Trekking Pole Length for Lanshan: Complete Setup Guide

The recommended trekking pole length for Lanshan tents is approximately 120–125 cm. The Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 1 Pro require one trekking pole, while the Lanshan 2 and Lanshan 2 Pro require two. This measurement refers to the pole length used to support the tent during pitching, not necessarily the ideal length for walking. Start near 120 cm, check the canopy tension and interior clearance, then make small adjustments according to ground conditions. A pole that is too short can reduce headroom and loosen the fabric; a pole that is too long can raise excessive stress at the peak and alter the tent shape. Trekking poles are not included in the Lanshan models’ listed minimum weights, so include them when calculating your complete carried shelter weight.

Lanshan Pole Length at a Glance

The recommended length applies to the standard Lanshan pitching method. Actual adjustment may vary slightly according to terrain, stake placement, fabric tension, and the condition of the ground.

The listed weights are minimum weights, not complete packed or carried weights. Add trekking poles, stakes, guylines, stuff sacks, repair materials, footprints, and seam-sealing supplies or service where applicable.

What Does “120–125 cm” Mean?

The 120–125 cm specification refers to the approximate length of the trekking pole when it is being used as a tent support.

It is not a requirement that your trekking poles remain at this length while hiking. Most adjustable trekking poles are shortened or lengthened according to your height, terrain, and walking technique. When it is time to pitch the tent, adjust them to the required support length.

The range is not a single universal setting because campsite conditions vary. For example:

• A flat campsite may work well at approximately 120 cm.
• Uneven ground may require a small adjustment.
• A softer surface may allow the pole to sink slightly.
• A higher or lower pitch can change ventilation and interior clearance.
• Wet nylon may loosen and require retensioning.

Start with the lower end of the range, inspect the pitch, and adjust gradually. Avoid making large changes before checking whether the issue is actually caused by stake placement or uneven tension.

How Many Trekking Poles Does Each Lanshan Need?

Lanshan 1

The Lanshan 1 requires one trekking pole. The manufacturer recommends approximately 120–125 cm for pitching.

The pole supports the main peak of the one-person shelter. The remaining structure is created by the corners, vestibule point, guylines, and fabric tension.

The Lanshan 1 is a double-wall shelter with a separate inner tent and outer rainfly. Both layers need to be positioned correctly around the pole so that the fly does not press unnecessarily against the inner.

Lanshan 1 Pro

The Lanshan 1 Pro also requires one trekking pole at approximately 120–125 cm.

Because the Pro model is single-wall, the pole height directly affects the interior canopy. If the pole is too short, the fabric may become loose and the sleeping area may feel smaller. If it is too long, the peak may be raised beyond the intended shape and place additional stress on the support point.

The Lanshan 1 Pro is lighter at a listed minimum weight of 666 g, but it requires seam sealing before use. It is generally more suitable for experienced hikers who already understand trekking-pole tent setup.

Lanshan 2

The Lanshan 2 requires two trekking poles, each adjusted to approximately 120–125 cm.

The two poles support the two-person shelter at its main structural points. Correct placement is important because the poles, corners, vestibules, and guylines work together to create the intended shape.

The Lanshan 2 is a double-wall tent with two entrances and two vestibules. The inner tent should remain correctly aligned with the fly after the poles are installed.

Lanshan 2 Pro

The Lanshan 2 Pro requires two trekking poles at approximately 120–125 cm.

It uses a single-wall construction and lists a minimum weight of 870 g. The two poles must be positioned evenly so that the canopy remains symmetrical and both occupants have usable interior space.

The Pro model requires seam sealing before use. Its single-wall structure also makes ventilation and fabric tension particularly important.

How to Choose the Correct Trekking Poles

The most important requirement is not the brand of trekking pole. It is whether the pole can safely reach the required pitching length and remain secure under load.

Adjustable poles

Adjustable poles are usually the most flexible option. They allow you to:

• Set the pole to 120–125 cm for the tent
• Use a different length while hiking
• Adapt to uneven ground
• Share poles between walking and shelter setup
• Replace one pole with another if necessary

Check the manufacturer’s adjustment range. A pole that has a maximum length of only 115 cm cannot provide the recommended Lanshan pitch.

Fixed-length poles

Fixed-length poles can work if their length matches the required pitching height. However, they provide less flexibility on uneven ground and may be less convenient for walking.

A fixed pole that is slightly outside the recommended range may still work in some conditions, but the user should inspect the pitch carefully. Do not force the shelter into an unnatural shape to accommodate an unsuitable pole.

Pole strength and locking system

A trekking pole used as a tent support should have a reliable locking mechanism. Inspect the locks before every trip.

A slipping pole can:

• Lower the peak
• Loosen the canopy
• Reduce ventilation
• Increase contact between fabric layers
• Cause the shelter to collapse partially

Carbon-fiber and aluminum poles can both be suitable, but their construction, locking system, and condition matter more than the material label alone.

Pole tip and support point

The pole tip should fit securely into the Lanshan support point. The tip should not easily slide out or press against a fragile section of fabric.

If the pole tip is sharp or unusually narrow, use the appropriate support method recommended for your tent. Check the pole position during setup and after strong gusts or ground movement.

How Pole Length Affects the Pitch

If the pole is too short

A pole that is too short can cause:

• Reduced peak height
• Less sitting room
• Loose fabric
• Smaller usable interior
• Poorer separation between the fly and inner tent
• Less effective ventilation

On the Lanshan 1 or Lanshan 2, a short pole may cause the rainfly to sit too close to the inner tent. On the Pro models, it may place the canopy closer to sleeping gear.

Before lengthening the pole, check that the corner stakes are correctly positioned. Stakes that are too close together can create a loose pitch even when the pole length is correct.

If the pole is too long

A pole that is too long can cause:

• Excessive tension at the peak
• Distorted tent geometry
• Additional stress on fabric and hardware
• Raised or uneven floor edges
• Reduced stability in some wind directions
• Unnecessary pressure on the pole tip

Do not use extra pole length as a substitute for proper stake placement. If the canopy is loose, first check the corners, ridgeline, vestibule point, and guylines.

If the pole is at the correct length

A correctly adjusted pole should help produce:

• Even canopy tension
• Usable headroom
• Appropriate clearance between layers
• Proper vestibule shape
• Correct floor positioning
• Functional ventilation

Some small wrinkles are normal. The goal is an even, stable pitch rather than a completely wrinkle-free canopy.

Step-by-Step Lanshan Pole Setup

Step 1: Prepare the campsite

Choose ground that is:

• Firm enough to hold stakes
• Free from sharp rocks and branches
• Large enough for the complete footprint
• Away from water flow and low depressions
• Suitable for the tent and guylines

Trekking-pole tents require secure anchors. A poor campsite can make a correct pole length appear incorrect.

Step 2: Adjust the pole

Set the trekking pole to approximately 120 cm to begin. Make sure every locking section is fully engaged.

For the Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 1 Pro, prepare one pole. For the Lanshan 2 and Lanshan 2 Pro, prepare two poles and set them to the same approximate length.

Step 3: Stake the main corners

Secure the primary corners before raising the shelter. Keep the base aligned and avoid pulling one corner significantly farther than the others.

The Lanshan setup instructions emphasize creating the correct base shape before installing the pole. This helps ensure that the pole length is being used within the intended geometry.

Step 4: Install the pole or poles

Place the pole tips into the designated support points. Raise the canopy gradually.

Do not force a pole into place if the peak is misaligned. Recheck the corner stakes and base shape first.

Step 5: Add vestibule and guyline points

Secure the vestibule point and remaining guyline locations. These points help maintain the shelter’s shape and provide additional support.

On exposed campsites, use the available guylines rather than relying only on the primary corners.

Step 6: Inspect the pitch

Check:

• Peak height
• Floor tension
• Corner alignment
• Fly-to-inner clearance
• Vestibule shape
• Door operation
• Guyline tension
• Pole stability

If the pitch is generally sound but slightly loose, adjust the pole in small increments within the 120–125 cm range.

Pole Length and Different Lanshan Configurations

The standard and Pro models use different wall constructions, but their basic pole-length recommendations are similar.

Standard models

The Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 are double-wall tents. Correct pole length helps maintain space between the outer fly and the inner tent.

The standard Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 also use factory-taped seams. This reduces preparation before use, but it does not remove the need to pitch the shelter correctly.

Pro models

The Lanshan 1 Pro and Lanshan 2 Pro are single-wall tents. Correct pole length is especially important because the outer canopy is also the interior shelter surface.

A loose pitch may increase contact between the canopy and sleeping gear. A pitch that is too high may create unnecessary stress and alter the designed shape.

The Pro models require seam sealing before use. Seam sealing should be completed before testing the final pole setup in rain.

Pole Length, Rain, and Condensation

Pole length affects weather performance indirectly by changing the tent’s shape and ventilation.

Rain

A correct pitch helps the fly shed water and prevents fabric from forming unnecessary low points. If the pole is too short, the canopy may sag. If it is too long, the fabric may be overstressed or distorted.

The standard Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 use factory-taped seams. The Pro models require seam sealing before use.

A waterproof zipper helps protect the entrance, but door orientation, vestibule tension, drainage, and wind direction also affect performance.

Condensation

A properly tensioned pitch can help maintain airflow around the shelter. However, pole length alone cannot prevent condensation.

Condensation is affected by:

• Humidity
• Temperature differences
• Breathing
• Wet ground
• Wet clothing
• Campsite location
• Ventilation
• Number of occupants

The standard Lanshan models generally provide easier condensation management because they use a separate inner tent. The Pro models are lighter but single-wall, so moisture forms directly on the inside canopy.

For practical moisture advice, read Lanshan Condensation & Weather Guide.

Minimum Weight and Trekking-Pole Weight

A common mistake is to add the tent’s minimum weight to a gear list without counting the support poles.

The current listed minimum weights are:

• Lanshan 1: 740 g
• Lanshan 1 Pro: 666 g
• Lanshan 2: 1,045 g
• Lanshan 2 Pro: 870 g

These are not complete packed or carried weights. Trekking poles are normally carried as hiking equipment, but they still contribute to the total load.

Also include:

• Stakes
• Guylines
• Stuff sacks
• Repair kit
• Footprint
• Seam-sealing materials or service
• Any dedicated support pole

For two hikers sharing a Lanshan 2 Pro, the listed minimum weight is approximately 435 g per person before accessories. The Lanshan 2 is approximately 523 g per person before accessories.

For more model-selection guidance, see How to Choose a Lanshan Tent.

Best for Different Users

Best for beginners

The Lanshan 1 or Lanshan 2 is generally more suitable for beginners. The standard models are double-wall and use factory-taped seams.

Beginners should still practice the complete pitch and learn how to adjust the pole gradually. A correct length does not compensate for poor corner placement.

Best for experienced ultralight hikers

The Lanshan 1 Pro or Lanshan 2 Pro is suitable for experienced users who prioritize low minimum weight and compact packing.

The user should be comfortable with:

• Single-wall condensation
• Seam sealing
• Trekking-pole setup
• Secure staking
• Retensioning fabric
• Drying the canopy

Best for humid conditions

The standard Lanshan 1 or Lanshan 2 is generally the more forgiving choice in humid conditions because the double-wall design separates occupants from the outer fly.

A mesh inner usually provides more airflow than a solid inner. However, vents should remain open whenever weather permits.

Best for maximum weight savings

The Lanshan 1 Pro is the lightest Lanshan model at a listed minimum weight of 666 g. The Lanshan 2 Pro is the lightest two-person model at 870 g minimum weight.

Remember that the published figures do not represent complete carried weight.

Not ideal for

Lanshan tents are not ideal for users who:

• Need a freestanding tent
• Camp mainly on platforms or hard rock
• Do not carry trekking poles
• Want a shelter requiring no setup practice
• Expect the tent to be suitable for every winter or mountaineering condition

Troubleshooting Common Pitch Problems

The tent is loose even at 125 cm

Check the corner stakes first. The base may be too wide, too narrow, or uneven.

Then inspect:

• Ridgeline alignment
• Vestibule stake position
• Guyline tension
• Pole-tip placement
• Ground movement
• Wet nylon stretch

Increasing pole length beyond the recommended range may create more problems than it solves.

The inner tent touches the fly

On a standard Lanshan, check that the inner is attached correctly and that the fly is evenly tensioned.

On a Pro model, check the pole position, canopy tension, and whether sleeping gear is pressing against the single-wall fabric.

The pole keeps slipping

Check the locking mechanism, pole tip, support point, and ground stability. If the pole sinks into soft ground, use a stable support method appropriate for the campsite and tent.

The door does not close correctly

The base may be distorted. Recheck the main corners and pole height before adjusting the zipper force. Never pull aggressively on a zipper that is under excessive fabric tension.

The canopy is too tight

Lower the pole slightly and inspect the pitch. Excessive tension can place stress on seams, hooks, webbing, and zipper areas.

FAQ

What trekking pole length does Lanshan require?

The manufacturer recommends approximately 120–125 cm for pitching Lanshan tents. Start near 120 cm and make small adjustments according to ground conditions and fabric tension.

Does Lanshan 1 need one or two trekking poles?

The Lanshan 1 requires one trekking pole for its standard setup. The recommended pitching length is approximately 120–125 cm.

Does Lanshan 2 need two trekking poles?

Yes. The Lanshan 2 and Lanshan 2 Pro require two trekking poles for the standard pitch. Each pole should generally be adjusted to approximately 120–125 cm.

Can I use trekking poles longer than 125 cm?

You may be able to use slightly different lengths depending on the ground and pitch, but the recommended range is approximately 120–125 cm. Do not use extra length to compensate for incorrectly positioned stakes or loose guylines.

Can fixed-length trekking poles work with Lanshan?

They can work if their usable length is compatible with the recommended 120–125 cm pitching range. Adjustable poles are more flexible on uneven ground and can also be used at different lengths while hiking.

Are trekking poles included in Lanshan’s minimum weight?

No. The listed minimum weights do not represent the complete carried shelter system. Include trekking poles if they are being carried specifically for tent support.

Is 120 cm or 125 cm better for Lanshan?

Neither is universally better. Start at approximately 120 cm on level ground, then increase gradually if more headroom or canopy tension is needed. Avoid exceeding the recommended range without checking the tent shape and stress points.

Why is my Lanshan still loose at the correct pole length?

Pole length is only one part of the pitch. Check the corner positions, ridgeline alignment, vestibule stake, guylines, pole-tip placement, and whether the ground has shifted.

Does pole length affect condensation?

It can affect condensation indirectly. A correct pitch helps maintain canopy shape and airflow, but condensation also depends on humidity, temperature, breathing, wet ground, and ventilation. The standard Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 generally provide more forgiving condensation management than the single-wall Pro models.

Does the Lanshan 2 Pro use the 2026 version?

The current product listing includes a 20D SilPoly 2026 version. Some other configurations may be identified as 2025 SilNylon versions. Check the selected fabric and version on the product page before ordering.

Do Lanshan Pro models need seam sealing?

Yes. The Lanshan 1 Pro and Lanshan 2 Pro require seam sealing before use. The standard Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 use factory-taped seams.