This post may contain affiliate links that earn a small commission.
How to Connect Two Tents Together: A Step-by-Step Guide
Camping can be an exciting endeavor, especially when it is undertaken by a group. It is an alternative way to get to know each other, not to mention a great way to enjoy the outdoors together.
If you are in a group, you will probably end up using more than one tent. Having separate tents can take away from the “altogether experience” that you will want to share. Knowing how to connect two tents, therefore, can be a serious and welcome help.
This is exactly what we are going to be covering in the following article. By the end, you should have the right know-how to join two tents and thus transform your group-camping experience.
Here are our three top methods.
Get Tents That Are Meant To Connect
This is the obvious choice, but if you are not quite yet camping-savvy, it may also be the best choice.
These tents are called pods, and fit together perfectly (usually through the use of zips). This adds a level of customization, as you can buy different types of pods to suit different needs. For example, if all you need is some extra space to store your luggage, you can buy a smaller pod that will snugly fit with your main tent. Conversely, if you need space for an additional set of feet, you can buy another pod that is the size of your main tent.
There are some downsides to consider here. Firstly, if not everyone has the exact same brand of tent-pod, they will not be able to connect. This means that your camping preparation will require some more delegation on your part.
Additionally, these tents are expensive. Of course, the exact quality of each brand will vary, but the fact remains that you will need to spend a lot more in order to connect your tents.
Zip and Clip the Doors Together
This is a common method of joining two tents, the efficacy of which is reliant on how similar those two tents are.
If you have two tents of the same brand or roughly the same size, you may get lucky here if you find that you can simply zip the two entrances together. Keep in mind that you will need at least one of these tents to have more than one entryway, or else you will not be able to access your formidable tent fort.
If the doors do not zip together completely, do not yet give up hope. You can use clips to close the open spots, and drape a tarp over the connected area to prevent any unwanted weather conditions.
There are a few things to keep in mind with this method.
Firstly, you will need to have tents of roughly the same size or brand in order for this to actually work. Additionally, while clipping can help, the open areas can lead to some nasty critters invading your space, or rain leaking in. You can help prevent this by draping a tarp over the connecting area. Also, keep in mind that some clips can end up damaging your tent in the long run.
Use a Tarp
This method can be used if your tents are of different sizes and brands. You will need a tarp and a cord.
To start, place your two tents about five feet apart with the entrances facing one another. Run your cord over the top of both tents, pulling it on either side until it is tight. Use a tent stake on each end of the cord to keep it firm and in place.
Now, drape the tarp over the cord, covering the two entrances. To prevent it from blowing away or being displaced, use a stake on each corner of the tarp to keep it in place.
This method is commonly used and can be very effective when pulled off correctly. Your main concern here is making sure that both the cord and the tarp stay in place. This is where stakes become your best friend.
If you want a longer “hallway” between the two tents, you can, of course, use a longer cord and a bigger tarp. Keep in mind, however, that a longer cord will most likely sag under the weight of the tarp, thus ruining the overall shape of your makeshift hallway.
Conclusion
So now you know how to connect two tents together with these three tried and true methods. If you are thinking of joining tents together, you would be wise to follow one of these methods. It may be difficult and tedious to pull off, but once you do, it is a great way of bridging the gap between two camping parties.
But if you are able to buy a bigger tent though, that would be the best solution. Either way, hopefully now your camping experience will feel that much more collaborative, and your friends and family can enjoy their camping trip out in nature! Enjoy!