The design of and materials used in your new Cottonwood Shade Shelter are engineered to give you years of enjoyment if cared for properly. Here are a few tips for proper tent maintenance:
  • Always properly stake and guy your shelter down. Heavy duty, adjustable guy lines and ground stakes are provided for this purpose. Although your new shelter will free stand in winds under 5 knots, it is always best to deploy guy lines while you have the chance, before the winds and rain kick up. We recommend at least one guy line from each corner in normal conditions, and in winds exceeding 10 knots, at least 2 to 3 guylines on the windward corners, and 1 to 2 from the leeward (downwind) corners.
  • Always stake down the four corners of the shelter after setup, regardless of weather conditions!
  • Always allow shelter material to dry completely before stowing, and for prolonged storage do not roll shelter up too tightly. This helps extend the life of your tent material.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun! Although all materials in your new tent have been treated with UV inhibitor, exposure to the sun for extended periods of time will permanently damage your tent and is not covered by your warranty!
  • Use high quality seam sealer on all roof seams, before each use to ensure waterproof performance.
  • All materials meet CPAI-84 standards for fire retardency. However, keep all flammable materials at least 5 feet from all tent materials.

POLE SET CARE:

The pole set provided with the Cottonwood is manufactured by Paha Que' Wilderness, Inc. using high performance aluminum tent tubing, and is designed to give years of high performance if cared for properly.

  • The poles provided with the Cottonwood Shade Shelter are 19 mm in diameter and after being used they will get a slight bend in the poles. It is normal for aluminum poles to take "a set" after being used and it will actually make it easier to put your Cottonwood up in the future. This is not a defect in your poles.
  • Your poles experience over three times as much stress and pressure during set up and take down as they do under even the most stormy and windy conditions! It is Very Important that you follow the set up instructions carefully and take care not to exert undue pressure on your poles during set up and take down of your new shelter!
  • As previously mentioned, it is highly recommended that you deploy guy lines, even in the calmest conditions. You never know when a storm can sneak up, and there is nothing worse than fumbling with guy lines and ground stakes in the middle of a windy, rain storm. Although your tent and pole set are designed to freestand in winds under 5 knots, failure to read the instructions and properly deploy guy lines in windy conditions could result in damage to your tent and/or pole set and will void your warranty!  

     

     

     

    These Tips Will Help Make Set-Up Easy, Ensure Proper Function Of Your new Cottonwood Shade Shelter, And Help Prolong It's Useful Life
     
     

    Choose Campsites Wisely!

    1. Choose ground that offers good run-off in wet weather
    2. Avoid rocky ground that could damage tent floors or fabrics
    3. Avoid areas where danger of falling objects is present.
    4. Tents facing east enjoy the morning sun and warmth
    5. Call in advance - learn in advance, about the area you plan to camp and explore.
    6. Plan to arrive a few hours before sunset.
    7. Look for previously camped sites to minimize your impact.
    8. Keep your site clean and always carry out your trash.
    9. Choose a spot with shade for a cool tent during the day.
    10. Anticipate wind and choose spots with windbreaks

    Cleaning and Storage

    Most stains such as tree sap, bird droppings, and dirt can be removed by using a mild detergent and soft sponge. Be careful not to use an abrasive cleaner or sponge or you may damage the fabric coatings.

    Always allow the Cottonwood to dry completely before storing for extended periods of time. Also, it is best to roll the tent loosely when planning to store for extended periods.

     

     

    Useful Tips and Hints

    1. Remember to loosen the tension straps at the bottom of each corner webbing before set-up and take down!
    2. Simply staking down the four corners, and adding one guy-line to each corner adds significant stability to the Cottonwood in windy conditions.
    3. In soft sand where normal ground stakes won't hold, try using the "Dead-Mans Anchor" - tie the end of your guy-line around the center of an 18" long piece of wood, and then bury the wood flat about 12-18" deep with the guy-line protruding from the sand and connecting to your tent.
    4. Re-seal roof seams at least twice a season to maximize waterproof performance.