Getting the Most out of your Adventure Tent


We at Complete Outdoors want you to get the very best out of your tent and will endeavor to help and facilitate this as best we can!  How do I get the best out of my tent?

  • If you are aware that bad weather is ahead, it is best not to use it
  • Choose a sheltered, flat area to set up your tent
  • Follow all the steps in the instruction manual
  • In wind, set your tent up so the head of the tent is facing into the wind
  • Head facing allows the wind to skim up and over the top of the tent without blowing heavily on the sides creating uneven pressure on the pole
  • All guy ropes should be attached and pegged down, using the correct tension.
  • All tie-down points should be pegged down and all pegs used
  • Using heavy-duty pegs provide strong anchor points for the tent - Stronger pegs make it more stable in the wind
  • Ensure that the tent is clean and dry when you pack it away for storage
  • Only use your tent in mild/moderate weather conditions

We know that sometimes asking questions can make you feel silly so we have compiled a list of commonly asked questions for you! Remember you are not alone!

Do I need to set my new tent up before going camping?

We would recommend that you set up your tent prior to your trip away. This is so you to know how your tent is setup, if it is complete and how long set-up will take.

I am only setting up the tent for one night; do I need to put up the guy ropes?
Yes, without having your guy ropes attached and firmly pegged into the ground you cannot expect your tent to withstand any unpredictable weather.

Are tents designed to handle storms and bad weather?
Adventure tents are low-profile and designed to cope with more severe weather and stronger winds. However, all products have limits; please see our Tips Below:

  • Take every precaution, this may include packing up your campsite and tent, knowing your limits
  • Ensure that your tent is pitched as per your Owner’s Manuals description
  • Play it safe, avoid bad weather and choose your campsite with these eventualities in mind
  • Choose a sheltered, flat area to pitch. The head of the tent should face into the wind
  • Ensure ALL guy ropes are pegged down and run down the line of the tent seam.

Why is the inside of my tent wet?
What you are likely seeing on the inside of your fly is condensation – adventure tents are prone due to the small area and high waterproof rating of the tent. Warm moist air is being trapped on the inside of your tent fly. You can avoid this by maintaining a well-ventilated tent. For tips on how to avoid Condensation in your tent see here.

Can I use a gas stove, heater, or light in my tent?
You CAN NOT use any flame or heat source within your tent. This can cause a number of dangerous situations including carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation.

How often through the year can I use my tent? How many seasons?
The numbers are ratings and not necessarily the number of seasons a tent will be used for.
3 Season - Versatile tents. They can withstand harsh rainstorms while remaining ventilated enough to be comfortable in mild weather. Although they are not ideal for winter, some can be used for mild winter weather with appropriate protection from the cold.
4 Season - Winter tents - These tents are not necessarily meant for four seasons. The fabric will often be double-layered, heavily weatherproofed and waterproofed, and sturdy enough to withstand a moderate snowstorm or extreme windstorms which often means they are too heavy and trap too much heat for spring, summer and autumn camping.

How should I store my tent after a camping trip?
Make sure your tent is dry and clean. You should always store your tent in a cool dry place. Do not store your tent where it will be exposed to sunlight or the elements. For more tips on Caring for your Tent, see here.

What happens when a tent pole breaks? Can it be repaired?
You can replace sections and the shock cord in a pole length simply and easily. The shock cord in a pole length is used as a setup aid, so your tent will function without it if you are desperate. Shock cord can be removed from inside the poles and sections can be slid on and off to replace. Pole repair kits can be purchased through our website or pop into our store and see if one of our team can help with a repair.

Pole sections can break due to:

  • Incorrect setup - If your pole sections are not all inserted into the stainless steel ferrule properly this can create an unnatural angle in the pole lengths curve. This can cause a weak spot.
  • Not using the tent’s guy ropes - If you do not use all of your guy ropes winds can exert too much force on your fiberglass tent poles.
  • Misuse, neglect, or abuse - If you inflict a significant trauma to the fiberglass (i.e. hitting the pole sections against solid objects with force, etc.) it can create weak spots or stress points.