Going camping this summer?
With staff shortages continuing to disrupt UK airports, we don’t blame you for opting for a UK staycation instead. After all, who needs a tropical 5* hotel when you can have a few nights under the canvas in Blighty!!
Just purchase the essentials, choose a campsite and jump in the car!
One piece of camping equipment that can be overlooked is the humble guy rope.
These could be the difference between an enjoyable family trip and one that ends prematurely due to the weather. So be sure to add them to your list of spares you need and use our guide to help secure them down correctly.
What is a guy rope?
Also known as a guy line, a guy rope is a length of cord that is used to secure a tent to the ground – particularly where there are no poles. They’re supplied with the tent, of course. In fact we’re proud to supply ropes to a number of marquee companies. But savvy campers should always have spares.
Several types of rope or cord are suitable for this job. Nylon braided cord is suitable for most family tents, though some people like braid-on-braid polyester for a higher spec.
These are both lightweight yet strong. They demonstrate high resistance to UV and abrasion, exceptional flexibility and can successfully withstand the elements (no matter how wet and windy it might get!). And the best bit? They’re affordable too.
Why are guy ropes needed to pitch a tent?
Their main purpose is to add strength and stability. If they’re tied correctly, tent guy ropes help to pull the canvas material taut and will keep the structure secure.
Guy ropes are also required for ventilation. Regardless of their size or shape, most tents have a double-wall construction – including an inner tent body and a rainfly. Cords can be used to keep these layers separate at all times, allowing air to circulate and preventing condensation.
What’s more, they can also be used to give the tent a better shape – pulling out sections that naturally sag inwards and supporting areas that are not held up by the frame (e.g. the vestibule).
How to tie guy lines
You don’t need to be a camping-pro to tie guy lines correctly. Simply follow our three step approach and your tent will be secured down in no time, ready for whatever the UK weather has in store.
- Attach to the tent
Ever noticed the canvas loops at the top of your tent? These are called ‘guy out loops’ and they’re specifically there for the purpose of attaching tent guy lines.
Start by identifying how many of these loops your tent has and where they are. Then, attach a guy rope to each one using a secure knot, such as a bowline knot or a clove hitch. These are pretty quick and easy to master (even for a beginner!). But if you’re struggling, additional guidance on how to tie these can be found in our previous blog ‘Know your knots’.
- Add the rope adjuster
The next step is to add a rope adjuster (or guyline tensioner) to each guy line.
Essentially, these are small plastic tabs with three holes, which allow you to loosen or tighten the tent guy ropes as necessary. Simply thread the cord up through the first hole, down through the second, and back up through the third. This should create the shape of a letter ‘S’. Then, to secure it in place, tie a sturdy knot at the very end of the cord.
Tension adjusters are easy to find online at a reasonable price. But if you don’t have any to hand, or prefer not to use them, an adjustable knot (such as a taut-line hitch) would work just as well.
- Anchor the guy lines
Lastly, you will need to anchor the tent guy lines into the ground using metal pegs or stakes.
Take the first line and hold it as straight as possible, at a 90° angle to the tent. Then, loop the cord around the top and push the stake firmly into the ground – at an approximate 45° angle.
Stock up on tent guy ropes at RopesDirect
Here at RopesDirect, we currently stock both nylon cords and braid-on-braid polyester cords that work perfectly as guy ropes. These come in various colours and diameters. They’re guaranteed to last a long time. And sold by the metre, they’re available for an affordable price. Perfect for a successful family trip on a budget!
So, why not take a look? Browse our range, stock up on this essential piece of equipment – and if you do head off on a little camping trip this summer, be sure to send us a few photos. We’d love to hear your feedback and see our cords in action as sturdy guy lines!
You can either tag us in your pics on social media using @RopesDirect, or email them over to us at info@ropesdirect.co.uk.