CAMPERS 101

How to easily remove tent stakes:
Stakes should be removed from the ground by using another stake, hammer, or a stake puller - never by pulling on the tent. Avoid staking your tent so tight that it stretches the fabric. Over stretching may cause stake loops to wear, and can also cause "grinning" of the tent seams, allowing them to ... READ

How can I keep condensation from developing on the floor of my tent?
A ground cloth (or tarp) under the tent prevents the floor from feeling damp and helps prolong the life of the tent floor. The cloth should be approximately 6 in. smaller than the tent floor to prevent rain from collecting, and running under the tent.... READ

My tent's fabric seems to have faded. What can be done to prevent this?
Do not leave your tent set up in direct sunlight longer than necessary. If left in sunlight for prolonged periods of time, the UV rays will cause the tent fabric to gradually fade and weaken. Try picking a shaded campsite whenever possible to minimize this exposure.... READ

How do I avoid mildew growth on my tent/canopy?
To avoid mildew, never put your tent away wet or damp. If mildew occurs, use a soft cloth or sponge with mild dish washing soap to clean. Let the tent dry in the sunlight.... READ

My tent develops condensation on the walls. Why does this happen?
This is caused by lower temperatures on the outside of the tent combined with body heat on the inside of the tent. When this occurs, avoid touching walls to reduce contact leakage. Leaving the doors and windows open will reduce moisture condensation by allowing the temperature to equalize.... READ

Should I use a seam sealer on my tent?
A seam without any shiny coating is an untaped seam. We highly recommend seam sealing any untaped seams. Use a seam sealer compound (tube or bottle type) that applies directly to the stitching for best coverage. Make sure compound is completely dry before rolling up your tent. Follow the manufactu... READ

We bought a four-man tent, but found out that the two of us still need more room. Why is that?
Tents are advertised as two-man, four-man, six-man and so on. That rating practice and accompanying diagram on the packaging will depict the maximum number of persons you can comfortably bed down for the night, assuming that you travel light or store your gear elsewhere. While this rating makes go... READ

Can I wash my sleeping bag in a washing machine with an agitator?
Any machine with an agitator is not recommended, because the weight of the sleeping bags once wet will bog down the agitator. Should the load become off balance, there is the possibility of burning the bearings of the drum. Also, the agitator tends to snag on any sewn seams, so a sleeping bag is no... READ

Choosing the right size tent:
Tents are commonly advertised as two-man, four-man, six-man and so on. That rating practice and accompanying diagram on the packaging will depict the maximum number of persons you can comfortably bed down for the night, assuming that you travel light or store your gear elsewhere. While this rating ... READ

Where and when to use seam sealer:
A seam without a shiny coating is an "untaped" seam and, consequentially, is more susceptible to leakage during heavy rain. We highly recommend setting up your tent and seam sealing all untaped seams before you embark on your camping trip. Use a seam sealer compound (tube or bottle type) that appl... READ

I need to purchase replacement parts for my tent, do you carry spare parts and how can I purchase?
As a strategic advantage in the industry, NorthPole provides complete consumer service assistance. You may order replacement parts over the phone with Visa/Mastercard or with a money order or cashier's check. Depending on the product, we may keep spare parts for up to 5 years, maybe longer. If yo... READ