In the images above, Zac / Luke / David give an excellent example.
1. Their site near the top of a very gentle slope. You never want to camp at the bottom of a slope because you'll get soaked. Also, cold air tends to flow downhill, so if you can get a little higher, you'll stay warmer.
2. There is a natural windbreak behind them - don't camp underneath diseased branches or tree limbs that have the potential to break off.
3. The ground beneath is covered in soft nettles. They raked it beforehand to get rid of anything that might become uncomfortable underneath their bags. Note that you don't want to camp on soft ground because it will be mud if it rains. But soft groundcover on hard ground is a good choice.
4. The rainfly is properly attached. Even in summer or when you don't expect rain, use it anyway. There's nothing you can do AFTER it's rained without a rainfly.
5. Leave your boots in the vestibule area. Same with your backpack. But NO FOOD in or near the tent. Critters are a problem everywhere.
6. Tuck a tarp underneath your tent. Don't let it hang out because it will catch rain and soak the bottom of your tent. The purpose of the groundcloth (tarp) is to act as a barrier between the cold ground and the bottom of your tent.
7. Make sure to stake down both tent and rainfly.
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