Monodome Tent Instructions

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Monodome tents do not require staking, although you can add stakes to provide another level of protection from wind. These tents come in both single and multiperson sizes, and for three- and four-season use. Monodome tents generally have between six and eight sides and a single apex in the middle, resembling nylon versions of igloos. Follow a specific chronology for the most efficient method of putting up the portable structure. Practicing the setup and take-down processes at home will allow you to complete them quickly and smoothly in the field.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Remove the telescoping poles form the pole bag. Assemble all the poles. Do not allow them to snap together if held with internal bungee cords, which can fracture the metal or carbon fiber. Place one section into the other by hand. Once you have them assembled, set the poles next to each other so you can see sizes. Look at the poles for any markings indicating which sleeve you need to thread them into.

Step 2

Spread out the tent, with the floor on the ground and the top in the center of the fabric. Look for the sleeves or quick clips that will hold the poles; look at the tent corners for the metal pole guides.

Step 3

Slide one pole into the designated sleeve or series of quick clips. Push the pole through the appropriate sleeve gently, taking care not to snag it on the sleeve fabric or tear it. Slide another pole through a sleeve that crisscrosses the sleeve through which you just slid a pole; take the same precautions. You should have two poles overlapping that make the shape of a "plus" sign. Thread any other poles in a similar manner.

Step 4

Look at the end of the pole sleeve, at the tent's base, for a black nylon strap with a metal circle. Insert the end of the pole into the metal circle so it snaps into place. Go to the opposite side of the pole and place it in the hole. Go around repeating the insertion with all the poles. The tent will begin to take shape as you place the poles into the guides.

Step 5

Lift up the tent once you have set all poles into the guides. Set down the footprint of the tent where you wish to camp. The tent footprint consists of a single piece of nylon or waterproof fabric in the same shape as the bottom of the tent. It acts as an extra layer of waterproofing against the elements or seepage from groundwater.) Place the tent on top of the footprint. Grab the center of the tent's rain fly, and toss it over the tent like you would toss a plastic disk. Go around and pull the edges of the rain fly over the tent.

Step 6

Slide any rain fly poles into their dedicated sleeves, and attach the clips or fastening assemblies so the rain fly becomes taut with no contact with the tent surface.

Tips & Warnings

If you are camping in a high-wind area, stake the tent down using the stakes in the sleeves at the end of the guide loops.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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