Tips For Tent Care And Storage

Here are a few tips for tent care and tent storage.

Your tent is a very important part of your hiking and camping equipment. Make it last as long as possible by taking good care of it.

Your choice of tent plays a big role in determining how long it will last. Don't expect a cheap department store tent to endure much abuse.

Spend a little more to get a high quality tent. Not only will it last longer, but you'll be more comfortable.

You don't have to break the bank to get a well-made tent, either. Brands like Kelty, Eureka, and ALPS Mountaineering offer good quality at reasonable prices. And you can often find excellent bargains on high-end tents by searching discount sites like Sierra Trading Post, REI Outlet, and Campmor.

Quality tents are designed to take a certain amount of abuse; after all, they are supposed to protect you from rain, wind, and snow. But that doesn't mean they're indestructible. You can do serious damage to your tent if you don't handle it properly.

Pack your tent carefully, away from sharp objects or liquids that can damage the material.

When pitching your tent, look for a level area of hard soil. Clear away any sharp rocks or sticks. Unless you are backpacking and want to save weight, you should always use a ground cloth to protect the floor of your tent.

In mild weather, you can set up with just a few stakes. But if you expect any wind or rain, use all your stakes and available guy lines. Work to get even tension all around; this will prevent one side of the tent from being overstressed.

If you plan to have a campfire, make sure to pitch your tent well away from the fire. Sparks that land on a tent can burn holes in it.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun will damage the tent canopy over time. Don't leave your tent in direct sunlight any longer than necessary.

Tents are bound to get dirty, but you should try to keep the interior as clean as possible. Don't wear shoes or boots inside, and shake excess dirt out when you disassemble it. If it's really filthy when you get home, clean it with a mild soap solution.

Try to keep your tent dry, as well. Of course it's going to get wet when it rains, but you can maintain a dry interior by leaving wet clothes in the vestibule and preventing sleeping bags and pads from pressing against the tent walls (which wicks moisture inside).

Spread the rain fly out in the sun to dry as soon as you can. When you get home, make sure it's completely dry before you put it in storage; any moisture will invite mold to grow.

Put some effort into proper tent care and tent storage. It's worth it to ensure the best protection from the elements for many years of hiking and camping adventures.

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