How to Install a Tent Centre Pole on a Hiisi Shelter
By Savotta – Load carrying equipment and sustainment systems | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install a centre pole on a Hiisi shelter, including setup steps, common mistakes, and when to use the Savotta Hawu centre pole.
Quick answer
To install a tent centre pole on a Hiisi shelter, first confirm your tent model supports a centre pole, then adjust the Savotta Hawu centre pole to the required height and secure it in the designated grommet or pocket.
When a Centre Pole Is Needed for a Hiisi Shelter
Most Hiisi sauna tents are designed to stand without a centre pole because their corner poles and ridge line create the structure. However, if you are setting up on treeless terrain or using the Hawu extension piece, a centre pole becomes essential to maintain the tent's shape and headroom.
The Savotta Hawu centre pole is a telescopic pole that adjusts from 70 cm to 184 cm, making it versatile for different tent sizes and setups. It uses steel pins for adjustment, which are simple but require careful alignment.
Step-by-Step Centre Pole Installation
- 1. Check your tent's centre pole requirement: Confirm that your Hiisi tent model includes a centre pole grommet or pocket. Not all Hiisi tents use a centre pole; the standard setup relies on corner poles. If your tent has the attachment point, proceed. Common mistake: forcing a centre pole into a tent not designed for it can damage the fabric.
- 2. Adjust the Hawu centre pole to the correct height: Extend the three telescopic sections and lock them using the steel pins. Start with the pole at a height slightly shorter than the tent's peak. You will fine-tune it later. Checkpoint: ensure all pins are fully seated and the pole sections are aligned to prevent collapse.
- 3. Position the pole inside the tent: Place the base of the centre pole on the ground at the tent's centre point. Insert the top into the centre pole grommet or pocket. If using the Hawu extension piece, attach it first according to the extension's instructions. Common mistake: positioning the pole off-centre can cause the tent to sag unevenly.
- 4. Raise the pole to tension the tent: Gradually extend the pole sections until the tent fabric is taut but not overstretched. The tent should stand with a smooth roofline and no wrinkles. Lock each section securely. Checkpoint: over-tensioning can stress the grommet or pole; aim for a firm, even lift.
- 5. Secure the pole base: If your tent has a base plate or loop for the pole, attach it. Otherwise, ensure the pole base sits on stable ground. On soft terrain, place a small flat object under the base to prevent sinking. Common mistake: leaving the base unsecured on uneven ground can cause the pole to shift in wind.
- 6. Check the overall tent alignment: Walk around the tent and verify that all corner poles are upright and the ridge line is straight. Adjust the centre pole height slightly if needed. Stake out the tent corners to finish the setup. Final check: a well-aligned tent has even tension on all sides and no sagging panels.
Product facts
- Hawu centre pole: The Hawu centre pole consists of three telescopic pieces and can be adjusted by degrees from 70 cm to 184 cm. The adjustment is done with steel pins. This adjustability lets you fine-tune the pole height to match your specific tent setup, ensuring the shelter is taut and stable.
Hawu centre pole - Tent corner pole, Hiisi tents: These corner poles are designed as replacement parts for Savotta Hiisi sauna tents and are available in three length options: 140, 145, and 160. If your Hiisi tent's corner pole is damaged, replacing it with the correct length variant restores the tent's structural integrity quickly.
Tent corner pole, Hiisi tents
