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Had to set up my tent in the dark last weekend and it took me almost 45 minutes
Got to the campsite near Lake George way later than planned, like 9:30 PM. Thought I knew my tent well enough to do it by headlamp. Nope. Kept putting poles in the wrong sleeves, the rainfly was backwards twice. Finally just sat down and used my phone to check the instructions like a rookie. Has anybody else found a good trick for speeding up setup when you're fumbling in the dark?
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robin_foster126d ago
That colored tape trick is smart, I might try that. But honestly your story just reminded me of a bigger thing I've noticed. Seems like everything we do that we think we've mastered falls apart the second we're under pressure or in the dark, literally. It's like how I can cook a decent meal at home but if someone's watching or I'm tired I suddenly forget to add salt. I think the real trick isn't about gear hacks, it's about forcing yourself to slow down and do one thing at a time even when your brain is screaming to rush. That 45 minutes probably felt awful but at least you didn't break a pole or rip a sleeve, which is what happens when you get frustrated and just start yanking stuff.
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