Get Ready for your SHIFTPOD
Get Ready for Your SHIFTPOD!
Take a few minutes to read through these tips before your first setup. They cover the questions we hear most, the mistakes we’d love to help you avoid, and everything you need to keep your SHIFTPOD adventure-ready for years to come.
Unbox It
Your next adventure starts here! First things first, don’t wait to unbox it. Your SHIFTPOD was compressed tight for shipping, so unpack it as soon as possible and give it time to expand. A few wrinkles are totally normal and will smooth out as it takes shape.
This is also a good time to make sure everything looks right. Shipping damage is rare, but if something seems off, snap a few photos and reach out to us.
Do a Test Setup
Before your first trip, give your SHIFTPOD a quick backyard test run. It’s the best way to get familiar with setup, staking, and packing everything back up before you’re out in the wild. Check out our full setup guide!
Important: Silver Side Out! Before popping out any walls, make sure the silver fabric is facing up and visible on the outside. Use the rope pull handles to pull the walls out, not the rubber hub pucks.
If you see white fabric on the outside, or if you’re reaching for the rubber hub pucks instead of the rope pull handles, your SHIFTPOD is inside out. Stop and flip it over to avoid damage.
Floor Alert
Your zip-in floor is packed in the bottom compartment of the carry bag. Flip the bag over and unzip the lower pocket to find it.
Always Stake It!
Always stake your SHIFTPOD—even when it’s calm outside. If the door is open, a sudden gust can lift your tent and send it tumbling. A flying silver UFO might sound like a sight to see, but it usually ends with broken spars.
Clip the tie line carabiners into the wall hub nuts, then drive your stakes 3–4 feet out from the tent skirt to stabilize and secure the frame.
Note: Some SHIFTPODs have metal grommet holes in the skirt. These are only for extra support in extreme wind when the skirt is flapping, they are not the primary staking points. Unlike traditional tents, your SHIFTPOD should be staked from the wall hubs to properly secure the structure.
Dry It Out
SHIFTPOD’s insulated, multi-layer fabric is what sets it apart, but this technical fabric needs a little extra care after each trip.
Moisture can build up inside the insulation layers from rain, morning dew, humidity, overnight temperature swings or even condensation from your breath.
Even when the fabric feels dry to the touch, the inner layers may still be damp. After each trip, set your SHIFTPOD up at home and let it fully dry before storing it.
A small fan or space heater can help speed things along, especially during the winter or after cleaning. If using a heater, keep it on a low setting, place it a safe distance from the fabric, and never leave it unattended.
We like camping with a few desiccant packs inside to help with overnight condensation and then using them in the storage bag.
Once fully dry, store your SHIFTPOD in a cool, dry place and avoid porous surfaces like concrete, where moisture can wick into the bag over time.
Mold & Mildew Warning
Packing away your SHIFTPOD while damp can lead to mold, mildew, and delamination of the silver reflective coating. Mildew usually appears as small brown, black, white, or gray spots on the interior or exterior fabric. Mold, mildew, and delamination caused by moisture or improper drying are not covered under warranty.
If you spot mildew on the interior fabric, act quickly and treat it with a mildew remover. Contact customer service for recommendations to ensure you do not damage the fabric or silver coatings.
SHIFTPOD Owner’s Hub
Check out the SHIFTPOD Owner’s Hub for setup instructions, care tips, and more.
Still have questions? Contact us anytime at questions@shiftpod.com.
