On Wednesday, we wrote about how to choose a backpacking tent. Maybe you have just found the perfect backpacking tent, or you have one already and want to keep it for many seasons. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep your tent in great shape.
Clear away debris like sticks, pinecones, and rocks from your desired campsite. While no one wants to wake up with a rock sticking up between your shoulder blades, what this is really doing is protecting the bottom of your tent from rips and holes.
Use a footprint (a ground cloth custom cut by the tent manufacturer for your specific tent model). This will provided added protection to the base of your tent.
Try to keep the interior of the tent free of debris from the trail—leave your boots in the vestibule.
Ultraviolet rays can damage to nylon over time, causing it to deteriorate quickly. Set up camp in the shade, use the provided rainfly (which is made of more durable fabric), or take your tent down during the day.
Carefully put together the shock-corded poles; letting them snap together may cause pieces of the poles to chip off, as well as weaken the fittings. And when you take the tent down, first separate the shock-corded pole in the center. This will cause less wear and tear on the tension cord.
When packing up your tent, make sure it is dry. This is the most important rule to follow, as a damp, folded tent will soon be a mildew-covered tent. If you have to break camp and your tent is still damp, pack the tent, but during the day look for an opportunity to unpack it and dry it out.
To clean your tent, refer to the manufacturer for specific instructions. If specific instructions are unavailable, follow these directions: use a soft sponge soaked with cool water and mild (non-detergent) soap to gently wipe the fabric clean. Rinse, and allow to air dry completely away from the sun. Do not machine wash your tent.
Consider using a seam-sealer on your tent. First, consult the manufacturer of your tent, as many tents now come with the seams on the floor and rainfly factory-sealed, through the use of seam tape. However, if your tent is not seam-sealed, purchase a seam-sealer from an outdoor retailer and follow the instructions on the packaging.
With the proper care and following just a few of the tips, you’ll be able to keep your tent in good condition for many seasons.
