Everyone knows when to put UP your tent poles, but not everyone knows when to take them DOWN. Here is a quick tutorial on how and when to install tent poles the proper way…and save costly repairs later. When setting up your tent, get a partner to stand in the corner next to you; each of you should insert your pole into its end or grommet. Then stand at the opposing two corners and GENTLY begin to bend the poles to form an arch. Sliding the excess fabric on the pole sleeves toward you while arching the poles can ease this process. Firmly place the end of the pole into the grommet at the same time as your partner places his/hers into theirs. This helps keep even pressure on the poles at all times, and avoids unnecessary stress on the pole while bending it into an arch.

Now the all-important addendum. ALWAYS take your poles down during a windstorm. Simply get your partner and release two of the corners at the same time, allowing the tent to collapse quickly to the ground. Leave the pole ends out of the corner grommets until the windstorm is over. Reassemble the tent poles as described above when the wind subsides. I guarantee two things: if you DO NOT lower your tent in a windstorm, the poles will overbend or break; if you DO lower your tent, there may be no visible damage to your poles at all.

Take care of your equipment; it will take care of you in return!

The Gear Doctor