Pitching the 2P Swiftline

The Swiftline's unique, asymmetric design allows us to pack a ton of comfortable space and versitility into a lightweight and reliable tent. Due to this asymmetry, however, it will take some practice to learn how to set up. Follow these instructions, and as you become familiar with the shelter, you'll find that the Swiftline pitches quickly and easily.

Orientation

Before pitching, figure out how you'd like your body oriented for sleeping. To align the shelter with this orientation, grasp the corners of the floor at the head end of the shelter (the end nearest the zipper). Shake out the tent so that the floor roughly falls where you want it. Then proceed with the steps below.

Step 1

Stake out (1). This is the corner located closest to the YAMA tag. Use roughly 1/4 of the guyline length.

Step 2

Stake out (2) so the edge between (1) and (2) is taut.

Step 3

Pull the corner at (3) so that the fabric is pulling evenly on both (1) and (2). Stake (3) using about half of the guyline.

Keeping the stakes where they are, loosen the guyline at both (3) and (2) by a few inches each.

Step 4

Using the upper zipper pull, unzip the top of the zipper near (4) and insert one of your poles (handle down) through the resulting opening. Insert the tip of the pole in peak's grommet at (4). Take care not to catch the netting with the pole tip as you place the pole. Pole length should be approximately 125cm (49"). If the seams running to (2) and (3) seem excessively tight, loosen those guylines. Stake out the guyline at (4) so that it runs in roughly the same direction as the ridgeline seam. Using more of the guyline's length will provide better stability.

Tip! You can get some additional ventilation by leaving the top portion of the zipper open. Place the prop behind the zipper in the associated sleeve to help keep the opening propped open.

Step 5

Repeat step 4 at (5). This pole should be slightly longer, about 132 cm (52"). Tension the lines at (4) and (5) so the ridgeline is pulled taut between the two.

Note that the pole at (4) should have a slight lean to it, with the base angled outward slightly. For extra security, place the handle of the pole through the shock cord loop tied to the floor. This will help minimize movement if you happen to bump the pole from inside the shelter.

Step 6

Stake out (6) so that the adjacent panels are evenly tensioned. Use most of the length of the guyline for the best results.

Step 7

Stake out (7) so that the adjacent panels are evenly tensioned. Use about 1/3 the length of the guyline.

Step 8

Stake out (8) so that the panel is taut. Use most of the length of the guyline.

Note: Early versions of the Swiftline have a slightly different shape here and lack this guyline.

Step 9

Pull out the corners of the tub-floor by clipping the shock cord at each corner to the the associated stake point. To vary the length of the cord, use the techniques below.

How to adjust shock cord length

Because the shelter allows for variation in your stake placement, it is sometimes necessary to shorten the shock cord to adapt. There are several ways to do this and the most common are illustrated here.

  • Clip the cord directly to the end of the guyline (longest option).
  • Clip the cord back to its origin to form a large loop. Simply run the loop around the stake.
  • Clip the cord to the webbing loop at the bottom corner of the tub to form a loop. Run the loop around the stake.
  • Clip the cord to the corner of the tarp. Run the cord around the stake.

Pitching configurations

The Swiftline allows for several pitching configurations. First pitch the shelter completely zipped up (closed). To open up the shelter for views and ventilation, you can then roll back parts of the rainfly to varying extents. Leave the stakes in place to both keep the floor pulled taut and so that you can quickly redeploy the walls if the weather changes. Here are some of our favorite configurations.