How to Pitch a Modular Shelter

How to Pitch a Closed Modular Shelter

In this example, a 5 sided shelter is pitched using the sidewalls, to increase interior volume. The shelter has been zipped together before the trip, and as the weather is good, the Groundfloor™ is pegged out first to provide a template for where the sidewalls should go. Walking poles are used for the centre pole, joined together using a Pole Union™.

1. Select Campsite
Select a safe and comfortable campsite. Prepare the ground as appropriate, for example by removing sharp stones or twigs, or stamping down soft snow.
2. Peg out Groundfloor™
Peg out the Groundfloor™. This is the quickest way to get a tight pitch, especially when using sidewalls. In bad weather, pitch the shelter first, spread out the Groundfloor™ inside, then tighten the pole and guys.
3. Insert first pole into Pole Union™
If using walking poles, join them together using a Pole Union™. First, thread the handle of one pole through one of the webbing loops and into the pocket. Make sure the webbing is centred on the top of the pole handle.
4. Insert second pole into Pole Union™
Do the same for the other pole, again making sure the top of the handle is centred on the webbing. Release the buckle locks, tighten the webbing loops, and refasten the buckle locks.
5. Spread out Elements
If the Elements are not joined together, zip them together now. Lay out the elements on the Groundfloor™, starting from the top (centre) and working outwards. Leave one zip partly open for access.
6. Peg out Element sidewalls
Peg the corners of the elements out to the corners of the Groundfloor™. In this case, the sidewalls are used, so the pegs go through the loops at the bottom corner of the sidewalls.
7. Insert pole in top rings
Insert the pole through the open zip, underneath the elements, and place the ring of each element over the spike of the pole. Partly raise the centre of the shelter – enough so the pole cannot fall over. (This step can also be done after the sidewalls are tensioned).
8. Peg out sidewall guys
Peg out the sidewalls, using the sidewall guy cords. The sidewalls should be slightly angled inwards, so the corner of the roof triangle is directly over the corner of the Groundfloor™.
9. Extend pole
Extend the pole, so that the edges of the shelter are pulled tight. If necessary, adjust the sidewall guy cords so that the tension is even across all sides of the shelter.
10. Fit Rain Ceiling™
Overlap the edges of the Rain Ceiling™ so that the number of sides is the same as the number of sides of the shelter + the number of vents. Attach the Rain Ceiling using hook and loop tape.
11. Peg out guy cords
If necessary, peg out the guy cords to create further tension on the edges of the shelter.