Tarptent Cloudburst 3 Manual

Tarptent Cloudburst 3 Setup
Setup is very easy. It will take 2 or 3 minutes once you get the hang of it.
Please see http://www.tarptent.com/cloudburst3.html for additional photos.
1. Assemble shock-corded arch poles.
2 Locate a yellow sleeve and thread a pole where the sleeve opens. Push the
pole through the sleeve and insert the pole tip into the pole tip pocket. Pull
the fabric to slide the sleeve across the pole and insert the pole tip into the
remaining pole tip pocket. Tighten straps as needed.
3. Repeat with second arch pole.
4. Stretch the tent out, locate one end, and stake the two guylines to the
ground. Set the stakes about 3 feet / ~ 1 meter apart, centered to the inside
of the pole arch (see below).
5. Walk to the other end, lift and pull the other arch outward to tension the full
canopy tunnel, and then stake the other end as the rst.
6. Lift/adjust arch pole pole ends to maximize fabric tension from front to
back. Line tighteners rmly tension the vestibule fabric and canopy tunnel.
8. Loop the arch pole 3-into-1 gylines over each of the 4 stakes. Use the line
tighteners to rmly tension the lines.
9. Side attachment points are provided. Use them in a strong side wind to
secure canopy hem.
10. Release buckles at pole ends to slide sidewall canopy up as desired to
increase ventilation and views.
Vestibules
Unzip and tie back both vestibule doors to enable owthrough ventilation.
Weather permitting, you can also roll away one or both vestibules. Detach the
vestibules from the stakes—leave the arch pole guylines attached. Then use the
tie backs at the sides and top of the doors to hold the fabric up against the pole
sleeves. Unhook elastic oor clips from the vestibules and stretch them out to
the stakes to provide full oor tensioning
Third pole support
For high winds or snow, we recommend using a third pole. The pole feeds
through small openings in the sidewall and is secured at ground level by
grommeted straps. Interior velcro tie-up secure the pole to the canopy.

Seam-sealing
Please refer to the seam-sealing instructional video:
http://www.tarptent.com/ttvideos.html
Seams over your living space must be sealed with a silicone-based sealer. An
inexpensive product is GE Silicone II clear sealer, available at most hardware
stores in a squeeze tube. In a well-ventilated location, squirt about 3 table-
spoons into a tuna can and mix in about 6 tablespoons mineral spirits (paint
thinner) or Coleman fuel/white gas. The silicone will dissolve and form a
semi-viscous solution. Set up the tent and seal all seams over the living space.
Paint the solution on with a small foam brush or rolled up paper towwl for easy,
smooth application. Add more mineral spirits and stir if the solution gets too
thick.
Condensation and Sag
Ventilation and fabric warmth are your best defenses against condensation.
Keep the netting open if at all possible and try to set up where it’s breezy. Keep
the beaks open (or at least partially rolled up). Camp under trees where its
warmer and set up out of river valleys and lake basins where it’s cool and damp.
Nylon stretches (and sags) when the humidity goes up. This happens as night is
falling and/or when it starts to rain. Use the line tighteners to tighten the fabric.
Key points to consider
• It’s a good idea to paint lines of silicone on the oor—slightly thicker
mixture than for the roof—to form an anti-skid mat.
• Push, rather than pull, the poles through the sleeves to prevent separation.
• The tent is made of strong, lightweight, and ammable fabric. Treat it
accordingly. It will resist much stress but neither ame nor abrasion.
Thank you for your purchase and we sincerely hope that you enjoy your
Tarptent. Feedback is always welcome.
Tarptent
12213 Koswyn Ct.
Nevada City, CA 95959 USA
e-mail: [email protected]
ph: 650-587-1548