Aurora Highrise Tent Setup Tips for First Timers
By NEMO Equipment | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
New to the Aurora Highrise? Follow these step-by-step setup tips to pitch your family tent quickly, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy a stress-free camping trip.
Quick Answer
Set up your Aurora Highrise tent by choosing a flat, clear site, laying out the footprint, assembling the poles, and raising the tent with two people. Follow the steps below to avoid common first-timer mistakes.
Why Setup Order Matters
The Aurora Highrise tent is designed with a simple setup, but doing things in the right order saves time and prevents frustration. Starting with a clean, level site and a footprint protects the floor and makes the tent more stable.
Because the tent has steep sidewalls and large windows, proper pole alignment is key to achieving the full interior volume. Rushing this step can leave the tent sagging and reduce headroom.
Two People Make It Easier
While you can pitch the Aurora Highrise solo, having a second person makes the job noticeably faster and reduces strain on the poles. One person can hold the hub while the other extends the poles, which is especially helpful on windy days.
Step-by-Step Setup for the Aurora Highrise
- Choose a flat, clear site: Look for level ground free of rocks, sticks, and sharp objects. Clear the area and lay out the footprint (if you have one) to protect the tent floor. A quick sweep of the site prevents floor punctures and makes the tent sit evenly.
- Lay out the tent body: Unfold the tent and spread it over the footprint with the doors facing your preferred direction. Make sure the tent is oriented so the doors are accessible and the windows get the view you want. Check door and window orientation before staking—it's hard to change later.
- Assemble and insert the poles: Connect the pole sections according to the color-coded markings. Insert each pole through the corresponding sleeves or clips, working from one end to the other. Avoid forcing the poles—they should slide smoothly. If a pole resists, check that you're using the right sleeve; don't bend it.
- Raise the tent: With a partner, lift the poles simultaneously to raise the tent. Guide the pole ends into the grommets or pins at the corners. Ensure the tent is fully extended and the walls are taut. Raising both sides at once prevents uneven tension and keeps the tent stable.
- Stake out the corners and guylines: Stake the tent corners at a 45-degree angle, pulling the fabric taut. Then stake the guylines, especially if wind is expected. This keeps the steep sidewalls and windows properly tensioned. Guylines are not optional in windy weather—use them to prevent flapping and stress.
- Attach the rainfly (if included): If your Aurora Highrise includes a rainfly, drape it over the tent and secure it with the provided clips and hooks. Ensure the rain-protected windows are covered and the fly is taut to shed water effectively. A loose rainfly can flap in wind and let water pool—check tension after setup.
Product Features to Keep in Mind
- Aurora Highrise™ Camping Tent: The Aurora Highrise tent features a spacious standing-height design, steep sidewalls, and large rain-protected windows. These features mean you should take extra care to align the poles correctly so the walls stay steep and the windows open smoothly.
Aurora Highrise™ Camping Tent
