The AirDugOut how-to guide

Set up. Play on.
Pack down.

From the carry bag to the final whistle. Get to know your AirDugOut with simple setup steps, wind guidance and a smooth pack-down.

Start setting up Watch the guides
AirDugOut set up on a grass pitch, with its entrance open and guide ropes secured
Pitchside, made simple

Check the wind before you start. Do not use above 20 mph.

See how it’s done.

Follow along with our setup and pack-down videos, then keep the written steps below to hand on match day.

A little prep goes a long way.

Try a full practice setup at home before match day. It’s the easiest way to get familiar with the pump, fixings and shelter.

The shelter set up on grass with its side and rear windows visible

Before first use

  • Fully charge the electric pump.
  • Connect the hose to the INFLATE outlet on the pump, not the DEFLATE outlet.
  • Attach the spring clips and guide ropes in advance of your first setup.
  • Check the weather forecast and choose the right anchoring method for your surface.
The supplied anchoring kit: spring clips, sandbags, ground pegs and guide ropes laid out on grass

Have your kit ready

Shelter, electric pump and carry bag, plus your anchoring kit:

Spring clips
9
For attaching to an astro fence
Sandbags
3
For front anchoring
Ground pegs
✓
Supplied for anchoring on grass
Guide ropes
5
Four corners + one rear middle

Six steps to match-ready.

Work through these steps in order. Secure the shelter for your surface and always finish with a safety check.

  1. A flat grass pitch with clear space for the shelter and canopy
    1

    Choose your spot

    Start with a flat, safe surface: grass, 3G/4G, hardstanding or indoor flooring.

    • Leave room for the full shelter footprint and front canopy.
    • Clear sharp objects from the ground. Check nearby metal fencing for anything that could damage the air columns or canopy.
  2. AirDugOut carry bag, folded shelter, pump and spring clips laid out on grass
    2

    Unpack and position

    Take the AirDugOut out of its carry bag and lay it flat, with the windows facing outward.

    • Lay out the shelter, pump, anchoring kit and accessories so everything is to hand.
    • On windy days, peg at least the four corners or attach the lower clips to the fence before inflation.
  3. The electric pump being connected to the AirDugOut on the pitch
    3

    Inflate the structure

    Connect the hose to the pump’s INFLATE outlet and the shelter’s inflation valve.

    • The valve is at floor level on the right-hand side when viewed from the front.
    • Guide the shelter into position as it rises. Check every air beam and continue until the columns feel firm and rigid. Do not overinflate.
  4. The inflated shelter being adjusted into position by its front canopy
    4

    Shape and align

    Lift and adjust the shelter so it sits squarely on the ground.

    • Face the front opening towards the pitch or activity.
    • Smooth out creases in the canopy and window panels.
  5. A metal ground peg securing a black anchor loop to the grass
    5

    Secure the AirDugOut

    Use all six built-in anchor loops around the base. Attach guide ropes at the back and at the sides of the front opening.

    • On grass, use ground pegs. On astroturf or hardstanding, use weights, sandbags or suitable ground anchors.
    • In windy conditions, secure all six base loops and use at least four guide ropes. Check the wind guidance below before use.
  6. The fully inflated AirDugOut standing ready on the grass pitch
    6

    Do a final safety check

    Tick off each check before players or staff step inside.

Setup tip. On windy days or nights, leave the windows slightly open to allow airflow.

AirDugOut on a grass pitch with its ground pegs and guide ropes in place

Let the conditions make the call.

Your AirDugOut is designed for typical match and training conditions. High winds can affect stability and cause damage, even when the shelter is secured.

18–20 mph is the upper limit. Use caution in that range and do not use above 20 mph.

Wind speed guidance · Mean average mph

0–18 mph

Safe to use

Suitable for most match and training conditions. Always fully secure the shelter.

18–20 mph

Use with caution

Only use if conditions are stable and the shelter is fully secured, with all anchor points and guide ropes in place.

Over 20 mph

Do not use

High winds can affect stability and may damage your AirDugOut. Do not set up or use the shelter.

Fully secure

Use all ground pegs, guide ropes or weights provided, as appropriate for your surface.

Allow airflow

In windy conditions, leave the windows slightly open so air can pass through.

Use your judgement

Assess local conditions. If you are unsure, it is safer not to use the AirDugOut.

Check the forecast

Check the local weather forecast before setting up, and watch for changing conditions.

Final whistle. Fold. Go.

Take your time with pack-down so your AirDugOut is ready for its next outing.

  1. 1

    Release the air

    Open the air valve and allow the shelter to deflate fully. In windy conditions, keep pegs and weights in place until all the air has escaped.

  2. 2

    Remove the anchors

    Once fully deflated, remove any remaining pegs and weights. Collect the clips, guide ropes and other accessories.

  3. 3

    Fold and roll

    Fold the shelter in on itself, then roll towards the air outlet to push out the remaining air.

  4. 4

    Return to the bag

    Put the shelter and all components back in the carry bag. Make sure the fabric is dry before storing it.

Keep it anchored in the wind. Leave pegs and weights in place while deflating, then remove them once the shelter is fully down.

Keep the original guides to hand.

Save the full setup and wind guidance posters for a quick reference on match day.

Setup & pack-down poster Wind guidance poster

A hand when you need one.

Find more care advice in our support guide, or get in touch with the team.

Care & maintenanceContact us