If you are a camping enthusiast, your single biggest investment is usually your camping tent. Yet it is the tent that gets the most neglect when it comes time to pack up and put it away. It's understandable. You have spent the week-end or maybe the entire week out in your favorite campground, you're a bit tired, and you just want to pack it all up and head home.
A little care with your tent will make it last much longer and you won't have any surprises when you unpack it on your next camping trip. So here are a few simple do's and don'ts to follow.
First, if your tent is a new one and you have never assembled it before it's a good idea to make a practice run to make sure you have all the parts. You will also possibly avoid a little embarrassment at the campsite when you pull it out and dance with it for an hour trying to figure out how to connect the dots!
One of the primary reasons we buy a tent is to keep us dry and a good tent should live up to that. If you do get your tent wet, say in an overnight shower or two, it is a good idea to let it dry and air out as soon as possible. Disassemble it and hang it up to dry and air out. I know, it's not always practical, but it's a very good habit and will go far to preserving the life of your tent. And it you'll avoid that awful, day after, wet tent odor!
If your tent has been set up for a few days, always clean it thoroughly before packing it into the stuff sack. And please don't pack it up wet if at all possible. This happens quite often and doesn't do much harm as long as you unpack it and hang it out to dry and air out as soon as you get home. It is also important to note that the biggest enemy to your tent is UV damage from the sun. Don't leave it out in the backyard for extended periods as it will weaken the tent and the fly.
After each trip it's a good idea to set it up and check for any debris that may you may have missed at the campsite. If it is dirty, use a damp sponge and mild soap to clean it. Please don't ever put your tent in the washer or dryer! I've heard of people doing this, but the story always ends badly. Do however, let the tent completely dry out before packing it up for storage.
Keep your poles clean. Wipe them down and use a little car wax to get them so they will slide in and out of the tent sleeves and ferrules easily. And don't forget your zippers. Spray a little silicone spray on the teeth (not on the fabric) to keep them running smoothly.
Finally store your tent in a cool dry place. Avoid the attic or sheds that get really hot. The heat can damage the coating designed to keep you dry!
These tent care tips will ensure your camping tent is always in top shape and ready to go when you are ready to go. Practice simple tent maintenance habits and your investment will last a lot longer.
