Questions regarding poles:

1. The specs say one pole, yet reviewer Perkinator mentions "poles" in his review. What gives? Is it one pole, more than one pole, or many segments that join together to make a crazy pole system.
2. Perkinator also mentions "inserts" that aren't attached to the poles. What's up with these? Also, are the pole(s) held together with bungee, or are they free.
3. How's the strength and durability of the pole(s) and the inserts? Are the inserts plastic, and if so is there any concern about durability in super low temps? I realize this isn't a 4-season tent, just asking.
4. How complicated is the setup/teardown for this tent?

I don't actually have this specific tent but I've used several of MH's tents so I think I can explain your questions regarding their pole system. I apologize too because like Perkinator said this is hard to visualize while explaining it. 1. MH has been using a unique system with most of their tents where all of the poles are attached together to essentially make one pole. I attached a picture that I copy and pasted off of their instructions. Essentially the poles pull apart into sections like normal tent poles and the end pulls out of the little circles but they are still attached to each circle by the elastic cord inside each pole. So how that turns out is that the poles still fold down to relatively the same size as they would otherwise however when you pull them out of the bag they start to come together into the preset shape because the elastic cord is pulling them into the shape. It is basically a way to make the tent poles idiot proof. With only "1" tent pole and it being in a preset shape it is practically impossible for someone to put the wrong pole in the wrong spot. 2. The insert is even harder to explain. Essentially in between two pieces of pole there is a little piece that fits into the end of each pole that allows them to fit together. On most other tents one end of the pole is slimmer so that the end of the next can fit over it. In this method it is just not permanently inset in either pole. The inserts are still connected because they have the elastic bungee running through them. I think when he says keeping it on the right piece he means that if it is on one pole it gets to long to fit in the bag but if it is on the other piece or pulled out of both it will fit. 3 and 4. I've used several tents with this pole system and setup/teardown is among the easiest I've ever had to deal with. Durability is as good as any other system. I've never had a problem with this pole system at all.