After purchasing a tent, you naturally want to enjoy it for as long as possible. The most important thing is to take good care of your tent. Below, we provide some tips!
1. Pack up when dry
Ensure that the tent and all its components are dry before packing it up. This prevents mold formation and unpleasant odors. If you can't pack the tent dry while on the trip, do it as soon as you get home. Set up the tent, for example, in the garden or indoors in a well-ventilated area. If you don't have space, hang the tent to dry, for instance, on a clothesline. Only pack the tent when everything is dry, including the poles, guy ropes, and pegs.
If you're storing the tent for an extended period, gently brush the tent fabric clean after drying.
2. Choose your tent spot wisely
When setting up the tent, pay attention to where you place it. UV light damages tent fabric, so it's not ideal to place your tent directly in the sun. Opt for a shady spot to protect the tent from sunlight. However, avoid standing too close to a tree as it often leads to more dirt on your tent. If you can't find shade, use a tarp as a sunshade to protect your tent fabric from UV light.
3. Shake or sweep out the tent
When packing up the tent, it's handy to remove all dirt from inside the tent. A smart trick is to gently shake smaller tents. Fully unzip the tent flap, lift the tent by the two poles on the opposite side of the flap, hold the tent upside down, and gently shake out all the dirt. If shaking isn't an option, simply sweep out the tent with a cloth.
4. Remove stains
Keep the tent as clean as possible during use. If there are stains on the tent that you want to remove, use lukewarm water and a cloth to clean the stain. Never use any type of detergent, as it can damage the tent fabric, potentially compromising its waterproofing.
Using a footprint protects the tent from dirt and damage from below. Additionally, a footprint helps prevent condensation inside your tent.
5. Stuff, don't fold
When storing the tent back into the bag, unzip all zippers and stuff the tent in. Stuffing prevents stress on zippers and seams.
6. Pole breakage during your trip
The poles of our tents are of good quality, but it's always possible for a pole segment to break while on the trip. Many tents come with a repair splint that you can slide over the break, allowing you to continue using the pole. However, it's wise to replace the pole segment for the next trip.
A tent pole usually consists of multiple segments connected by elastic. Always assemble the tent poles gently by hand. Sometimes people want to throw them out, making them click together with the elastic, but this quickly damages the sticks. If you notice that the tension between the pole segments decreases during assembly, you can usually replace the elastic.
For more tips on what to look for when purchasing a tent, check out our buyer's guide for tents.
7. Bent or broken pegs
If you return home with bent or broken pegs, replace them immediately. When buying new pegs, consider that there are different types of pegs for different terrains, such as snow, sand, and stones.
To prevent bent pegs, use a hammer to drive the pegs into the ground. Pegs often bend when they are pushed into the ground with a shoe.
Looking for a footprint or new pegs? Check out our webshop:
To all tent accessories
8. Check for damage
After a trip, it's wise to check for damage so your tent is always ready for the next adventure. Below are some common damages and tips on how to deal with them.
Small holes in a tent fabric with wilicone coating?
You can easily close these holes by rubbing the fabric between your thumb and forefinger. The fabric will become water repellent again. However, this method only works for very small holes.
Large hole or PU coated tent fabric?
If the hole is too large or you have a tent fabric with a PU coating, it's wise to have your tent fabric repaired as soon as you get home. Many tents come with a repair kit, which often includes one or more pieces of tent fabric in the tent's color. This way, the repair is less noticeable after completion.
Stuck or malfunctioning zipper?
If a zipper isn't working, it's usually because the tent fabric is stuck in the zipper. Carefully remove the tent fabric from the zipper by gently moving the runner back and forth. Do this without using too much force. Dirt can also cause a zipper to malfunction. Remove the dirt using a toothbrush.
If the zipper isn't stuck but isn't moving smoothly, use 'Gear Aid Zipper Cleaner and Lubricant' to lubricate the zipper. Apply the product to the zipper's teeth and move the runner to distribute it. If you don't have a suitable product on hand, you can also use candle wax or graphite pencil.
