How to Make a Tent Guyline

A guyline (sometimes called a guy-out line) secures a tent against wind and the elements. A guyline ties to the tent's pole sleeves or dedicated guyline loops, and extends out to tie off to anchors such as trees or rocks. Many tents come with guylines. If yours does not have them, you can make some yourself with little effort. Always take a few guylines into the field with you as a safety measure.

Things You'll Need

  • Cord adjusters - guyline sliders
  • 3 mm nylon cord
  • Utility knife
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a few lengths of the 3 mm nylon cord. As a general rule, make the lengths approximately 6 feet long. Melt the ends with the lighter after cutting to prevent frays.

    • 2

      Thread the cord through the guyline adjusters. Adjusters come in a variety of styles, including triangular cams and long rectangles. Thread the cord into one side through the hole on the adjuster, then over and down through the hole on the opposite side.

    • 3

      Tie the guyline to the dedicated loop or pole sleeve on the tent. To use the guylines, run them out from the tent and tie one end to an anchor. As the cord sags from moisture or use, push up on the slider to add tension into the guyline.