Tipi Setup

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Adjusting for Slope

It was not uncommon for Indians to cut off a tripod pole on the high side or put a rock under the tripod pole on the low side and adjust the remaining poles to follow the contour of the ground around the perimeter. We have done this ourselves, occasionally, but we do not like to cut our tipi poles, and if we can, we dig a hole under a pole that is too long, rather than cut it off. If we do this, we always save the sod (if any) and restore the ground to its natural state when we take down our tipi.

A more practical approach is to discern, ahead of time, the relative elevation of the resting places of the butts of the three tripod poles and the lift pole and then tie each pole higher or lower at the lashing point to adjust for the differences in elevation. The objective is to keep the tipi in its proper posture regardless of the topography of the surface upon which it is placed. If the difference in elevation of two of the tripod poles is more than a few inches, you can divide the total adjustment between the two poles. Example: If the total difference between the North pole and the South pole is 8 inches, you can raise the tie point on one pole 4 inches (on the low side) and lower the tie point on the other pole 4 inches (on the high side). This will reduce the amount of gap between the cover and the ground on the low side, with the cover on the high ground side nearer to, or touching the ground.

Click on image to enlarge.

The foundation of the tipi is the tripod. Once the poles are lashed together and opened to a three-point structure, the individual tripod poles cannot be moved up or down without tipping the top of the entire structure.

Conversely, if the structure is tilted one way or the other, it can sometimes be straightened by moving the North pole or the South pole in or out. It is natural for the Door pole to be tied higher on the pole than the North and South poles. This gives a backward tilt to the structure, which is natural and should not be compensated for. However, if there is a radical slope to the terrain from front to rear or if there is a high or a low place right where the door is, it may be necessary to adjust the tie point on the Door Pole or on the Lift Pole.

Sometimes it is necessary to move the poles out all around the tipi to make the cover fit more snugly. When you do this, try to avoid moving the tripod poles. If you must move the tripod poles, move the North & South Poles equal distances to keep the tipi from leaning to one side or the other. Then make a note of the new pole positions for future reference.

If your tipi cover is wrinkled, it may be necessary to change the tie points on the Tripod Poles (usually higher). It is normal and desirable to place the poles (except tripod poles) in slightly, toward the center, until the cover is in place, thus making it easier to install the lacing-pins down the front. The non-tripod poles can then be moved out against the cover for a snug fit all the way around.

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