I realise that this is going to be a very basic question but I spent a lot of time last night searching the internet with no avail, so apologies in advance.
I am going on a hiking/camping trip next week. I bought a Vango Soul 100, which I was assured would suit my needs. But I’m having real difficulties pitching the tent.
Firstly, it’s a two pole tent. The poles are connected by elastic, which I guess is standard. There is one long and one short pole, the short one has a natural arch, the long one though is straight.
The instructions simply state to thread the poles through the sleeves at the front and the back, and connect with a pin system connected to the tent. (The link is here).
The issue I’m having is forming the arch. The long pole feels its about to snap trying to create the arch shape, while the first with a natural bend in it also seems to be too strained. I think I am going very wrong, and don’t want to break the poles.
I can’t find any suitable videos on line, or more detailed instructions.
Do you think its possible I have been given the wrong poles, or that I should have a bit more faith that they can take the strain?
I'd say have more faith that the poles can take the strain. They need that tension to hold the tent up and yes, elasticated poles are normal for tunnel tents. I have a really fun time wrestling with my 3 pole tent!
Short pole at the back, long pole at the front (sorry if that's obvious!)
This link to a guy pitching the Vango 300 (same tent but a bit bigger) might help - the pitching principle will be the same. Vango Soul 300 pitching
Quote: Originally posted by theprizelamb on 10/9/2018
Do you think its possible I have been given the wrong poles, or that I should have a bit more faith that they can take the strain?
Possible but very unlikely, I'd have thought.
Check that none of the sleeve is being trapped between two pole sections, then try disconnecting (without cutting the shock cord, of course ) the last pole section and fitting the pin before reconnecting (while supporting the arch). (This video, although about metal spring connected poles, illustrates what I mean)
In the unlikely event that a fibreglass pole section does break, it can usually be repaired temporarily with duct tape.
There's a list here of things you might possibly need (but you're unlikely to need all of them!)
I'd suggest a couple of reflective foil blankets (available from Poundland from time to time) in addition to whatever bedding you're taking, and a folding solid fuel (Esbit or Hexi) stove as a back-up in case your main stove fails/runs out of gas, or even to use as your main stove (with extra fuel tablets) if you're backpacking.
Pop on amazon or whatever and buy some spare fibreglass poles they'll be about a tenner for a kit you just saw th eff m to length if needed. All that said I've never had a pole break but our oldest tent does sound a bit like it's going to when we put it up ! important thing is make sure you have a groundsheet or tarp to protect your investment and camping mats make a huge difference in keeping the floor areas warm round beds
Have a look at the pins.
They are usually connected to the tent via straps which are sometimes adjustable.
If they are slacken off the adjustment as much as possible then connect the poles.
Then tighten up the adjustment.
Can't see form the video if this tent has them or not.
You would be surprised just how much the poles will bend.
Just be careful that the sections of the poles are all fully connected together before inserting them into the tent.
If this is not the case they will certainly snap.
When taking the tent down PUSH the poles through the pockets. Do not PULL or they will come apart inside the pockets, and you will have all sots of problems getting them out.
Enjoy your camping. Looks a great little starter tent to me.
Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 11/9/2018
There's a list here of things you might possibly need (but you're unlikely to need all of them!)
I'd suggest a couple of reflective foil blankets (available from Poundland from time to time) in addition to whatever bedding you're taking, and a folding solid fuel (Esbit or Hexi) stove as a back-up in case your main stove fails/runs out of gas, or even to use as your main stove (with extra fuel tablets) if you're backpacking.
I'd echo the foil reflective blankets - lightweight, small space. They may cost a wee bit more from your local pharmacy but they do provide good insulation - besides which I regard them as essential in my car first aid and emergency overnight kits.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Thanks very much everyone. I'll definitely get the foil blankets.
One last question. There is a groundsheet sewn into the tent itself. but would it be sensible to buy an additional groundsheet?
I would want this only to ensure that no enters the tent. I understand that they are good for protecting the base of the tent in general, but really I just need to get through the week.
And while not expensive, I'm looking to keep the weight in the bag as light as possible.
Extra groundsheet - a cheap tarp from screw fix will do - protects your investment but isn't totally necessary. If the ground is muddy when you pitch it make's putting your tent into storage afterwards much easier. But îts nit essential
I've been checking on my "groundsheet" that I put under my wee pop-up but I can't find the label nor the receipt. Essentially, it's a sheet of the stuff that's used to line decent cool bags - very light and rolls up tight. I've had mine for years so maybe not a good suggestion right now but if you can find it, worth getting if back-packing. Protect base of tent whilst adding insulation.
Microfibre towels are now much cheaper and pack small, though after my initial experience with one (blue) when the colour ran and I looked like I'd covered myself in woad, I also wash them first!!
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Probably too late for this trip, but if you wanted to take some duct tape with you I saw a tip where you wrap some around a lighter rather than taking the whole roll. Enjoy!
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Topic: Tent pitching basics
) the last pole section and fitting the pin before reconnecting (while supporting the arch). (
