Whether you’re planning a family getaway or heading off to a festival, your tent is your home for the weekend and so it must be looked after! There is a science to keeping your tent in peak condition. This tent aftercare guide will show you exactly how.
Before Your Trip
First things first, always practice-pitch your tent before taking it anywhere. Pitching your tent prior to your outdoor adventure is very important so you can check for any damages such as tears in the fabric or a broken zip. And if it’s a new tent, it also gives you the chance to learn how to pitch it properly, making it quicker and easier when it comes to the real thing.
Practice pitching will save you a lot of stress, making your getaway preparation a whole lot smoother. Always follow the provided instructions and guidelines for a hassle free set-up.
Cleaning And Drying Your Tent
Tents can get extremely dirty, especially when they’re pitched on muddy terrain or they experience bad weather. To make them last longer and stop them from getting permanently damaged, you must clean and dry them regularly. So, in between your getaways, take some time to follow these steps to get your tent looking like new.
- Always make sure there is no dust, mud or other debris left in your tent – you can use a dust pan and brush to sweep it up
- Use a sponge and warm water to wipe off any mud or debris that is stuck to the tent floor or walls
- Stay away from detergents! These can damage the tents waterproofing abilities
- Make sure your tent is dry before packing it away – wipe it down with a clean cloth and leave to air out for a few hours
- If you can’t air your tent out due to bad weather, don’t worry, pack it away and air it out at soon as the weather dries up
- Dry your tent out as soon as possible to avoid musty smells and the build-up of mould
Tent Protection Essentials
Here is a list of the essentials which will help protect and repair your tent. You can find all of our tent repair tools and kits here.
Duct Tape
A simple yet effective quick-fix; duct tape will help to temporarily repair any minor tears until you can sort out a permanent solution. It is cheap, easily carried and will come in excellent use whilst on your outdoor adventures.
Footprint/ Carpet
These are removable waterproof groundsheets which are placed beneath or inside your tent to protect against getting dirt and damp. They can also prevent tearing. They are generally designed to match the dimensions of a specific tent, but some general use is possible. It’s a great way to add a level of comfort AND protection. Shop our footprints here.
Tent Repair Kit
If your tent encounters any small damages, a tent repair kit is the perfect solution. They come with all sorts of tools to assist with wear and tear, so you can get your tent looking good again without having to fork out or a brand new one. Check out our repair kits here.
Seam Sealant
Seam sealant is a fantastic glue-like substance to help quickly fix taped seams that are coming apart and letting in water. So, be prepared and add this easy-to-use substance to your tent protection essentials list now.
Reproofing Your Tent
After multiple uses in varying weather conditions (particularly in heavy rain or very hot sunlight) your tent may lose its waterproofing abilities and therefore may need to be reproofed. This is a simple process as long as you have the correct gear!
To check if your tent needs to be reproofed, look for these indications:
- Does water soak into your tent? Water should bead (form droplets) on the surface of your tent
- Does your tent leak? Don’t confuse a leak with condensation – air out your tent before taking any leak precautions
Check out our tent reproofing products here.
Packing Your Tent Away
Packing our tent away correctly is extremely important for keeping it in tip top condition. After a few practices, pitching and packing away will become second nature. Follow these tips for the perfect pack-away:
- Ensure your tent is mud and debris free
- Air your tent out before packing it away (if it’s a dry day)
- Partially zip the tent doors to leave room for air to escape when packing away
- Unpin the poles from the pins and collapse the tent with the poles still in
- Push your tent poles out of the sleeves and fold them (don’t pull)
- Fold the tent to the same width of the bag, pushing air out as you fold
- Place the pole bag and peg bag on top of your tent and roll as tight as possible
- Tie the tent up and place it in its bag
Tip: Every tent is different, so make sure you follow the instructions too!
Storing Your Tent
Storing your tent in the correct environment is vital for keeping it in excellent condition. Failing to do this can result in it being damaged. You should follow these simple storing rules to prolong the life of your tent:
- NEVER put your tent away when it’s wet as this can cause it to get mouldy and smelly
- Always store it in a cool, dry place
- Keep it away from harmful chemicals
- Keep it flat down when in storage – resting the tent bag on its end can damage the poles
So there you have it, a guide to looking after your tent properly. Follow these steps to assure your tent is kept in the best condition possible. If your tent is very old and completely damaged, then it may be worth buying a new one. Shop our full tent range below and grab a bargain before it’s too late!
