Advice to those using a tent for the first time

Number 5 is good advice for sure.
How about use all the pieces and know why.

Don't use a tent full stop

What about get he correct size to fit the number of bodies staying in it

guilty as charged it happened to me in France and would have been fine with my head (and shoulders) sticking out of the tent only it started to rain!

Some of those points are good un's.

We're just back from a week of "tent camping" down in Kerry and all I was hearing from the kids was...

"I can't wait until the camper is finished, I can't wait until the camper is finished, I can't wait until the camper is finished"


And we have a lot of luxury items in our camping setup compared to most!

My original post:
I rec'd a tweet for one of the camping clubs asking the question what advice you'd give to someone using a tent for the first time and I've compiled a list based on the answers given and what I seen on my site. Any more tips would be welcome.
1 we can hear you.
2 get a caravan instead
3 skip the tent and caravan and get a motor home
4 if you have bits left over then your tent may not stay up
5 put it up at home at least once before you get to the campsite to avoid embarrassment
6 bring a mallet
7 Read the instructions
8 airbeds always deflate
9 ensure your pump works
10 don't forget some basics like plates and cutlery.
11 try and find a level pitch or get cosy with you neighbours/ others in your tent.
12 carry the number of the nearest B&B
Now with a few more weeks of experiences I would add the following;
When booking electric for your pitch you need to know domestic extension leads do not work.
When you go camping for the first time, book one night close to home and find out what you should have brought with you to make life more comfortable.
Hair dryers will not fill air beds unless you have the right nozzles.
Air beds often have two valves ensure one of which is done up when pumping air into the other nozzle.
Small pop up tents are fine if all you intend to do is sleep in it at and event or a festival but if you are spending more time in a tent I would recommend one big enough to be able to sit up in a chair in the tent or better still be able to stand up straight.
Leaving towels and washing on the outside of the tent whilst you out for the day is not a good idea if the weather is unsettled.