Check your tent at home by unrolling it and assembling it. Treat the rain fly with water repellent, as a new rain fly is likely to leak without waterproofing. Follow instructions on waterproofing spray, applying a full coat and allowing it to dry before packing.
Assemble the tent at the campsite, fully erecting it per the tent's instructions. Push the tent stakes in by hand, rather than hammering them into the ground. Lay the fly out flat to determine the front and the back, and add any additional tent poles that may help to support the fly.
Slide the front of the fly to mirror the front entrance of the tent and attach it by pulling up the front tent stakes nearest the door and looping the strap around the stake. Flip the fly over the tent and stake the farthest fly strap from the door on the back, center tent stake.
Walk around the tent and stake down any additional rain-fly straps with existing tent stakes, hammering each into the ground with a rubber mallet. Affix the Velcro or snapping pole straps at each screen tent pole.
Ensure a good fit by opening the tent door and windows and checking for any excess rain-fly material over the openings. Re-size the fly straps using the sliding sizers on the straps if necessary.
Stake down brightly colored fly-guide ties on the sides and back for additional protection from wind and rain. Place the guide-tie stakes away from walking paths and put coolers or gear boxes near them so no one will trip on the stakes.
