Tarptent ProTrail Manual

III.Additional Adjustments and Features
1. Beak rolls away and storm ap can be opened or closed from inside the tent
(Image 3B).
2. Use sidewall pullouts to further tension y edge in bad weather (Image 3B).
3. Bathtub/oor height can be adjusted by line tighteners located at the front
corners of the interior (Image 2A).
4. Front apex guyline can be used for extra support in high winds or tied to a
xed support as an alternative to the front pole (Image 2A). 1
Tarptent ProTrail Setup
With practice, setup is less than 2 minutes. For additional photos and videos
visit: http://www.tarptent.com/protrail.html
Your ProTrail order includes: stuff sack, tent body and 4 blue stakes. You will
need trekking poles OR substitute poles which can be ordered from Tarptent.
I. Layout and Positioning
1. Once you have found an ideal place to pitch your ProTrail, spread out
the tent body so the black bathtub oor is facing the ground. If you are
using a ground sheet, lay it down rst.
2. Remove 4 blue stakes from the bag and have them ready to place in guyline
loops (2 stakes in front and 2 in back).
3. Set one trekking pole to the lowest setting (approx 24in/60cm)--this will
serve as the back pole. Set the other (front) pole to 45in/115cm (Image 1).
• If you are not using trekking poles, assemble substitute poles:
back pole=24in/60cm & front pole=45in/115cm. ground.
II. Pitching the ProTrail
1. Stretch out rear tent edge to prepare for back pole and stake placement.
• Place substitute or trekking pole tip into grommet hole and pole head on
the ground (Image 1).
• Trekking pole tip can be placed in the extendable O-ring if the length is
greater than 60cm/24in (Image 1 close up).
• If using O-ring, adjust guyline so the distance from the grommet to the
ground is 60cm/24in (Image 1 close up).
• Loop guyline over stake body and pull out both corners of the tent to give
guyline tension. Approx. 12in tail of guyline should remain unless using
higher trekking poles. Push stakes into the ground (Images 3A & 2B).
2. Locate the grommet under the apex vent at the front of the tent (Image 2A).
• Pull grommet rmly forward and wiggle it from side until it is centered
between the rear corners of the tent, creating a symmetrical ridge line.
• Insert optional pole or trekking pole tip into grommet hole and place
bottom of the pole on the ground slightly off vertical (Image 2A).
3. With one hand support the apex/top of the tent and with the other hand pull
out corner guyline with stake until tent body and guyline is taught. Push
stake into the ground and repeat with the other corner (see image 2A).
4. Adjust guyline tighteners and stake placement as needed—rst at the back,
then at the front to ensure the body of the tent is taught without creasing.
• For further tension and shape, increase pole height OR decrease the angle
of the front pole by bringing it closer to vertical.
Front
apex
front pole
Adjust distance
to O ring to t
trekking pole
grommet
bathtub/oor
Image 1
back pole
Image 2
(B.) Back
(A.) Front
stake stake
24in/ 60cm
45in/115cm
pull to tighten
guylines
Image 3
beak
adjust bathtub
oor
adjustable
storm ap
(A.) Back (B.) Back
sidewall
pullout
Back
f r o n t p o l e
(set off
vertical)
vent +
guyline
apex
rear
guylines
tensioned
back pole
guyline tail
(close up)

V. Condensation and Sag
• Ventilation and fabric warmth are your best defenses against condensation.
Keep doors open as much possible and try to set up where it’s breezy. Look
for warmer and drier microclimates under trees and out of valleys and lake
basins.The fabric will resist much stress but neither ame nor abrasion.
Treat it accordingly.
• Nylon stretches (and sags) when the humidity goes up, night is falling, and/
or when it starts to rain. Use the line tighteners and/or boost trekking poles
from inside to tighten the fabric.
VI. Key Points to Consider
• The fabric will resist much stress but neither ame nor abrasion. Treat it
accordingly.
• To prevent the rear pole from sinking in loose or wet stoil, place it on a thin,
at rock.
Thank you for your purchase. We sincerely hope that you enjoy your ProTrail.
Feedback is always welcome.
Tarptent
12213 Koswyn Ct.
Nevada City, CA 95959 USA
e-mail: [email protected]
ph: [phone]
seam-seal
2
Tarptent ProTrail Setup
IV. Seam-Sealing
Tarptent shelters need to be seam-sealed with silicone only!
Please refer to the seam-sealing instructional video:
http://www.tarptent.com/ttvideos.html
Seam-sealing is a quick, inexpensive way to ensure your shelter is fully
water proof. You can order the Tarptent seam-sealing service OR order
a seam-sealing kit from the Tarptent online store OR buy the materials
at your local hardware store. We recommend GE Silicone II clear sealer,
available at most hardware stores in a squeeze tube.
Here’s how to seam-seal your Tarptent ProTrail:
1. Set up tent in a cool, dry, well ventilated area.
2. In a well ventilated location prepare silicone sealant by squirting
approx. 3 tablespoons of silicone into a tuna can (or a similar
disposable receptacle) and mix with approx. 6 tablespoons mineral
spirits (paint thinner) or Coleman fuel/white gas. Mix until the
solution resembles the consistency of a thick olive oil.
3. Using a small foam brush or rolled up paper towel, paint the solution
onto the seams as shown in the image below. After the solution is
applied, run a paper towel over the seams to help push the solution
into the seam holes and to wipe up the excess solution.
4. We recommend painting several thick lines of silicone on the interior
oor of the shelter to form an anti-skid mat.
seam-seal