The tents used by Scott and his party were the standard pyramid ones The poles, carried on the top of the sledge were made of bamboo. Six poles formed the framework for the tent.
Film footage taken by Ponting shows the Polar team practicing putting up their tent. Once the poles were set in place the tent cover was thrown over, a ground sheet was laid down, all gear was placed in and then the cover pulled down and secured. Snow blocks were used to weigh down the edge of the tent.
After some experiments with their tents Scott began to use a double tent. This is the standard tent with a porous inner lining. Water vapour moved through the inner lining forming frost which fell to the edge of the tent not into the main part. In his diary Scott says that these tents were "very comfortable".
The tents were very cramped and occupants had to be well organised before settling into them. Meals were cooked in the tent.
The sleeping bags used were made from thick caribou hide, with the fur on the inside. Condensation due to breath and sweat meant that these bags often became ice laden and increased in weight.
The tent taken is a nylon 3 person Terra Nova ' Hyperspace' dome tent.
It weighs 6.5kg and has a floor space of 206cm x 183cm and height of 122cm.
It has 4 x Easton aluminium 7075 expedition weight poles, cross bracing, and an extra pole for the vestibule.
As well as a sleeping bag, a foam mat and therma-rest (inflatable mattress) are taken.
The tent can withstand wind speeds of over 100 knots.