How to Set Up the Haven Ultralight Tent for the First Time

By Six Moon Designs | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to pitch the Haven Ultralight Tent with our step-by-step guide. Avoid common mistakes and get your two-person shelter ready for the trail.

Quick Answer

To set up the Haven Ultralight Tent, first lay out the tarp, then pitch it with trekking poles or the optional pole set, and finally clip in the NetTent. Follow the steps below to get it right the first time.

Why Practice at Home First

Before you head into the backcountry, it's worth doing a dry run in your backyard or a local park. The Haven's tarp-and-nettent design is a bit different from a traditional tent, so practicing helps you understand how the pieces work together and ensures you don't fumble when you're tired or in bad weather.

Choosing the Right Pitch Spot

Look for a flat, well-drained area that's clear of rocks, roots, and debris. Since the Haven uses a tarp for rain protection, you'll want to position it to block prevailing winds and make sure the entrance is where you want it. Avoid low spots that could collect water if it rains.

Step-by-Step Setup

Lay Out the Tarp: Unfold the Haven Tarp and lay it flat on your chosen spot, with the ridgeline oriented in the direction you want the shelter to face. Check that the tarp is centered and not twisted before staking.
Stake the Corners: Insert stakes through the corner loops and push them into the ground at a 45-degree angle, pulling the tarp taut. Make sure the tarp is symmetrical to avoid a lopsided pitch.
Insert Trekking Poles or Pole Set: Place your trekking poles (or the optional pole set) under the tarp's peak, with the tips resting in the grommets or loops provided. Adjust pole height to your desired interior space—taller for more headroom, shorter for better wind resistance.
Clip in the NetTent: Attach the Haven NetTent to the tarp using the provided clips, starting at the head end and working your way around. Ensure all clips are securely fastened to keep the netting taut and bug-proof.
Adjust Tension and Guylines: Tighten the tarp's guylines and adjust the pole height to remove any sag, then check that the NetTent is fully deployed. A taught pitch prevents water pooling and improves wind stability.

About the Haven Ultralight Tent

Haven Ultralight Tent: The Haven Ultralight Tent includes both the Haven Tarp and the Haven NetTent, providing a complete two-person shelter system. You don't need to buy separate pieces—this bundle gives you everything you need for a full setup right out of the box.
Haven Ultralight Tent