How to Set Up a Dome Tent

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Dome tents offer more head room than other styles and are great at withstanding wind. And setting one up is a breeze.

Step 1: Lay down the ground tarp
Find a clear, flat area to pitch your tent. Remove any rocks and debris, and then lay down the ground tarp.

Step 2: Unfold the tent
Unfold the tent on top of the ground tarp, with the door facing in the desired direction. Make sure all zippers are closed, except the door zipper. Set aside the rain fly.

Step 3: Assemble the poles
Assemble the poles according to instructions. In many cases, you can just shake the pole sections into place.

Step 4: Insert the poles into the appropriate sleeves
Push the poles through the fabric sleeves, taking care not to have the poles separate.

Step 5: Insert one pole into its pockets
Take one of the poles and place it into a corner pocket. Insert the other end of the pole into the pocket on the opposite corner of the tent. Repeat with the second pole. You may need another person to help with this.

Tip
The two poles should cross, forming an ‘X’ in the center of the tent.

Step 6: Set up the rain fly
If rain is a possibility, set up the rain fly by pushing its pole into its fabric sleeve. Place the ends into the center pockets on the underside of the rain fly. Attach the fly to the pole with the ties provided.

Step 7: Check your ground tarp
Check your ground tarp. If it extends beyond the tent, roll the excess tarp under the tent so water doesn’t pool if it rains.

Step 8: Secure the tent
Secure the tent by staking down the sides wherever you find stake holders.

Did You Know?
The lightest tent available to consumers is the Laser Photon from Terra Nova, which weighs less than 28 ounces.