Ok, you’ve bagged yourself a brand new tent, you will want to make it last as long as possible. We've got some good advice so you can take care of your tent so that it lasts for years to come. Our guide isn't from us, it's from our resident tent expert!
Before you go camping
First things first... Before you go camping you should always practice pitching your tent. By simply pitching your tent in an open space for a few days before your trip, you can save yourself stress down the road. It's the best time to check for any damages to your tent such as rips or splits and most annoyingly any broken zips. If it's a brand new tent then practicing to pitch your new tent will save you time when you get to the camp site. You can also get familiar with any awkward instructions and get used to all the bits and bobs which come with your tent.
Pro Tip: Always follow the instructions when pitching your tent and try to get familiar with it as much as possible - before you even hit the camp site.
Tent Protection Essentials
When you go camping, there are a few camp site essentials that you can use to protect your tent and get many more camp trips out of your purchase.
Tent repair kit - If you go cycling you would take a puncture repair kit so why not take one for your tent? Tent repair kits do a similar job and they help cover up any wear and tear your tent may incur. Like a sticky plaster you can apply tent patches to damaged areas just simply place on a flat surface and hold for a few seconds to seal.
Tent Footprints - A tent footprint is a removable groundsheet used to protect the underside floor of your tent from wet ground and debris such as rocks. They are great at preventing unwanted tears and help you leaving the campsite by simply cleaning up, just by simply removing it.
Gaffer tape, also know as duct tape is cheap, light and a must have addtion to any camping trip. It is versatile and allows you to cover up any small tears or fix any minor damages that may appear on your tent or camping equipment. It’s a perfect temporary fix to any problems you may face on your camping trip.
Seam sealant - A seam sealant is what you need to fix a leaking seam, just re-cover the seam and leave it to take to the material for a few hour. Normally in bottle format, it bonds when exposed to the surface and air. Take a small bottle with you on your next camping trip..
Cleaning and Drying Tents
It sounds obvious but if you keep your tent clean and dry it is guaranteed to last longer. When we talk about camping, tent hygiene is sometimes overlooked as unimportant, but this can’t be further from the truth. A nice clean tent can be the difference between an annual holiday home or a one-time campout.
Make sure that there is no dirt or soil remaining inside your tent. Make sure you never leave food in a tent after your camping trip and something simple like a dust pan and brush can do wonders on your camping trip. When you get home, get the vacuum cleaner out and give it a good once over.
Tents will get dirty, very quickly, but don’t worry. To clean it, just simply wipe away any excess dirt that’s found its way onto the fabric both internally and externally. For hard, caked on mud, a sponge and a bucket of warm water will do the job. Stay away from chemical detergents, these can cause long term damage to your tents waterproof coating.
When packing up and putting your tent away at the end of your camping trup make sure that it’s as dry as possible. Shake off any excess water and wipe down with a clean cloth and leave it open to air out for a few hours. If you’re packing up in the rain and you can't get your tent dry wait until you get home. As soon as you can, repitch the tent or try and hang it to dry on a washing line on the next available sunny day.
Packing a Tent Away
To make your tent last longer than one trip you're going to need to know how to pack it away correctly, not doing so could result in irreparable damage. However tired or wet you are at the end of your camping trip, try to picture your future self pitching the tent next time.
Here are some tips but always check your tent and if it has any special instructions, especially inflatable tents.
Make sure the inside of your tent is clean of dust and debris
Place the bag for poles and tent pegs on top of your folded tent and roll it as tight as possible
Push, don't pull the tent poles out of the guide sleeves and fold them up neatly.
Half zip the doors leaving room for any air to escape
Open the tent and leave it to air for a few hours before you start packing it away (if the weathers dry)
Fold your tent to match the width of the carry bag pushing air out as you unfold.
Tie the tent up and place it into it's bag.
Unpin the poles from the pins and collapse the tent with the poles still in
Store your tent
Finally, storing your tent is essential to its long term condition. If you want it to last it is vital you must store it correctly. Place it flat down in a cool, dry area and away from any chemicals. Avoid placing it on it’s end as this will damage the tent poles and can pierce the fabric. Never store a tent wet as it will go mouldy and cause irreverable damage to the fabric and smell! If you have attic space, store tents in your house, if not a dry shed or garage will be suitable..
Think of your tent as an investment and portable home that you’re going to want to look after. The more you invest in your tent the longer you will get out of it and more camping trips in the futures.