in a small place?

Community Answer

Yes, you'll just have to make sure that you have adequate space to set the tent up.

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