6
Disassembling the Tent
The most important consideration in taking down a tent is not to stress
the poles and fabrics. First, disconnect guylines and release the tension
from the tent. Next, release all the poles. If your tent has pole sleeves,
push the poles out of the sleeves instead of pulling them out. To minimize
the stress on the bungee cord in the poles and to speed disassembly,
fold each pole in half fi rst, and then fold down towards the outsides, two
sections at a time.
Packing the Tent
If possible, fold and roll the tent rather than stuffi ng it into its sack—rolling
makes a smaller package, and causes fewer creases in the polyurethane
coating. The tent and poles may be carried separately for easier packing
or load sharing. There are two drawcords on the tent sack. Use the lower
one when carrying the tent separately from the poles; this makes a
shorter package that fi ts sideways into a pack. If carrying the pole sack
on the outside of a pack, securely attach the drawcord to the pack to
avoid loss.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Protecting the Tent
Ultraviolet damage is the single largest hazard your tent faces in its
lifetime. Fabrics should not be exposed to sunlight for extended periods
of time; this will eventually result in colour fading and fabric failure. The
uncoated fabrics of the tent canopy are most susceptible to damage from
UV and should be covered by the more durable fl y. If extended exposure
is unavoidable, cover the tent with a tarp or a sheet of nylon.
Lighting your Tent
Using a candle lantern in a tent carries defi nite risks. Never leave a candle
lantern burning unattended; always watch for fi re hazard from overheating
fabrics or spilling wax. Spilling wax can be dangerous, particularly to eyes
and other sensitive areas. It is your responsibility to use candle lanterns
wisely and with extreme caution: we do not endorse the use of any
fl ame or heat source in a tent. Cooking in a tent is strongly discouraged
because of fi re hazards and carbon monoxide inhalation risks. Unlike
campfi re smoke and other fumes, which cause you to gasp for air,
carbon
monoxide can render you unconscious without any warning.
Hummingbird 2 eng.indd 6
Hummingbird 2 eng.indd 6
3/1/05 2:35:13 PM
3/1/05 2:35:13 PM
