Tent Security: How to keep yourself and your valuables safe
A camping trip is all about taking some time out and exploring the outdoors. However, the fun and games can end quickly if misfortune strikes. Because tents are such an easy target for thieves and animals, it’s especially important that you take a few simple steps to protect your group and your valuables while you’re camping. It’s easy enough to do, and as a result, you’ll be free to eat, sleep and explore in peace, without losing sleep over lost belongings.
How to keep your tent secure
Where to camp
Location is already one of the most important things you look for when you’re planning your activities, but it’s also your first line of defence when it comes to staying safe and secure while on your tent pitch. While a crowded campsite might not seem ideal noise-wise, it means that there are more eyes and neighbours to watch over your things while you’re out exploring. Gated campsites and places that won’t have passers by from main roads or popular walking trails also tend to be safer, because there are less likely to be strangers snooping around for potential loot.
Your pitch choice will also have a big impact on how attractive your patch is as a target for thieves. Thieves are more likely to select tents concealed by vegetation, away from main pathways and communal areas or with doors facing away from the crowds.
Choosing a pitch with friendly neighbours is another way to feel more comfortable, as it’s always nice to have someone around to keep a watchful eye on your things while you're away.
Storing valuables
When you’re setting off for your camping holiday, it’s a good idea to limit valuables to essentials only; while it might be tempting to bring expensive camera equipment to capture amazing landscapes and wildlife, these types of items are difficult to leave behind, so you’ll have to keep it on your person (and just think about how these extra items might weigh you down on long walks).
When it comes to storing valuables in your tent, remember that canvas is easy enough to slice open with a small knife, so a lock will do little to keep your valuables safe. Storing valuables out of sight in a locked car boot is a more secure option, although this isn’t completely theft-proof either. Some campsites might provide a safe as an alternative method for keeping your valuables secure.
If you absolutely can’t avoid leaving something behind in your tent, avoid slipping valuables into obvious hiding places – such as under your air bed or in your sleeping bag – as thieves are likely to look here first.
One good option, especially for larger things like stoves or bicycles, is to use a cable lock to hook them to a rigid object like a pole, or even a tree – even better if it’s in a public place well within sight of other people.
Meet the site owners
Friendly, vigilant owners can make all the difference in making you feel safe and secure as part of a community, so introduce yourself if you get a chance. They’ll be able to share information about any security features, give access to safes if applicable and tell you who to contact if you need any assistance.
How to lock a tent
If you are planning on locking your tent, a small cable lock or padlock will do the job. These make it easy to loop together and lock the two tent zippers on any tent door, preventing unwanted intruders. There will be holes in the zippers for the padlock or cable to pass through. Windows can be locked in the same way for extra peace of mind.
If you use a padlock, a keyless padlock is the safest bet, depending on how prone you are to losing small items, especially during very active breaks.
Just remember, it might not be a good idea to lock your tent at night, in case of emergencies or an urgent toilet dash. A shoestring might be a better choice here; tie the zippers together as you would with a shoelace, so they're easy to pull free should you need to evacuate urgently.
Top six tips for tent security at festivals
1. Introduce yourself to the neighbours: they may be able to keep an eye on your things while you’re away.
2. Pitch up in a crowded area close to walkways or communal areas, which are less likely to be targeted by thieves.
3. Avoid using a visible padlock: this can mark your tent as a target.
4. Hide any valuables in your sleeping bag while you sleep.
5. Leave valuables at home if you don't need them, and carry them on your person if you must bring them.
6. Ask staff if there are any safes or systems for car keys.
Protecting your tent from animals
Food is like a magnet for wild animals – anything from bears and foxes to squirrels or mice. Keep all your food stored in communal campsite areas or a car where possible to avoid providing temptation for nosy animals. If you do need to keep food in your tent, a sealed container will help to keep animals at bay, as will tidying up rubbish and crumbs.
If you’re still yet to decide on your tent or you’re looking for more camping advice, check out our guides, which contain insider tips on how to make the most of your camping break.
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FAQ
How do I keep my tent from being stolen?
Use sturdy tent poles or pegs to fasten your tent to the ground securely and pitch your tent in an area close to communal areas or walkways where there are more eyes around.
How do you secure a tent from intruders?
Locking a tent can give you peace of mind. However, bear in mind that a visible padlock might signal to thieves that there are valuables inside your tent.
How do you secure a tent at night?
Tying a shoestring between your tent zippers from the inside is an easy way to secure your tent at night, while still making it easy to escape in an emergency.
How do I lock a tent?
Secure a cable lock or padlock between the holes in two tent zippers.
Where should I store valuables in my tent?
Avoid storing valuables in your tent and place them in a locked car boot if possible.