Frequently asked questions
All our instruction manuals are below. Prefer instruction videos? Try our Youtube channel, here.
SoulPad Blaze, Blaze-flue & Blaze-tribeflue
Tarp-FR™
Guylox™
Feuerhand Lanterns
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Please click the link below to download the maintenance instructions
Feuerhand Lantern Maintenance Instructions
You may need Adobe Reader, which is free and can be downloaded from here .
Click here to download these instructions. You may need Adobe Reader which can be downloaded for free from here.
All the canvas in SoulPad tents is treated to be water, UV and mould resistant to protect it from dirt, ultraviolet radiation and fungus. SoulPads can be used straight out of the bag, without any need for treatments prior to use. However, the treatments will not last forever. Your SoulPads lifespan will depend largely on how well you care for it.
CLEANING YOUR SOULPAD
If using your SoulPad frequently or for long periods of time, a cleaning and re-proofing treatment should be applied more frequently.
It is easy to spot when a SoulPad needs to be cleaned. However, we all have different standards and a sloppy cleaning and maintenance regime will cause the SoulPad tent to deteriorate more quickly. The sooner a dirty or stained spot is dealt with, the better. Left for too long and the problem may spread and lead to other problems such as canvas disintegration whereby the material begins to ‘dissolve’ and disappear completely.
It is advisable to first use a specialised cleaning agent on your SoulPad tent, then a specialised waterproofing agent. The other way around will cause the waterproofing agent to be washed away. If you ever spot clean an area of your SoulPad, always re-waterproof that area too. Whether it is a small area that is being treated, or the entire SoulPad, this is an important rule to follow as failure to do so will lead to leaks.
It is in your interests to keep the canvas as clean as possible and remove stains when they first appear. Dust and dried mud is better wiped away with a soft brush before a cleaning agent (and then re-waterproofing agent) is applied.
If you feel the cleaning and treatment is beyond your capabilities then your SoulPad tent can be taken to a professional canvas cleaning specialist to be cleaned and re-treated. Feel free to contact SoulPad for details of third parties offerng this service in your area.
Never try to clean your SoulPad in a washing machine. This will cause too much damage to the canvas fibres and it may also damage your washing machine.
Products that we use and recommend can be found in our Care & Maintenance section of the shop: -
Fabsil with UV
Tent & Awning Cleaner
Canvas tents are not inherently waterproof and anyone who tells you so is probably just trying to sell you their tent.
SoulPads are treated with a waterproofing agent. So although the canvas itself is not waterproof, the agent will help the canvas to repel water.
The effect of this treatment is to make water 'bead' on the surface of the canvas (see photo above) and either run-off or evaporate. The effectiveness of this treatment varies on how long and how often the tent has been used, primarily due to factors such as UV radiation, water composition and canvas wear and tear.
It's also important to remember that cotton expands when wet, closing the gaps between the cotton fibres and working with the waterproofing treatment to keep the rain out - and the soul in.
Some canvas tents will need to go through a process of weathering (the wetting and drying of a tent) in order to become completely water resistant. More on that here.
SoulPad tents can withstand really heavy storms and are a very hardy shelter indeed. They are intended for light leisure use. Specifically, the SoulPads have been designed for use in the United Kingdom’s lowlands, and are ideally suited for use between the months of March and September inclusive. However, it is reported that they perform well in the snow too (see images below).
If erected and maintained properly, a SoulPad will keep you dry for many many years.
The SoulPad canvas is treated with organic fluorine to make it waterproof. Organic fluorine is not petroleum-based. Organic fluorine is extracted from fluorine ore. It has a hydrostatic head of 400mm minimum (most manufacturers will quote the maximum).
It is worth noting that the hydrostatic head reduces with exposure to UV on a nylon tent. Soulful campers should not focus solely on the hydrostatic head when selecting the right tent to purchase. Our cotton canvas and ultralite blend have numerous other beneficial characteristics which also need to be considered.
We accept VISA, Switch/Maestro, Electron, Delta, Mastercard and American Express.
You can purchase online through this site or over the phone by calling us on 01953 688595
We use HSBC/Global Payments to process our payments securely, so securely in fact that SoulPad never sees any of your personal financial information.
We also ensure that any details you enter are encrypted. You can check this by looking for the green padlock in your browser address bar and that the address begins with 'https://'. The 's' stands for 'secure'.
We can also accept payments on-line via Paypal and we will accept payment by cheque.
If you have any difficulty ordering online please contact us and we can process your order straight away.
Meet Mr OM.
Mr OM is the most loveliest, cuddliest, kindest, sweetest, soulfulest guy you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. He likes nothing better than to hang out with friends in his SoulPad, chewing the fat whilst listening to some cool tunes. He has a twinkle in his eye and a lot of love to give. His friends and his SoulPad are the most important things to him in the whole world. He needs both to remain strong and positive. Both offer him unconditional support and both are always there when he needs them.
Why is he called Mr OM?
Do you see how his head doesn't quite join together? Well, that's not because he's a few slices short of a loaf. Absolutely not! Quite the opposite is true. No, in fact, his head is that way because he has an Open Mind (OM). He is a good listener and he will not judge you. Mr OM embraces life with all 5 of his heightened senses.
Where can you meet Mr OM?
He has a big heart and his arms are wide open. He's ready to embrace any other kind soul who comes his way. If you see Mr OM out and about at festivals, at a campsite, or anywhere else, be sure to come over and say hello. He and his soulful friends would just love to meet you!
Mr OM was created by Mr Steve Andrews. If you have a project in which you would like to employ the abundant artistic talents of Mr Steve Andrews, you can contact Steve by clicking here . Be sure to praise him for the production of Mr OM. All praise is gratefully received.
Click here to download these instructions. You may need Adobe Reader which can be downloaded for free from here.
Notes:
SoulPads tents are not flame retardant, so it is important that the flue pipe is exited through the space at the vent using the 1000mm Sleeved Pipe supplied with the Blaze-tribeflue kit. The sleeved pipe protects the canvas.
The stove itself needs to be steady, and situated on a durable flat surface such as large tiles or a piece of slate. We recommend the use of floor slate measuring a minimum of 60 x 40 x 1 cm. Slate has a textured surface and the Blaze stove is less likely to move on slate than if placed on a smoother surface. The slate should be positioned with some excess at the front of the stove in order to catch any stray embers and protect the groundsheet.
We also recommend the use of coir matting as a secondary measure to protect the groundsheet. Just as you would protect your carpet in front of a woodburner at home.
SoulPad's coir matting has been tested by the British Institute of Textiles for flame retardancy and is a more than suitable product to use with SoulPad tents. It is particularly useful when placed under the slate hearth (or similar). This way, the groundsheet is further protected from any stray embers.
Be sure to remove all labels from the stove and flue pipe before use.
There will be an odour of burning residues when the stove is first lit and you may be able to see the residues burning off the outer surface of the stove. For this reason it is recommended that your SoulPad is well vented when you light your stove for the first time. The odour will disappear as the stove burns off the residues. Keep the stove hot for a good long period of time to make sure the residues burn away successfully. Allow plenty of time for this process.
When using the Blaze stove with the Blaze tribe-flue, your Blaze stove will be positioned in the centre of your SoulPad. Please observe the following safety distances when using your Blaze stove at the centre: -
There are two methods for fitting the Blaze-tribeflue. Both methods require two people.
Fitting the Blaze-tribeflue, method 1: -
1. Begin to erect the SoulPad 5000-tribe following the instructions carefully.
2. At the point when the central pole is about to be fitted, from inside the tent push the Sleeved Pipe through the webbing and out of the top of the vent until it is approximately half way through.
3. Attach one of the 1000mm Flue Pipe sections to the sleeved pipe with a Locking Band.
4. Synchronise the lifting into position of the central pole with the erection of the Blaze-tribeflue. Depending on your height, you may need to attach a further section of 1000mm Flue Pipe to help hoist the flue pipe up into position alongside the central pole.
5. Once the central pole is fully erect you should find that the sleeved pipe (and any further sections of pipe which you attached) will stay in place without sliding back down. However, this causes some strain on the vent area, so have the remaining pipe sections to hand and attach with the remaining locking band(s), finishing with the 500mm Flue Pipe section at the base.
6. Ask your assistant to put into position the flat surface upon which you will site the stove, and any other flooring materials you may have in mind to protect the groundsheet. Position the stove directly below the flue pipe and place the final 500mm Flue Pipe section into the collar on the stove.
Remember to use the Glass Fibre Ladder Tape to seal the section between the stove and the 500mm Flue Pipe. In order to do this you will first need to remove the yellow backer from the ladder tape, and then stretch it around the flue pipe, adhesive side down, and with some force. This will insure a good snug fit. Make sure the flue pipe is upright and the stove is stable. Fresh ladder tape will need to be re-applied each time the stove and flue kit are moved.
7. Once the stove and flue pipe are installed correctly you can light the fire.
8. During rainy weather you will need to fit the canvas vent cap to the SoulPad 5000-tribe, to stop rain penetration at the vent. If following method 1, the vent cap can be fitted after the Blaze-tribeflue is in place. Two people can quite simply use the vent cap guy ropes to lift the vent cap up into position by synchronising its lift up the walls of the tent. When it is in place (with the tip of the vent cap on the top of the central pole), fasten the vent cap shut by first fixing the back guy ropes in place and working towards the split in the cap, wrapping the cap closed as normal.
Fitting the Blaze-tribeflue, method 2: -
1. Erect the SoulPad 5000-tribe (including the vent cap) following the instructions carefully.
2. Open the vent cap. Then, standing on a pair of step ladders, gently push the sleeved pipe section through the webbing and out the top of the vent until it is approximately half way through.
3. Attach the remaining two 1000mm Flue Pipe sections with locking bands, then attach the 500mm Flue Pipe section at the base.
4. Follow instructions 6 and 7 from method 1 above.
5. The Vent Cap will need to be fastened shut during rainy weather. Simply wrap the cap closed as normal.
In short...it depends.
SoulPads are intended for regular, light, leisure use and it is our opinion that they do not make for a suitable permanent shelter. However, if taken care of properly, SoulPads can last for years.
Just like other tents, it's hard to give exact details of how long a SoulPad will be in service as there are so many factors that come into play;
1. Terrain in which it is used
2. Conditions (air pollution, ultra violet radiation, weather)
3. Natural dirt (bird droppings, sand, salt...)
4. Domestic dirt (cooking stains, wine, sun cream...)
5. How well it is erected
6. How well it is taken down and stored
7. How often it is used
The beauty of this type of tent though, is that it can be maintained to a very high standard and its lifespan is generally a lot longer than its nylon counterparts. Our canvas can be re-treated for water repellence, anti-fungal treatments and ultra violet radiation. There are plenty of easy to apply products on the market today, specifically designed with canvas tents in mind.
Similarly, other components of SoulPad tents can be serviced too. For example, zips sometimes endure extreme tension caused by wind gusts, improper erections and adverse pressures caused by people or objects leaning against your SoulPad. To protect the zips they can be treated with silicones once in a while.
There are plenty of easy steps we can take to ensure the longevity of a SoulPad. For further details, please refer to our section on Cleansing your Soul...Pad.
SoulPads, when looked after and maintained, will serve you for a very long time.
The canvas and groundsheet will need cleaning once in a while to ensure they remain in good order and they may suffer occasionally but can easily be repaired. The remaining components can also be replaced when they have met the end of their useful life.
By comparison, a lot of the nylon tents we see today are practically disposable. Manufacturers encourage buyers to replace their existing nylon tent with the latest model. At SoulPad we don't want to sell you the latest model each year. Our tents are based on tried and tested designs which are here to stay. We want the SoulPad tent you originally purchased to last year after year after year.
An assuring wink...
SoulPad Ltd has introduced another way for you to be sure that the SoulPad you are purchasing is the genuine article.
Mr OM has soulfully agreed to discreetly put his face to the SoulPad tents. Since February 2008 all SoulPads have proudly displayed a woven SoulPad label, double stitched into an outer seam with Mr OM's mug on it, and the www.SoulPad.co.uk web address. This is our trademark.
We hope that this action will ensure the protection of our customers and the SoulPad brand alike, as well as maintaining the high level of customer confidence built over SoulPad's history.
Avoiding Counterfeits.
2. Only purchase your brand new SoulPad from one of our three websites: www.SoulPad.co.uk, www.SoulPad.com or www.SoulPad.com.au
3. Only purchase your brand new SoulPad from these recognised ebay user names: soulpaduk (ebay.co.uk), soulpad_usa (ebay.com) and soulpadtents (ebay.com.au).
We wish you much happy, soulful camping in your genuine SoulPad tent!
With soul,
Yes!
Offers (Affiliates)
SoulPads can be found dotted all over the UK (and abroad). The Offers section of this website details a few of the places where SoulPads can be found. Viewing is by appointment. Or why not take a short break at one of these sites using SoulPad tents, and check out the quality for yourself?
SoulPadders in Scotland can contact Craig at NES Bushcraft, N.E. Scotland to arrange to view his SoulPad 4000-hybrid-G by appointment. Details on our offers page.
SoulPad Showroom
The SoulPad indoor showroom welcomes you by appointment (to avoid disappointment).
We have a wide range of SoulPad accessories on display along with the following SoulPad models:-
SoulPad 5000-hybrid-G™
SoulPad 4000-ease™
SoulPad 3000-ultralite™
The SoulPad showroom is at the following address:-
SoulPad Ltd.
Unit 7
Dolphin Business Park
Shadwell
Thetford
Norfolk
IP24 2RY
T: 01953 688595
More details here.
Make a night of it! We can recommend some very nice campsites within a 5 minute drive of our showroom.
Can SoulPads be used as a permanent shelter? SoulPads are intended for regular, light, leisure use and it is our opinion that they do not make for a suitable permanent shelter. They are primarily a temporary structure.
We are aware that some SoulPad customers do choose to use their SoulPad for long periods at a time, and in some instances as a permanent shelter (some with far more success than others). This is done so against our recommendation.
However, for those that are intent on using a SoulPad long term, we have the following tips and advice. The information on this page has come partly from the results of our own testing, but largely from SoulPad users. This information will therefore continue to grow as we all share our findings. If you would like to share a tip based on your own experiences please contact us, we will welcome your valued input.
Tips & Advice: -
1. Choose your pitch carefully (flat, sheltered and with good drainage).
Check with the land owner on the best places to pitch. They will understand best how their land fairs during different types of weather.
An uneven pitch will place uneven tension on the canvas, poles and other components, as will an overly exposed pitch.
It is vital that you pitch on a well drained surface that is not prone to water logging.
Pitching under a tree and in woodlands can present its problems. Falling leaves (left on the canvas to get wet can cause discoloration and degradation of the canvas beneath), bird droppings (birds like to rest in trees and leave deposits on your SoulPad!) and falling debris from the tree can penetrate the canvas. Mould and mildew formation can also be accelerated in woodland conditions, as it is here (damp, moist conditions) that moulds and fungus' can thrive on organic materials.
2. Protect your groundsheet (with a secondary layer).
Your pitch might look like the perfect spot, but as your SoulPad endures more footfall, small objects in the ground can work their way to the surface and penetrate the groundsheet.
Consider placing a secondary groundsheet or membrane under the existing one. Some of our customers have even laid decking to pitch on. It is a good idea to use a secondary layer that is slightly larger than the existing one. This will help to keep grass and dirt away from the canvas.
A secondary layer can also help with insulation during colder months.
3. Erect your SoulPad correctly.
Erect the SoulPad according to the instructions. Never assume you will remember the order in which to erect your SoulPad. Bad habits are easy to fall into and can have a negative impact on the longevity of your SoulPad.
4. Keep grass short near to the canvas.
The canvas needs to breathe. Grass limits its ability to breathe, and attracts moisture which is ideal for mould formation.
5. Check the guy ropes regularly.
The moisture content of the canvas will be constantly changing. During dry, less windy spells slacken off the tension on the guy ropes. This will allow the canvas to relax and minimise the likelihood of stretch and distortion.
Make sure there is enough tension applied during windier conditions. Loose guy ropes can cause pegs to unearth in a gust.
Consider switching to wooden pegs on the guy ropes if the ground becomes very wet. Wooden pegs hold much better than metal ones under these circumstances.
6. Re-locate from time-to-time.
Prevailing winds can cause your SoulPad to stretch unevenly. If you do not have space to re-locate your SoulPad, you should at least consider turning it around once in a while.
Re-locating will also allow the ground beneath to recover.
7. Consider a heat source.
A heat source like the Blaze stove will undoubtedly help prolong your SoulPads useful life. Even during the height of summer we can still experience high levels of moisture in the air (particularly at night). A heat source will allow you to dry your SoulPad from the inside out, leaving you less reliant on the sun alone.
8. Expect to Clean & Maintain.
Being exposed to the elements for long periods, your SoulPad will need to be monitored carefully. Follow our care advice when dealing with any issues.
Deal with any problems as soon as possible. They will only get worse and become bigger problems later on.
Prevention is the key. For example: Don't wait for your SoulPad to leak before cleaning and re-waterproofing it, don't wait for fungus to show (once it's there it's almost impossible to remove) and don't wait for the canvas to fade under UV. All of these things can be prevented with regular cleaning and re-proofing.
9. Re-waterproof after cleaning.
Always and without exception! No matter how big or small the area you have cleaned, always re-waterproof the same area with appropriate agents.
So the official line is: "No you cannot. Are you crazy? What are you thinking? Do you have any idea what paint can do to canvas and the treatments we have carefully added to it? How do you know how the paint will react when exposed to UV and the elements? Beside, shouldn't you be at work or planning your next camping trip?"
You see, we haven't tested the SoulPads in this way, so the risk is all yours. There are so many different types of paints on the market, and so many different types of artist with varying degrees of ability - it would be impossible for us to endorse the decoration of a SoulPad in this way. There is no doubt that too much of certain types of paint will affect the breathability considerably.
Ok, so with all that said, thankfully we do have plenty of creative customers out there who have simply ignored us and our dull disclaimers. They've painted their SoulPad® regardless. It does seem like a blank canvas after all. It's very tempting to take the risk, isn't it?
SoulPad® customer, Creative, Artist and Completely Lovely Person, Charity Dominic says:
"We used Jacquard brand fabric paint, first outlining using stencils and a sharpie®, then painting on with foam brushes. We set the paint with a light ironing and its stayed on, no cracking whatsoever, through the most extreme heat, wind, rain, and alkaline dust. Seriously strong materials! *W00t!"
Please take a look at more images in the gallery to learn how Charity and Jack set about decorating their SoulPad®. Well done guys!
*The term w00t is a slang interjection used to express happiness or excitement, usually over the Internet. We're not afraid to tell you we had to look that one up. Thanks Wikipedia ;)
Please click the appropriate link below for instructions on how to erect your SoulPad® tent. There's also a short video explaining how to pitch a SoulPad-lite™
The order in which your SoulPad is erected is very important. Never assume you will remember the order, and always make sure you have a set of instructions with you each time you pitch your SoulPad tent.
SoulPad users can fall into bad habits and receive bad erection advice from other campers. This can have a negative impact on the longevity of your SoulPad and its overall performance. In case you lose them, these instructions are always available here on our website.
SoulPad 4000-lite™
SoulPad 4000-ease™
You may need Adobe Reader, which is free and can be downloaded from here .
Following these simple steps will help insure your SoulPad tent is with you for a very long time.
1. Only store your SoulPad tent if it is dry.
Never store it if the canvas fly sheet or the groundsheet is damp or wet. Both the groundsheet and the canvas must be completely dry before storing. Otherwise there is a very high risk of mildew forming on the canvas. Mildew is often irremovable, and so its prevention is of very high importance.
If you are forced to pack your SoulPad tent away when it is damp or wet then it must be erected again within 24 hours, even in adverse weather.
Do not hang your SoulPad tent to dry as mildew is likely to form in the creases and folds.
2. Store in a dry place.
Moderate, temperate conditions are ideal. Extremes of temperature will harm the structure of the canvas. The optimum storage temperature is room temperature.
3. Do not store anything on top of your SoulPad tent as this may distort the canvas or cause harm to the other components.
4. Your SoulPad tent should be taken out of storage at least once a year to allow it to recover from its compacted and stored state.
5. Be aware that rodents and insects can cause damage to stored SoulPad tents.
6. Choose your storage area carefully and remember to check on your SoulPad tent from time-to-time. For example: five minutes spent checking the bag for dampness, or checking for signs of rodent activity could save you time, effort and unwanted repair costs later.
The SoulPads are intended for regular, light, leisure use.
It is our opinion that SoulPad tents do not make for a suitable permanent shelter. They are primarily a temporary structure. They are classed as a Touring Tent (type T) in accordance with ISO 5912.
We are aware that some SoulPad customers do choose to use their SoulPad for long periods at a time, and in some instances as a permanent shelter (some with far more success than others). This is done so against our recommendation.
Specifically, the SoulPads have been designed for use in the temperate regions of the United Kingdom, and are ideally suited for use between the months of March and September inclusive.
Check with the land owner on the best places to pitch. They will understand best how their land fairs during different types of weather. The ideal site is flat and well-drained with short grass on a sound soil structure. Avoid areas which are prone to flooding.
Avoid pitching under trees. Pitching under a tree and in woodlands can present problems: -
Falling leaves - left on the canvas to get wet can cause discoloration and degradation of the canvas beneath.
Bird droppings - birds like to rest in trees and leave deposits on your SoulPad.
Falling debris from the tree - can penetrate the canvas.
Mould and mildew formation - can be accelerated in woodland conditions, as it is here (damp, moist conditions) that mould and fungus can thrive.
The direction of the prevailing wind should also be taken into consideration. Try to pitch with the back of your SoulPad facing the prevailing wind. This will help to conduct the wind over the SoulPad rather than up against it.
An uneven pitch will place uneven tension on the canvas, poles and other components, as will an overly exposed pitch.
Once you have selected a good spot, before pitching remove any stones and loose debris that may cause damage to the groundsheet or discomfort underfoot.
There are specific instructions on how to pack each SoulPad model away in the instructions that come with the tent. There is also a SoulPad video on this subject.
Make sure your SoulPad tent is completely dry before packing. Your SoulPad needs to dry out while pitched, any other way and the air may not circulate satisfactorily. This can be difficult during the colder months but is an absolute must. If it is wet moulds will appear, these are often extremely difficult to remove. If you must pack it away wet, you must pitch it again within 24 hours. Even if you have to pitch it in wet conditions, this will prevent the problems that occur when leaving a wet SoulPad tent in its bag. A SoulPad tent is better off wet but pitched than it is wet and packed in a bag without air circulating around it.
The canvas bag is large enough to contain your SoulPad in its entirety. However, it is advisable to pack the poles and pegs separately from the canvas in order to protect the canvas from damage.
PARTICULAR PROBLEMS THAT MAY ARISE
The lifespan of your SoulPad is very much dependent upon the camping conditions and the way in which you care for and maintain your SoulPad. Air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, natural dirt (bird droppings, sand, salt and water) and domestic dirt (cooking stains, wine and sun cream) all limit the lifespan of your cotton canvas SoulPad tent, as will the level of care and maintenance that you choose to apply. Any problem areas should be dealt with immediately.
Weathering:
Brand new canvas tents can often leak on their first few wets, with the leaks becoming less and less with each wetting and drying process. This doesn’t always happen, but some new canvas tents may need to go through a process called weathering. Weathering is the wetting and drying of a canvas tent.
Some water droplets may penetrate the canvas to begin with, but the cotton fibres in the weave will eventually swell and nestle into each other. The result is a water resistant tent and one that will give years and years of good service if it is looked after properly. Some SoulPad tents will need weathering two, three or even more times before every last water inlet is eliminated. With patience, those last few drips will eventually cease. This process can be accelerated artificially using a fine spray on a hose pipe if preferred. For the weathering process to be completed (either artificially or naturally), it is important that the tent dries thoroughly in-between wets.
Commonly water will accumulate on the labels inside the SoulPad tent during the weathering process, or where the vertical walls are attached to the sloping roof. This falsely gives the impression that these are problem areas. This is not the case. Again, this will eventually cease.
Loose Pegs:
If the ground is too wet or soft (such as with sandy soil), pegs may become loose and pop out of the ground more easily in a small breeze. In this instance it is advisable to switch to wooden pegs as these purchase the ground better in such conditions.
Loose Poles:
If there is not enough tension on the poles they will move. Please check the pitching instructions and follow them carefully.
Migrating Slides:
The slides on your SoulPad tent will need to have tension re-applied to them following heavy rain, or wind. Check them over periodically. If you plan to use your SoulPad tent in particularly adverse weather conditions (especially windy conditions) it is advisable to switch the standard slides to locking slides. Always close all windows and entrances before adjusting the slides.
Correct Placing of Items Inside The SoulPad Tent:
Do not place items too close to the canvas. During windy and/or wet conditions these may harm the canvas or cause it to let in water.
Do not hang objects from any of the fixings inside the tent intended for the inners. This will cause undue stress on the canvas and may cause distortion. The objects you hang may also cause damage to the canvas during windy conditions.
UV Degradation:
Ultraviolet radiation can affect the SoulPad tent’s canvas performance and its water resistant capabilities. When re-waterproofing your SoulPad tent, look for products that also include UV protection.
Immediate effects of UV can be ‘bleaching’ - a change in colour of the canvas to lighter shades. Compare your SoulPad canvas fly sheet with the canvas bag it came in. They are made of the same material but it is likely that the canvas bag has been less exposed to UV. Is there a marked difference in colour? If so, it may be time to treat your canvas fly sheet. UV can also lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of the waterproofing and anti-fungal treatments.
All of the components used to produce SoulPads tents have anti-UV treatments and properties but will need to be monitored carefully and replaced at the first sign of degradation. All the canvas used to produce SoulPad tents is treated to be water, UV and mould resistant to protect it from dirt, ultraviolet radiation and fungus. SoulPads can be used straight out of the bag, without any need for treatments prior to use. However, the treatments will not last forever. Your SoulPads lifespan will depend largely on how well you replenish these treatments.
Guy lines and slides will eventually need replacing and a common cause for accelerated wear can be due to UV exposure.
Snow:
SoulPads are not winterised tents and as such they are not intended for use in snowy conditions. If for any reason your SoulPad does find itself in these conditions you must regularly remove the snow from the canvas surface. The SoulPad tents are not designed to withstand heavy payloads of snow.
Zips:
Zips sometimes endure extreme tensions. These can be caused by wind gusts, improper erections and adverse pressures caused by people or objects leaning against your SoulPad. Close all zips before erecting, adjusting or taking down your SoulPad. Handle the zips with care. To protect the zips treat them with silicones once in a while. If a zip on your erected SoulPad seems strained, play with the tension on the guy lines or adjust the positioning of the wall loops to find out which adjustment helps the zip to function better. When a SoulPad is erected incorrectly it can cause the zips to fail.
Re-proofing:
This is the process of replenishing the treatments already applied at the point of manufacture. Spotting when it is time to re-proof can be difficult. A SoulPad tent that has enough proofing agents present will cause the water on the surface to ‘bead’ after a downpour.
The tent will dry quickly in a breeze or sunlight and it will not fade rapidly when exposed to UV. You will literally see beads of water forming on the outer surface of the canvas. When it is time to re-proof your SoulPad, you will notice that the water no longer beads, and that the SoulPad retains the moisture in the canvas for longer, taking longer to dry out than before. The colour of the canvas may also have faded. In the worst cases, mildew will start to appear in the form of small irremovable specs.
Reproofing is simple. SoulPad recommends the use of Granger’s Fabsil with UV. A 5 litre container of this product is enough to treat even the largest of SoulPads. Please follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using this product. In simple terms: add the liquid to a pressurised container and spray onto the outer surface of the dry SoulPad tent (in fine weather) and allow it to dry. A fine coating is sufficient.
Fungus & Mildew:
One of the most common problems to occur in canvas is mildew. This is easily preventable.
The onset of fungus or mildew is a sure sign that your SoulPad is past needing a treatment with a cleaner and waterproofing agent, or that it has been stored incorrectly.
There are a number of reasons why mildew develops in canvas (exposure to dust and/or bacteria for example). It is most commonly formed when exposed to certain conditions of humidity and temperature.
Even if the canvas is mildew resistant, mildew will form if left damp. The best way to dry your SoulPad tent is for it to be fully pitched and allowed to dry naturally in fair weather. It should not be hung to dry as fungus and mildew could form in the folds and creases of a hung SoulPad tent.
Mildew is very destructive to cotton fabrics as well as other materials. Mildew most commonly forms when tents are put into storage when damp. However, depending on the environment mildew can start while the tent is set up also. Under certain conditions of humidity and temperature it’s on-set can be very fast indeed. If mildew has started to grow, it can be stopped from spreading by thoroughly drying the tent (preferably in the hot sun) and applying a cleaner, followed by the re-waterproofing of any areas cleaned.
When dealing with fungus use a soft brush or sponge and a lot of fresh water to remove as much as you can and to stop the fungus from spreading. Only use specialised canvas tent cleaning products for this purpose. Other domestic, chemical products can be too harsh and cause the canvas structure to breakdown and leak.
Be sure to air your tent from time-to-time. Condensation levels should be kept to a minimum by regular airing (open the windows and entrances regularly to allow air to circulate inside the tent too.
Keeping grass and weeds trimmed around the bottom of the tent is also important since dampness clings to foliage and does not allow air to get to the fabric.
In short, no. It's not possible (soz). We want you to understand why though:
Any modification to a SoulPad tent would mean that tent must be regarded as a completely new article and must be re-developed and re-tested as such. This is a very lengthy and costly procedure and one that insures both user safety and satisfaction.
Modifications are not taken lightly here.
Even if the modification seems only to be a small ask (an extra window or a slightly higher wall for example) the entire structure would need to be re-submitted as a new design, re-sampled and passed through many rigourous testing procedures before rolling it out to market, even for a single, one-off purchase.
Whilst this policy does not grant us the popularity vote, it is this policy that sets us apart from others. You can rest assured that all SoulPad tents are produced following careful thought, consideration, modern manufacturing guidlines and meeting EU standards as we do so. There is no tent in our range that has been produced on a whim.
Over the years our customer's have helped shape our range. So don't let our policy stop you from communicating your 'wants' list to us! Whilst it's not our aim to roll out new models each season, we are genuinely interested in hearing your ideas and are 'all ears' to suggestions for improvement.
Inevitably accidents do happen and SoulPads get wounded in the process. The components used on SoulPad tents have been selected for their durability and ease of maintenance. You might be surprised by the level of repair you can achieve yourself.
Canvas; Always apply any repair work on the outside of your SoulPad tent. Small rips in the canvas can literally be stitched closed using a common needle and thread (use as fine a needle as you can bare, and try to match the cotton colour to the canvas). Larger rips and tears will need to be patched, but again use a needle and thread to do so. Try to use the same canvas colour and type as the original SoulPad. If applying a patch, try to use a diamond shape with the peak of the diamond being upmost. This will enable any rain run-off to disperse more quickly than a patch applied squarely.
When stitching, always try to keep the stitching runs tight and close together. It might pay to go over the same area a few times, just to be sure you have achieved a good seal.
It is a good idea to include a basic sewing kit with your camping equipment. Having access to common needle and thread can make or break a trip away.
Other campers may have to end their trip due to a rip or a tear, but as a canvas tent user, more often than not you will able to repair your SoulPad tent yourself and continue with your trip.
Remember, canvas is very forgiving! Any holes left by your needle will soon be filled with the expanding fibres of the canvas when it becomes wet. Have confidence in your repairs.
Groundsheets; Circular repairs are advisable on groundsheets in order to reduce the likelihood of the patch becoming loose through footfall and contact. In most instances, the groundsheet can be repaired using a patch of the same material and a good, strong contact adhesive. It is more effective to apply a patch on both sides of the groundsheet.
Visitors are invited to view the SoulPads and gorgeous accessories (by appointment, to avoid disappointment).
Showroom tel: 01953 688595
Address: SoulPad Ltd.,Unit 7, Dolphin Business Park, Shadwell, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2RY
Location: Ordnance Survey Explorer 229 - Thetford Forest in the Brecks. OS Grid Reference: TL813879
Coordinates: 52.409230, 0.866047
what3words: cuddling.salutes.beard
Opening Times
Oct-Mar (incl.); Mon-Thurs 09:30 - 14:00.
Apr-Sep (incl.), Mon-Fri and some Saturdays 09:30 - 14:00.
We are sometimes open on bank holidays, please always check first before making the journey. We run an appointments system so we can be sure someone is there to greet you.
Location
Please click here for the location of the Showroom, or click on 'View on Google Maps' in the above image.
Stock
We don't hold stock at the Showroom. Customers wishing to make a purchase when they visit are welcome to do so. Items can either be collected from our warehouse (a 10 min drive from the showroom and open mon-fri, except for bank holidays) or delivered free of charge (mostly) by courier to a UK address.
Based at the Dolphin Business Park, Shadwell and backing onto our wonderful Thetford Forest, the showroom boasts a vast array of goodies to view, including (but not limited to):
On Display
SoulPad Models: -
SoulPad 5000-hybrid-G™
SoulPad 4000-ease™
SoulPad 3000-ultralite™
Accessories: -
Bunting
A selection of Coir Mats
A selection of Hammocks & Stands
A selection of Bon-fire Kitchen equipment
Lanterns & Fairy Lights
The Blaze stove and flue kit
The Frontier Stove
GuyLox™
Huge Shepherd Hooks
The Character Pack™
The Squish™
Enamelled Brazier
Bunk
Small Bunk
Tea Chest x2
Campfire Kettles
Adjustable Arm Chair
Adjustable Chair
Adjustable Table
4 Season Sleeping Bag XL
Bijou Inner (to fit: SoulPad 5000-lite/ease/hybrid/hybrid-G)
...Phew! +more!
Payment Types Accepted
Payments by cheque, paypal e-cheque and bankers draft are welcome, although goods can only be released when cleared payment is received in full. We can not accept payments in cash. We accept all major credit cards:
Sometimes, our frequently asked questions are simply better answered by fellow SoulPadders. The thread below (from Facebook 06 Aug 2013) answers this question directly from those already out there using their SoulPad in the field:
A question from fellow SoulPadder Angela Sowden: "5m SoulPad owners - do you have problems finding pitches
There's nothing quite like the smug feeling of warming up your SoulPad with a Blaze™ stove, and cosying down with loved ones in a snuggly, centrally heated SoulPad. No damp bedding! No getting changed in a damp sleeping bag! No early end to a cold evening!
SoulPadders are advised to take the following FAQs into consideration before purchasing the Blaze™ stove. While some of this information will apply to other camping stoves, our expertise lies in the Blaze™ stove.
Is it safe? What about Carbon Monoxide?
As you'll know, carbon monoxide is a killer and it takes the lives of far too many campers each year. As a company we work hard to help raise awareness, we take it very seriously indeed and it pleases us that our customers do too. Here are some of the safety aspects designed into the Blaze™ stove and Blaze-flue configuration: -
1. The Blaze™ has a purposely small firebox, so can only stay lit if continually fed. It's impossible for the user to put enough wood in for over night use. In fact the most it is likely to stay lit for unattended is an hour or two. This reduces the likelihood of Carbon Monoxide build-up considerably.
2. The Blaze™ is a sealed unit. The door is sealed closed with a fire rope seal and the through flow of air is controlled by a vent on the front of the door. So no back draft of noxious gases when used as designed.
3. The Blaze™ is a wood-burning stove. No other material should be burned in there when using the Blaze for camping purposes. Most of us are aware that charcoal and coal omits a very high amount of noxious gases compared with seasoned wood. In fact most of the deaths associated with campers and carbon monoxide are as a result of the misuse of charcoal b-b-qs. Charcoal carries on omitting noxious gases long after it has cooled.
4. The SoulPads are made from breathable, cotton canvas. This should allow a greater flow of fresh air than a non-breathable material.
What about stray sparks?
5. The Blaze™ stove has a baffler fitted inside. This ensures the secondary combustion of fuel and prevents sparks from going up the flue pipe.
Isn't it safer just to have a campfire outside of the SoulPad?
Is the Blaze™ stove suitable for use around children?
7. That really depends on the child. Its not much fun policing a hot stove with little, little ones around. They can't see that it's hot, and after all sometimes it's not.
8. Children of all ages have a habit of leaning on the central pole and the a-frame at the entrance - this moves the canvas and can affect the stability of the flue kit. Further, with our Inferno-flue (side-exiting and so a far more exposed flue pipe) it can be difficult to keep children from touching the flue pipe (its shiny and they can see their face all distorted in it! Of course they want to get close!)
What if it gets windy?
9. A camping stove should not be used in windy conditions. Wind can affect the stability of the flue pipe when buffeting the canvas. It's a good idea to choose a sheltered spot when pitching and intending to use a stove. The campsite owner is the best person to consult when choosing your pitch, and always pitch your SoulPad with it's back to the prevailing wind.
Will the stove damage the groundsheet?
10. When lit, the Blaze™ stove does not heat up the ground beneath. SoulPadders with domestic wood burners will know the ground beneath a stove doesn't get particularly hot. The same is true of the Blaze™ stove, so it is not necessary to protect the groundsheet from heat damage. However, the user must consider a suitable surface upon which to place the stove to protect the groundsheet from the weight of the stove through its legs, and from stray embers (when opening the stove door).
We have found this hearth material to be the perfect size and solution and it can be sourced locally from most tile centres. Whichever material you settle on to place your stove upon, it must enable the legs to get a good purchase for stability. Highly polished ceramic tiles look lovely but are highly impractical. Rough cut slate really is the best.
Responsible or ethical trade tends to be associated with the activities undertaken by multinational companies throughout the world. Comparatively SoulPad is a small organisation and one that does not come under such public scrutiny. It is our belief however, that all companies (big or small) should try to act ethically throughout their supply chain.
Granted, small companies like SoulPad do not have the resources and leverage of the multinationals necessary to implement immediate changes. Despite this SoulPad endeavours to trade ethically. We are interested in social and environmentally responsible trade.
SoulPad makes it clear to all of its suppliers that it is our wish that they comply with the following codes of conduct:-
1. Employment is freely chosen
2. Working conditions are safe and hygienic
3. Child labour must not be used
4. Wages are paid
5. Working hours are not excessive
6. No discrimination is practised
7. Regular employment is provided
8. No harsh or inhumane treatment is allowed
Whilst SoulPad does not have the power to enforce these wishes, we hope that by expressing them we will make the point that these things are important to us and our customers. If all small companies follow suit, the message can be heard loud and clear.
We do feel that our current suppliers are responsible suppliers. We have been happy to trade with them based on both our own observations and findings, and their responses to the eight wishes detailed above.
SoulPad tents are produced in a modern, forward-thinking ISO 9001 accredited factory in China. This means you can be assured that our tents are produced to a consistently high standard using up-to-date equipment, processes and responsible work place ethics. We wouldn't want it any other way.
We're very proud of our factory and consider our colleagues there to be our friends. We visit regularly and feel privileged to be working with a very forward-thinking team who share our values.
Please click the appropriate link below for instructions on how to erect your SoulPad Tarp-FR. In case you lose them, these instructions are always available here on our website.
You may need Adobe Reader, which is free and can be downloaded from here.
As a responsible company we take the wellbeing and safety of both our staff and customers extremely seriously. We have therefore conducted a detailed COVID 19 risk assessment in line with government requirements and made the necessary modifications to our operation to ensure those people who are working in or visiting our premises are protected.
Please find below links to both the risk assessment and an additional document, “COVID 19 Working Policy” detailing the procedures both the company and individuals need to adopt to keep a safe working environment. The most salient points for showroom visitors to follow are detailed here below.
General
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Regrettably, no children under the age of 16 years are permitted to visit at this time.
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No pets are permitted to visit at this time.
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A face covering is to be worn at all times. Please bring one with you.
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No handshaking or embracing.
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2m social distance to be observed at all times.
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Please take your time. We have allowed a timeframe of two hours for your visit.
Upon arrival
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Please park your car in the space provided at the front of our showroom, by the main entrance.
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Remain in your car and notify us of your arrival by telephone: 0800 389 9193
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Staff will let you know when it is safe to enter the building (i.e. that no other visitors are present).
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Please use the hand sanitiser adjacent to the door immediately upon entering.
During your visit
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We ask that you don’t touch any of the items on display.
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Please do enter the tents for a closer look, but avoid touching the tents and other items.
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Please remain in the main showroom area (where the tents are pitched).
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Staff will remain in the offices during your visit, communicating with you through a large sliding window and observing the 2m distance. They will answer any questions that you have.
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Tea, coffee and other such refreshments will not be available.
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A toilet is available for your use. Staff can direct you to these facilities. Antibacterial spray and paper towels are available for you to sanitise this area before and after use. Please dispose of used towels in the dustbin provided.
At the end of your visit
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Collections from our nearby warehouse are not possible at this time. If you would like to place an order, staff will take your details and payment by card. The stock would then be dispatched to you by courier.
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No cash payments at this time.
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If required, brochures and price lists will also be posted to you after your visit.