Yes it can. Have never had any cause to pitch it flush to the ground (maybe it brings good weather or something?) and it would be a lot more snug pitched that way. Anchor straps are pretty long and adjust in length, so setup and tensioning are relatively easy. I use adjustable trekking poles for support (unlike the SL3, the 2 doesn't ship with poles).

Cheers,

ETA here's a pic.

Shangrila 2


Edited by Rick_D (03/21/14 12:12 AM)
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--Rick