Tarptent Saddle 2 Manual

Tarptent Saddle 2 Setup
Setup is straightforward. It will take about 2 minutes once you get the hang of
it. Please watch the setup video and slideshow.
http://www.tarptent.com/saddle2.html (Click “VIDEOS”)
1. Spreadcanopyonground,blackoorsidedown.Removestakesfromstake
bag and have ready. Set trekking poles to 110-115cm. Gather cording at
endasshownandloopoverstake.Repeatatotherend.
2. Inserttrekkingpole,handleendrst,throughventopeningsothatpoletip
goes into grommet on underside of vent. Stake vestibule. Pull ridgeline
across and repeat on other side so that the structure looks like this:
3. Now insert end pole tip into grommet or, if using talller trekking pole, into
O-ring. While holding top of pole, remove end cording from initial stake
and tension off to side as shown.
4. Repeatwithothercornerandthenrepeatsequenceonotherendsothateach
end looks like this:
5. Restakecornersanduselinetightenersasnecessary.Pullcordendto
tighten, lift lever to loosen.
6. Openydoor,rollback,andsecurewithclip.Interiordoorsalsorollback
and secure with clip. Adjust interior height using the connector strap.
7. For more ridgeline tension and for opening both door halves, pull attached
apex guyline out and stake.
8. For best ridgeline tension and wind/snow performance, stake apex guylines
separately in the plane of the ridgeline.
Stake Insert trekking pole
Pull ridgeline
Insert trekking pole
Stake
Stake

Seam-sealing and Repair
Please refer to the seam-sealing instructional video:
http://www.tarptent.com/saddle2.html (Click “VIDEOS”)
Seams must be sealed with a silicone-based sealer such as GE Silicone II clear
sealer. In a well-ventilated location, mix about three tablespoons into a tuna can
with about 6 tablespoons mineral spirits (paint thinner) or Coleman fuel/white
gas. Stir to dissolve and form a semi-viscous solution. Set up the tent and seal
the outside/topside seams over your living space. Paint the solution on with a
small foam brush for easy, smooth application. It’s also a good idea to paint
thickerswathsofsiliconeonthecompartmentoor in the area of your sleeping
padtohelpreducesliding,especiallyifyouuseaninatablepad.
Small fabric tears can be patched with pure silicone and scrap fabric (available
freeonrequest).
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.
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.
Key points to consider
• Stakebothelasticloopsatbottomofdoorzipperstoreducezipperstress
and prevent opening in wind.
• Thefabricwillresistmuchstressbutneitheramenorabrasion.Treatit
accordingly.
Thankyouforyourpurchaseandwesincerelyhopethatyouenjoyyour
StratoSpire. Feedback is always welcome.
Tarptent
12213 Koswyn Ct.
Nevada City, CA 95959 USA
e-mail: [email protected]
ph: 650-587-1548
Inner Compartment
Theinnercompartmentattachestotheouterystructureviaclipsandrings.
Thecompartmentiscompletelydetachableandboththeouteryandinner
compartment can also be used standalone.
1. Unclipinteriorfromyandspreadonground,blackoorsidedown.Stake
all4corners.Useendpolesfromyourysetuptoliftandtensiontheends.
Add cording to the end clip and stake to ground or add “V” shape cording
as shown to elliminate the need for an extra stake.
2. Untietheapexguylinesfromtheouteryandretietothehooksatthetop
of each door zipper. Insert the trekking pole tips into the elastic loops.
3. Stake the two trekking poles as shown to tension the interior canopy.
Snowfall and Wind
A snow shovel is a necessity for any journey during snow season. Use it to
build snow walls and dig yourself out of heavy snow. Seek natural windbreaks
in trees and behind rock outcroppings to limit wind exposure.
Snowfall is best handled by ensuring that it slides off the shelter. Any residual
snowmustthenbesupportedbythestructuralintegrityoftheshelter.The
Saddle 2 will handle light to moderate snowfall but you will want to reach up
and punch the underside of the interior as often as necessary.
Stake the apex guylines aseparately to maximize ridgeline tension and resist
windandsnowloads.Additionalypulloutsareprovidedalongtheperimter
hem.