The long-loved trustworthy tent has been a staple of camping for more years than we can count. Though design and fabric has changed over the years, the basics of maintaining your tent have remained pretty much the same. Certainly, good quality maintenance will extend the life and usefulness of your tent.
Placement
Check the ground around your campsite before you pitch your tent. Make sure to remove any rocks or sticks that could put a hole in the floor of your tent. You should also use a tarp beneath the tent which is just slightly smaller than the perimeter. This will protect the bottom of your tent and keep water from pooling around the sides between the tent floor and the tarp.
When in Use
Keeping things clean as you go is the best way to a satisfying tent experience. Take off your shoes when entering the tent and use a whisk broom to keep the debris swept from the tent floor. Don’t leave wet towels on the floor.
The Elements
Your rain fly will protect you from water but will also protect the tent from the sun’s rays and its potential for fading the fabric. Protecting your tent from these elements will extend the years of enjoyment you’ll get from your camping tent.
Packing Up
Dry is the key requirement when packing up your tent. Try to drape it over a table or your vehicle for a time before you leave the campsite so air can circulate around the tent and dry it out well. If you’re unable to do this be sure to dry it well when you arrive home. This will guard against mildew and decay.
Storage
Wait until your tent is good and dry before storing it for the next trip or over the winter. Be sure to fold it up a different way each time to avoid permanent creases in the fabric. This will keep your tent from developing weak spots in the fabric which can crack and fray.
Minding good maintenance tactics will afford your family many happy years of camping and save you from reinvesting in another tent. We look forward to seeing you around the campground next year and hope you enjoy many memorable trips in years to come.
