Setting up a tent with the family: a bonding adventure or a recipe for chaos? We're gearing up for our first family tent camping trip, and to ensure smooth sailing, we pitched our new tent right in our backyard. This trial run helped us inventory everything and practice assembly—no rookie mistakes at the campsite. Here's our honest, hands-on experience.
Table of contents
Last year, my family convinced me to try tent camping. They'd long dreamed of vacations under canvas, while I preferred renting a holiday home or camper. They won out, and now we're proud owners of a quality tent—plus all the essential gear. We're even expanding our collection, as camping demands surprisingly extensive equipment.
We'd borrowed a tent for a week last year, and it was surprisingly enjoyable—even on basic sleeping mats. That convinced me to buy our own, with strict criteria in mind (assembly wasn't yet on my radar):
We met every requirement with a six-person tent—a far cry from my sister's compact blackout model. It has a generous awning, perfect for our trio (our son claims his own small tent). There's hanging storage, a wardrobe compartment, comfy air mattresses, sturdy chairs, and our own fridge. Check, check, and check.
Campsite booked, excitement building. But pitching it? My husband and son are camping pros; my daughter and I are novices—for now.
On a sweltering Saturday morning, my husband organized a family practice session. We'd check parts, learn the ropes, and prepare properly—key to campsite success.
The tent arrives in two massive bags: poles, groundsheet, inner tent—all compactly packed. Unpacking feels like a workout, but we dive in together.
Our 10-year-old son is a natural, effortlessly connecting the aluminum poles. I fumble at first but catch on by watching him. My daughter supervises from afar, delivering coffee—her max contribution.
The guys quickly grasp it; the frame rises fast (not fully taut yet). Next, the groundsheet. I volunteer to prove myself.
Trickier than expected—I start upside down, missing color-coded zippers. My son steps in, zipping it flawlessly. He's ready for the wilderness solo!
The awning stumps me too, but teamwork prevails. The result? Stunning—huge and inviting. We did it together, building real confidence. Camping skills are learnable.
Tempted by wine to celebrate, but it's early—and packing awaits. Folding proves tougher; bags bulge despite our efforts. Any pro tips?
The real challenge: transport. Pitching? Nailed it with our champs. But fitting everything? My husband's casual packing style ("if it doesn't fit, leave it") clashes with my essentials. Divergent views ahead.
Our station wagon's trunk overflows with tent and basics. Roof box for kitchen gear, chairs—but space remains for my must-haves: dresses, elegant tableware, wine glasses, linens, pillows, fairy lights. Glamping it is.
How are you vacationing this summer?
