Tent Setup Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the site. Tamp down snow in the tent set up area.
Visual: A person on skis is shown tamping down snow.
Step 2: Unroll and unfold the tent.
Visual: The tent is shown unrolled and unfolded on the snow.
Step 3: Prepare for stove use. If using a stove, remove the pipe ring cover.
Visual: A hand is shown removing a cover from a stove pipe ring.
Step 4: Locate stake-out loops. Find the ground stake-out loops where the sidewall meets the snow skirt.
Visual: A close-up shows the ground stake-out loops located at the base of the tent's sidewall, near the snow skirt.
Step 5: Stake out the tent. Start by staking the door front panel loops in a straight line. Stake out the remaining loops to form a square shape.
Visual: An overhead view of the tent shows the initial staking of the front panel loops, followed by staking the remaining loops to create a square footprint.
Step 6: Prepare the central support pole. Cut a pole to use as the central support. The center height should be approximately 7'6" (2.30 m).
Visual: A pole is shown being cut to size, with an indication of the desired height.
Step 7: Insert the central pole. Insert the pole into the reinforced peak of the tent, ensuring placement at the very top where the material is gathered. This is the strongest point designed to support the tent. Cut the pole if necessary to adjust so that the seam where the snow skirt meets the sidewall rests at ground level.
Visual: The central pole is being inserted into the apex of the tent.
Step 8: Create tie-out points. Use standing trees or cut poles to create 4 tie-out points. Ensure that the snow skirt is on the outside of the tent.
Visual: The tent is shown with tie-out points being established using trees or poles, with the snow skirt positioned correctly on the exterior.
Step 9: Secure wall panel loops. Tie the wall panel corner seam loops to poles or trees.
Visual: Wall panel corner loops are being tied to external supports like poles or trees.
Step 10: Secure side wall panel loops. Secure the side wall panel center loops to poles, trees, or the ground. When affixing to the ground, follow the slope of the sidewall.
Visual: Side wall panel loops are being secured to various anchor points.
Step 11: Complete setup. Tent setup is complete. Insert the stove pipe into the stove pipe ring, and set up the stove.
Visual: The completed tent setup is shown with a stove pipe inserted into the roof fitting.
Important Tips and Care
Troubleshooting Sidewall Drooping
To prevent or correct drooping of the sidewall and wall panels: If the ground stake-out loops extend past the sidewall tie-out loops (resulting in a wall angle greater than 90°), the wall panels will droop inwards. To correct this, move the ground stake-out loops inwards, reduce tension, and create a 90° angle to the sidewall tie-out loops.
Visual: Two diagrams illustrate the difference between an "INCORRECT" setup (angle > 90°) and a "CORRECT" setup (angle = 90°), showing the relationship between the sidewall tie-out loop and the ground stake-out loop.
Ventilation Control
Ventilation is achieved through the use of the adjustable vent. Always keep the air vent at least partially open, especially when sleeping, to ensure adequate ventilation. Failure to do so can result in asphyxiation when using a stove in the tent.
A good practice is to leave a gap at the bottom of the tent to facilitate airflow up and through the adjustable air vent.
Visual: A diagram shows the interior of a tent with an adjustable vent and suggests leaving a gap at the bottom for airflow.
Two-Way Zippers
Each Esker tent uses a double zipper system to allow opening of the zipper from either the top or the bottom, which is useful for refining airflow in the tent.
Visual: A diagram illustrates the two-way zipper system with two sliders.
Interior Tie-Out Loops
Interior tie-out loops are provided for the installation of a drying line. Care should be taken to ensure that clothing does not rest against the stove or stove pipes.
Visual: A diagram shows interior loops within the tent, intended for a drying line.
Stove Pipe Ring
The stove pipe ring accommodates up to a 5" diameter pipe. Do not extend the slits. Inserting stove pipes up through the inside of the tent provides the best rain and moisture resistance.
IMPORTANT for Classic 2 tents: Do not use the pipe ring to support the pipe stack. Ensure the pipe stack weight does not rest on the ring; use external supports instead.
Visual: A diagram shows the stove pipe ring and a note about its diameter. Another diagram shows a stove pipe inserted from inside the tent. A separate note highlights the importance of external supports for pipe stacks on Classic 2 tents.
Packing and Storage
Packing the tent: With the tent laid out flat, begin by aligning the side wall tie-out loops such that the wall panel seams are folded and stacked.
Folding Sequence: Follow the illustrated steps for folding the tent.
Visuals: A series of diagrams illustrate the step-by-step process of folding the Esker Classic tent.
General Care and Maintenance
Your Esker Classic tent will provide many years of service if it is cared for properly. Ensure the tent is dried thoroughly before storing, as a wet tent can lead to mold growth. For cleaning, use a soft bristle brush with mild soap and water. Allow the tent to dry completely.
Exercise caution when operating a stove inside the tent. Always read all safety warnings included on the tag in the interior sidewall. If the tent is left set up for extended periods (weeks or months), suspend a tarp over the tent to protect it from UV radiation.