Q: What is the Tarptent return and warranty policy?
A: Tarptents are fully guaranteed against fabric and workmanship failure and you may return one uninjured for a full refund within 90 days of purchase if not satisfied. That means you can set one up, even try it out overnight, and then decide if it's something that will work for you. We stand behind every Tarptent and will make every effort to repair or replace products that fail due to defects in workmanship or materials. Normal wear and tear repairs will be done on a "non profit" basis and we will provide a price quote before beginning the work. In many cases, we charge only for the return shipping.

Q: Do Tarptents come with stakes and poles?
A: Yes. Every Tarptent comes with a rear arch pole, 4 stakes (3 stakes for the Cloudburst 2), guylines, and a stuffsack. The Cloudburst 2 also comes with a front arch pole and is complete. The Virga 2, Squall 2, and Rainshadow 2 work best in high winds with front trekking pole support but if you are not a trekking pole user we offer optional lightweight and inexpensive front poles that can be ordered with the shelters. Two of our poles will provide excellent wind performance for those shelters.

Q: Does the Rainbow require adjustable length trekking poles?
A: The Rainbow needs 51" (130 cm) minimum length poles to function optimally as
a free-stander. If your fixed-length poles are longer than about 53" (135cm), put a rubber band or piece of duct tape around a point a bit down the shaft to create a fixed location around which to wrap the guyline. If your poles are shorter than 51", cut a piece of PVC pipe to slide over the pole tip to use as a pole extender. A 6" PVC pipe extension adds 4" to the trekking pole length (since you you lose 2" in the overlap) and and makes trekking poles down to 47" (120 cm) or so quite useable for the Rainbow. Alternately, aluminum trekking pole tip extenders are available in the webstore.

The Double Rainbow requires a mininum 55" (140 cm) trekking poles for free-standing. For best performance, use 57" (145 cm) poles. Trekking pole tip extenders are available in the webstore.

Q: Can I order extra stakes and lines?
A: Yes. These items are available in the store. Other replacement items are also available. Please contact us for a quote.

Q: How do I clean a Tarptent?
A: Tarptents can be hand washed in mild soap and water. We use and recommend Woolite® Fabric Wash.

Q: Where are Tarptents made?
A: All Tarptents are made from US materials in Seattle, WA.

Q: What are Tarptents made of?
A: Tarptents are made of the lightest and highest quality materials available.

Q: I lost the instruction sheet, where can I get another one?
A: Downloadable product instructions for the Contrail, Rainbow, Double Rainbow, Virga, Squall, Rainshadow, Virga 2, Squall 2, Rainshadow 2, Cloudburst and Cloudburst 2 are on-line.

Q: I have a small tear in the fabric. How can I fix it myself?
A: Very small tears or pinholes in the roof or floor are best repaired by applying pure silicone to the wound and letting it dry. Larger tears are best repaired by coating the area with pure silicone and then gluing down a patch of siliconized ripstop nylon cut to fit the wound. Netting tears are best stitched up. Scrap siliconized ripstop and no-see-um netting are available at no charge on request.

Q: Can I use my trekking pole as a Tarptent front pole?
A: Absolutely. A trekking pole increases wind performance. Dual trekking poles are even better. Flip the trekking pole over and insert the pole tip into the Virga/Virga 2, Squal/Squall 2, or Rainshadow 2 apex grommet. Standard pole height is 45" (48" for the Rainshadow 2) but can be adjusted upward to a practical limit of about 50" (54" for the Rainshadow 2). The Cloudburst/Cloudburst 2 has dual arches and hence must use the included poles.

Q: Do you offer carbon fiber poles?
A: No, with the exception of carbon fiber struts for low off-axis stress. Carbon fiber replacement poles are available from third-party manufacturers such as Fibraplex but the weight savings over our standard aluminum pole is small--the aircraft grade Easton aluminum 12-foot Rainbow arch pole is 6 1/4 ounces, a Fibraplex carbon fiber replacement pole is 4 ounces--and both the cost and risk of breakage with carbon fiber is dramatically higher. Carbon fiber is nowhere near as strong as aluminum for use in arch poles where stress is at right angles to the carbon fibers.

Q: Is silicone-impregnated ripstop nylon waterproof?.
A: Silicone impregnated ripstop nylon is waterproof within "normal operating conditions." In very heavy rain and high velocity wind-driven rain some extremely light interior misting is normal and equivalent to increased interior humidity.

Q: How should I pitch my Tarptent in a storm?
A: Tarptents should be pitched foot-first into the wind and rain. Tarptents have excellent rear protection and can be operated even without the front beak if the rain is coming from the rear or directly overhead. In side-driven rain, restake the front corner(s) as needed to lower the sidewall(s) and prevent side spray. There are also side pullouts halfway along each long side to help with side wind and rain. Put just enough tension on the sidewall to prevent it from caving in but avoid pulling the ridgeline down. In front-driven rain, deploy the front beak and move a foot or so back from the netting door. If possible, take advantage of natural windbreaks to limit front-driven rain.

Q: Do Tarptents need to be seam-sealed?
A: Yes, it's a good idea to seal the the seams along the rear arc and the pullouts to protect the stitching. The ridgeline seam can also be sealed but has proven to be extremely water resistant without sealant. Silicone is the only material that will stick to the fabric. Urethane sealer will flake off. An inexpensive product that works well is GE Silicone II clear sealer/glue. It is available as a squeeze tube in most US hardware stores or in the Tarptent Store. Set up the tent ouside in a in a well-ventilated location. Mix about a tablespoon of silicone with a couple of tablespoons of mineral spirits(paint thinner) and then apply the solution with a small foam brush. Add more mineral spirits if the solution gets too thick. Avoid skin contact and breathing fumes.

Q: I have a floorless Tarptent. What's the best way to stop bugs?
A: Bug protection is best accomplished by pinning the netting to the ground to form a good seal. Place rocks or gear into the interior netting corners and at least one point along each long side. Properly pinned, Tarptents will do an excellent job against flying bugs. Determined ants and other crawling beasts will find their way in and we recommend that you limit the temptation by storing food outside the tent.

Q: Should I order a groundsheet?
A: It depends on the conditions you expect to encounter and your style of camping. The sewn-in flooring is remarkably tough and does not usually require a separate groundsheet. We just never see floors come back for repair. Tyvek groundsheets are very tough and great for sleeping out or taking a break but generally heavier than you need just for floor protection. For use on very rocky ground and desert conditions where puncture wounds are possible, a light--2 mil plastic is fine--floor protector will do the job.

Q: I need a tent for 2 people. What's the difference between the Squall 2 and Cloudburst 2?
A: The Cloudburst 2 is designed for comfort; the Squall 2 is designed for efficiency with attention paid to comfort as well. Here are a few points of comparison:

• The Cloudburst 2 has slightly more elbow room in front than the Squall 2 through the peak height is higher on the Squall 2. Two can sit up in front in both shelters. The walls are very steep on the Cloudburst 2, slightly less so on the Squall 2.
• The Cloudburst 2 sets up with only 3 stakes; the Squall 2 works best with 4 stakes but can work with only 3 stakes (with additional guyline).
• The Cloudburst 2 has unrestricted entry/exit; the Squall with one or two front poles has slightly restricted entry/exit.
• The Cloudburst 2 sidewall storm flaps allow the full width to be used in stormy weather. When not needed, the flaps stow away and the netting walls have the same dimensions and functionality as the Squall. The Squall 2 sidewalls can be easily lowered by restaking the front corners as needed.
• The Cloudburst 2 footprint is smaller.
• The Squall 2 may use one or two trekking poles in the front, the Cloudburst 2 must use both included poles.
• The Cloudburst 2 front awning (beak) offers good front door protection as does the awning on the Squall 2. The spit opening adds venting and entry/exit ease of use.
• The Squall 2 is about 6 ounces lighter and a better solution for one and two-person use when shelter and minimal weight are the primary concerns.
• The Cloudburst 2 will handle more snow loading without wall collapse.