Lanshan 2 Tents; Tips and tricks for a perfect pitch!

[@andrewjackson3273]

This is possibly the definitive guide on how to get the best out of your Lanshan 2. Charles, thanks for documenting and sharing your experience. I bought my first one 2 days ago and used it for one night in the Lakes. I’ll be taking your ridge line troubleshooting tips forward. It’s a pleasure to learn from you.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks Andrew. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me such positive feedback; it means a lot to me. I hope you have a great time using the tent! (I've already done a video with suggested modifications, and a supplementary modifications video is in preparation, too)

[@consciouslove]

This is very helpful, thank you for your time to make this. You are a excellent teacher.

[@longsufferinghiker]

You're very welcome!

[@newforestgump8926]

Hi Charles, I have only just discovered your channel and what a great tips & tricks video. Very calm, measured and well thought out production. The tips are fantastic and help explain some of the issues I have with my L2. Heading to watch your mods video and the rest of your content now. Keep up the great work. Regards, Kevin

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks Kevin! It’s very rewarding to know that I have helped you. Hope the modifications work for you also!!! Cheers

[@mfarley252]

I just received my lanshan 2 and set it up in the backyard. I had watched a video and thought it was a tolerable pitch but could be better. I am so happy I found your video! Tomorrow I will try again with your instructions. Great video! Best I’ve found! Thank you!

[@longsufferinghiker]

I really hope that it helps you to get a good pitch easily every time! 🙂

[@leilafigo2485]

I got a lanshan single wall tent, yet your thorough and patient explanations have helped me tremendously. Thank you.

[@longsufferinghiker]

I’m really glad that it helped you 🙂

[@clsch7513]

Hi! Considering the Lanshan 2 4/4 inner and your videos really helped me to "go" and buy it: the shorting of the poles down.. brilliant. Very calm and nicely explainded. Thanks! Subscribed.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks!! I really appreciate your feedback - thanks for taking the time to let me know. Watch out for a couple more 'Lanshan' videos; currently in production :-)

[@PaulBrown-rb7vb]

Really enjoyed that mate, calm, controlled and simple.👍🏻

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks ☺️ I appreciate you taking the time to comment; it means a lot to me. Hope my suggestions work out for you

[@machoneboard]

Useful couple of videos while I wait for my Lanshan 2, thanks for posting.

[@Wandering-spirit]

Awesome tips, just made a few of the suggested improvements and it’s instantly improved pitching, usability and stability. Great video, thank you so much! 😊

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks - I’m really pleased to hear that!! 🙂

[@jordanfranck]

These videos are so good. Thank you!

[@longsufferinghiker]

Glad you like them!

[@macewindupage]

Thank you for this video. Really useful. I've got one of these and enjoyed using it the Highlands this year but you've definitely given me some ideas on how to pitch it better!

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! I'll be really interested to know how you get on with my ideas :-) I've also just uploaded my video about some suggested modifications

[@marclawson2536]

I would like to compliment you on your having made a very nice video. I am a tunnel tent and hammock believer, but this was very informative.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks, glad you liked it

[@julesnfriends]

Great video, thanks for posting. Really good idea to lower the windward vestibule a bit if it's blowy. It only needs a bit of care with the tuning and it's superb. Happy camping.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks. Hope some of the tips work out for you 😀

[@philc2604]

Excellent video.. I was out in my Lanshan for the first time in over a year on saturday and it took me quite some time to get it sitting right. Having watched your approach, I'll be much quicker and have a better pitch next time

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks; I really hope that it works out for you!

[@andrewwiley4470]

Kia ora from New Zealand. Easily the most intelligent and considered appraisal of the Lanshan on yt, nice work sir. I am very happy with mine and have made the same changes. I bowhunt a bit so used a couple of stiff 300 spine carbon arrows. For the lateral edge midpoint peg attachment I applied a semicircular tenacious tape patch to both sides then stitched on a v of lite webbing. I find my Fizan compact poles with hard plastic slippery tops not very secure from slipping in storms... the old grippy rubber handle ones with a pronounced lip are bombproof (but heavy). I have a footprint size sheet of 2mm foam with foil laminated each side from aliex for cosy winters. Found it best, less noisy to place that beneath tent floor. I have rigid cord door point attachments with three length options for different pitch height. With the door into the gale I want that peak to peg zipper line taut... and even place a stick or spare long hiking pole diagonal inside the windward zipper if two of us... splits the wind pressure.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Awwww thanks!! 😊 It's great to know that you've made the same changes, and especially the side pole idea; Carbon Arrows is a great solution! (I had also considered using fishing pole rests). How does the foam footprint perform? Is it bulky? And it's nice to know that you're using the tent in winter and in gales; I often wedge my backpack in the windward vestibule to give extra bracing. I really believe that the tent can be a practical option for 4 season camping if it's used properly with the modifications.

[@andrewwiley4470]

@@longsufferinghiker Yes the shape can handle wind if the anchors are reliable... but it is more difficult to pitch in a blustery situation than a small simple claustrophobic tunnel tent where you just get in two good anchors then stretch it out downwind. I'm happy to use the Lanshan in anticyclonic conditions up in snowy cwms, but have the little tunnel for ridge/mtn tops. We have foam/foil ground sheets in 3 sizes now, for our big 3f-UL Qingkong3 etc. This winter gone, for the first time my wife really enjoyed many winter camping trips, with frosts down to -7... having the whole floor insulated likely contributed to keeping the inside temp above zero with three of us. I bought her an exped downmat, mummy shape R7.0. Exped sleeping bag with only 500gm down. For summer we have Aegismax G1 bags, they're very nice quality.

[@AngiefromthesparklingRiver]

Thank you so much, those Tips are so helpful! Just found the Channel. Now i m gonna watch the other videos of yours. 😊

[@longsufferinghiker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CDPOutdoors]

Very informative Thank you All the best Clive 🤠

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@a1m_m88]

Спасибо за подробное видео, скоро я опробую ваши советы

[@longsufferinghiker]

Good luck!

[@gavinstewart4574]

Excellent video. Really clear useful tips.

[@paulwright903]

Hi this has been quite interesting watching your video I have the Lanshan 2 and pro I never quite get it right and watching this has given me a better understanding of the pitch, well done great video.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks mate. I've also uploaded my suggestions for modifications; hope they might be interesting for you too :-)

[@paulwright6085]

@@longsufferinghiker Hi I have watched video and I like the ground sheet idea and inner tent assembly.

[@camperlists7090]

Very good good teaching, when I discuss with the 3F UL Gear designer, the content is your teaching content

[@longsufferinghiker]

Wow, thanks! I’m preparing a 2nd modification video with some new ideas; look out for it 🙂

[@micahdavis214]

I've had my lanshan Pro a good while now and I've come to same conclusions as you apart from mine been a single skin. A good video and well explained 👏

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks!! I've just uploaded the modifications video; see what you think...

[@jamiemeyers3578]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks, you are welcome! Hope it works well for you :-)

[@Crs664]

Set up my lanshan 2 for the first time at 4 in the morning after hiking three miles and it was so horrible compared to this. Can’t wait to take it back out and try again!

[@longsufferinghiker]

I really hope that my suggestions work for you and make it easier!

[@gerardbradley182]

Great video. Very very helpful. Thank you.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks for letting me know. I’m really pleased that it helped you 🙂

[@tnmike31]

Great video on set up! Much better than the factory video i found! Having used the lanshan for awhile now, do you recommend adding the additional ground cloth?

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! I’m really glad that you liked it 😊 The additional footprint adds cost and weight, but I use one always But I think it really depends on the type of ground you’re pitching on. If you’re on smooth grass in good weather then there’s little extra benefit from a footprint. But if you are on rough, stony, or wet ground then it can make a difference. The footprint protects the floor from wear and damage, extending the life of the tent. It can give extra waterproofing too. I also have the footprint attached to the outer of the tent so that I have a floor if I’m using the flysheet on its own (see my modifications video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqYpoOmltSleNEsi=TZoMX42XP4kVjqe1) You can make a cheaper and lighter one yourself from Tyvek or Polycro.

[@ElliottHolmes-dk2cj]

Some great tips that i am looking forward to using on my trekking pole tent. Just wondering where you got the poles from that you use to raise the angle of the guylines? Thank you

[@longsufferinghiker]

I got the poles off eBay, but the seller no longer does them :-( Apparently an archery pro shop can make them for you. Its a carbon fiber arrow shaft with a pin nock insert. But... I'm working on an alternative right now, that I'll be including in a future video for the Lanshan 1, that just uses an length of Dyneema instead.

[@wesbutler8289]

Just set mine up for the first time in the backyard, two quick questions, how did you attach the ground tarp to the bathtub floor and secondly did you replace the bathtub floor ropes with longer ones? My ropes are way shorter than yours. Great video and thanks for your help!

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks; glad the video helped you :-) Yes, I did rep[lace the bathtub lines with longer ones, but this was part of a bigger modification to the bathtub/footprint connections. I show the full detail in my video about modifications for the Lanshan 2 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqYpoOmltSleNE Hope this helps!

[@jentaylor9104]

Hello, first thank you for your video to optimize the Lanshan 2 😃 Also, I would like to know where I can buy Dneema elastic rope to make the same modifications. Can you add a pdf link with the instructions? If not, just share the link where I can find the gear at the best price. Thank you in advance for your reply. Sincerely, Jen❤

[@longsufferinghiker]

Hi Jen. Dyneema is easily available, in a range of colours and diameters. It is extremely strong and durable, but it is not at all elastic. These days Ive stopped using the bright yellow dyneema and instead I use a (more subtle) black with reflective stripes and luminous cord grips that are very useful in the dark. I suggest these: amzn.to/3J4ARA3

[@mokotramp]

Good video matey! Where did you get those black plastic rings from on the main guys? ✌️

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks. The 'O 'rings on the guyline modification can be bought in the UK here: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266451056688 But I don't think they're essential; Dyneema is tough stuff, and I think it should be OK to just loop the guyline around the loop attached to the top of the tent.

[@thesouthernwoodsmanuk216]

I need to beat the time to put the lanshan up. 4 minutes. Me 20 minutes. Thanx for the informative video. Thankyou

[@longsufferinghiker]

Yeah, but I didn't have to clear the ground of undergrowth and flints :-)

[@thesouthernwoodsmanuk216]

I had to re watch tour video before going out today. I normally have the straps inline as suggested by Lanshan. I will try your method and try the bungees in the door which I have already attached to the doors. Thanx again. Take care

[@gordonnewberry1138]

Nice review really enjoyed your narration of the vidio, your voice reminds me of a newspaper editor Peirs Morgan . Wish you well and should I get a hearing check ✔️

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! That's one comparison with Piers Morgan that I don't mind! ;-)

[@davesplace144]

Early on you mentioned setting the vestibule into the wind. Is that because the side tie outs are weaker? I didn't see if you commented on this later. Good tips for getting it set up well.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! I suggest having a vestibule facing the wind for several reasons; Partly because the side pull outs aren’t strong. Also if the wind is hitting the side of the tent then it’ll knock the fabric in towards the inner, and your head/feet; not pleasant! The strongest guys are the main ones, so I think it makes sense to have them taking the force of the wind. Plus it means that you have one vestibule which is on the sheltered side, which is much better for cooking etc. Remember that you can set the pole on the windward side lower too, which can help in strong winds.

[@davesplace144]

@@longsufferinghiker Thanks - that's kind of what I figured.

[@stevec-b6214]

Hi fellow sufferer! I cannot fault your guidance, and I love to geek out on these things. I do wonder about windy conditions, when the poles are at the higher levels blowing my stove flame around (I use trangia alchohol type). I do like the reduction in condensation though. I noticed you didnt peg the middle guy points - are they not required? I am close to buying one as an occasional lighter and roomier alternative to my akto (1.7kg). (I am 68) and I take some convincing! Thanks for your time.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks for the nice comments :-) A benefit of the Lanshan 2 is the dual vestibules, which mean that you can always cook etc. in a sheltered side of the tent, even if the wind changes direction. The peg points in the middle of the sides were added by me using plastic clips. They aren't usually needed, but in windy conditions a peg there can reduce any flapping. I think you'll find the interior space of the Lanshan 2 is very generous compared to the Akto. Whilst I'd always opt for a Hilleberg in severe conditions, the Lanshan is surprisingly sturdy, light, and cheap!!

[@Miaa536]

Such a enjoyable video! Thank you! One question, do you think the outer wall can be used as a hammock tarp (above the hammock). I love both hammock and tent backpacking and would be great if I can adjust it to use for both !

[@longsufferinghiker]

Hi. That's an interesting question. For sure the guyline attachment points are designed so that you can hand the outer from trees etc., but I'm not sure that it will work as a tarp for a hammock, because you will be lying in the other direction. But it will be interesting to give it a try!

[@MrLabradorwildman]

Thank You very well done Charles I have the The Lanshan Pro single sheet i like this one which is it i may upgrade thanks Dave from Labrador Canada

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks Dave. I have the Lanshan 2 (standard) 2 skin version. Mine is from 3F UL Gear. Totally recommended. Check out my modifications video- some tips to make it even better! 🙂

[@Yer_Da_]

Do you think most of these rules apply to the Lanshan 2 Pro? (Aside from the inner tent bits). Fantastic video - thanks for sharing.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks. Yes, there’s no reason why the mods won’t suit the Pro version too. Give them a try and let me know how it goes! 🙂

[@ianbarnett]

Hi, I am a new sub… just watched this and have decided to get one. Where can you recommend I get it from? Are there any import taxes etc? If so, how does that work. Thanks in advance.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Hi Ian. You can get then on eBay and Amazon, but there is a UK importer; outdoorgearessentials.co.uk/

[@s.guidry2222]

Thanks. Very helpful

[@longsufferinghiker]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neil2439]

Brilliant video im 6ft 1 just wondering would i fit ok in the tent before i buy one

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! The inner is 220cm long (86 inches / over 7ft) so yes, it should be long enough, BUT the inner roof slopes down, so the gap above your head is lower at each end & the available space will depend on the thickness of your sleeping mat etc. if you see what I mean?

[@neil2439]

Yes I get what you mean thanks for the reply 👍

[@jasonwill7085]

Nice video, these instructions should come supplied!

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful 🙂

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Very nice video and review. New follower here. Crow✌️

[@frankiethefrank]

This was enormously helpful, thank you good sir. Two questions if I may: 1) by my count, you’ve used 10 pegs for this. But my Lanshan only came with 8. Do I need to buy more, or what do I do differently? 2) (possibly related to 1), there are two black ‘claw-like’ plastic contraptions on the long guys on my lanshan . Someone on the Facebook lanshan owners group has told me I should pitch the large guy out, then run the guy through that peg and then past and back towards the door loops, and use the claw to attach to those door loops, thus tensioning the whole structure in one. That seems to make sense in my head, but it doesn’t look like what you’ve done. Thoughts?

[@longsufferinghiker]

Hi Francis. I’m glad that my video helped you 🙂 Your 2 questions are connected; the way you were told to use the main guyline is the correct way that it is arranged by the factory, and many people stick with it. However it has several flaws,including; - fiddly plastic clips - the clips are prone to breaking (metal replacements are available, but not cheap) - the bottom of the doors is ‘floating’ and cannot be lowered for windy conditions - the main guyline cannot be pegged further away from the tent, and this makes it harder to get good ridgeline tension. So I have modified my guyline; I have the main guylines (3 metres) attached at the top of the poles. And I use bungees with (the 2 extra) pegs at the bottom of the doors. This is a very common modification. I go into detail about this and other suggestions in my video about modifying the Lanshan; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqYpoOmltSleNE

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

That's nuts!

[@neemancallender9092]

excellent video well informed You can drop the canned muzak it interferes with the vocal

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks. I kind of agree with you about the music, but it’s too late to remove it 😒. Lesson learned!!

[@vvs3796]

Which side of the tent is better to position into wind?

[@longsufferinghiker]

From lots of experience I think it’s best to have the vestibule facing the wind; the shape sheds the wind better and there’s a bigger gap to the inner, so you get less wind buffeting inside. If the wind is strong then you can also set the pole that side lower, perhaps 110-115cm

[@bluelilyweddings9195]

Thank you! :)

[@longsufferinghiker]

You're welcome!☺️

[@chrishumphries3389]

Do you have any tips for setting up / packing down in the rain?

[@longsufferinghiker]

Hi Chris. Thanks for asking. TBH this could be the subject of a whole new video! 😁 One of the good things about the Lanshan, especially in the UK, is the ability to pitch outer first, and likewise to pack away inner first. This is really useful so you can keep the inner relatively dry, and also applies when there’s heavy condensation. Because wet conditions are so common (or they seem to be whenever I’m camping!!) I usually detach the inner and store the inner & outer separately, in their own stuff sacs. This is a bit of extra work, but it means that the inner can be kept dry. I also keep the footprint permanently attached to the outer; this saves time, helps you get a good pitch, and means that there’s a floor already in place when the outer is erected. Similarly it means that when I’m packing away the inner I have a dry floor. This is possible because of a modification that I made, which is covered in my modifications video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGqYpoOmltSleNE If there’s a pause in the rain during the day then I try to get the outer out and give it time to dry out (make sure that you keep it attached to your rucsac so it doesn’t blow away!). Those are the main suggestions; I’ll add any more if I think of them. Cheers. Charles

[@chrishumphries3389]

@@longsufferinghiker That would make an amazing video! Setting up the fly first is an absolute must for me. Once you have the option, you'll never go back to a 'traditional' setup. :)

[@micahdavis214]

River monsters lookalike sound alike the presenter not the fish great vid by the way I love my lanshan

[@longsufferinghiker]

*blush* thanks!!

[@le_roi_nu]

Very beautiful pitch !!! But there is no way I'm going to find such free space to pitch my Lanshan in the French Alps nor in the Pyrénées Mountains 😢

[@leemcwhan8287]

How do you get so much separation between inner and outer ridge line. Mine always touch !

[@longsufferinghiker]

Hmmm usually it’s because the ridge’ of the outer isn’t straight enough; a sag leads to contact with the inner. So I’d start by using more tension in the main guylines to get the ridge flatter. The common modification to the guylines will help a lot with this. If this doesn’t work for you then send me a photo!

[@leemcwhan8287]

Thank you for you reply. I wish I took a photo whilst it was erected. I must say it was quite a decent pitch and the ridge was as straight as it possible could be. As the inner and outer are connected by hooks and bungy it appears that's they will always move in unison and the gap is dictated by Said connections. This was a test pitch in garden under perfect conditions aswell.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Now I'm fascinated :-) Just out of interest, what pole height were you using? Was the inner pegged down tightly?

[@leemcwhan8287]

@@longsufferinghiker I set pole at 110 and 120cm, made no difference. Like I said as inner and outer are joined together, downward pressure will need to be applied to inner to allow gap I presume ?

[@longsufferinghiker]

It's difficult to say without seeing, but I've noticed your post in the UK Lanshan Facebook group, and can see a few images on your wall from a couple of year ago. It seems to me in all of them that you've got the side tensioners pulled much too hard, as evidenced by the V-shaped creases, which could be causing the problem possibly? I covered this in my pitching video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqWQgoh-gtxlrJI at 20:18

[@MihaiPopescuVulcanHd]

👍💯👍 👏👏👏 ... 😊 ...👏👏👏 👍💯👍

[@longsufferinghiker]

😊😊

[@bipedal_shenanigans]

Great pimp my pitch video. We're lanshan lovers too

[@longsufferinghiker]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@covertcamping2023]

Ive watched this a bunch and still the fly touches the mesh. Its infuriating tbh lol

[@longsufferinghiker]

that's strange. where is it touching? It would be helpful to see the problem...

[@basicPROcreator]

I think this is an expensive tent, coz the trekker pole are not included in the package. You have to buy the trekker pole separately.

[@longsufferinghiker]

That’s a reasonable point, but trekking poles are very commonly used these days, especially for backpacking where the extra support and balance is valuable, so there is effectively no extra weight or cost. Trekking poles can be bought for as little as £25, so if you need to purchase some the extra cost is relatively low. Bear in mind that the price a tent of similar weight and performance is 2 or 3 times more than a Lanshan, so it’s still not expensive IMHO

[@basicPROcreator]

@@longsufferinghiker Trekking poles are useful for hikers, but not for campers. And if ever, as a person who just loves to camp, there are a lot of tents which are also lightweight, with good quality at the same price. Godbless❤❤❤❤

[@spence_outdoors_scotland]

Tip number don’t buy one. It’s about as waterproof as a sieve

[@longsufferinghiker]

Er, just wanted to check; did you seal the seams? They are not sealed at the factory, but it’s just a 15-minute job to do it yourself. I've sealed the seams on my tent and used the tent for many nights in (heavy!) rain with absolutely no leaks.

[@whatsnottohike]

Best tip I can give for the lanshan is don't buy one. The condensation is horrific. It doesn't come seem sealed (an absolute joke) There's much better out there for the same money imo.

[@longsufferinghiker]

Each to their own, but… The latest versions have waterproof taped seams. Condensation is caused by atmospheric conditions, and is reduced by good ventilation; something that the Lanshan design is good at. So I don’t think you can generalise about bad condensation in the Lanshan particularly.

[@gctelectrical5555]

You're on about the pro though.... Don't buy the pro

[@barredfrompup]

Yeah that's just the pro. I've used my lanshan for 2 years now and it's honestly one of the best tents I own in terms of condensation. Just make sure there is a nice gap around the bottom.

[@whatsnottohike]

@@barredfrompup fair enough. I had terrible issues with mine. I now have a forclaz mt900 and it's been great.

[@barredfrompup]

@@whatsnottohike did you get the pro version?

[@mikaellindqvist2204]

This is fantastic. Thank you

[@longsufferinghiker]

You're very welcome!