There’s nothing like laying on your back, staring out at the stars while a breeze gently rustles through your tent. Whether you’re a year-round camper, or the May through September type, proper tent storage is essential for enjoying your next trip. The tips below will prevent the moment when you pull your trusty tent out of storage for an eagerly awaited trip – only to realize it’s been permeated by mildew.
Care Starts At Camp
As you’re breaking camp, carefully shake out any dirt and debris that’s accumulated in the bottom of your tent. As you disassemble your tent, leave one of the doors partially unzipped to allow for easier and more compact rolling. Fold poles beginning in the middle to reduce stress and lengthen their lifespan.
Clean It Up
Once you return home, turn the tent inside out and give it another shake. Spot clean additional dirt off using a damp towel and a bit of dish soap.
Dry It Out
After cleaning, hang your tent up to dry in your garage, basement or sunny backyard. Drying out your tent is the most critical step in post-use tent care! Storing a damp or wet tent offers an optimal environment for mildew – resulting in an unpleasant musty smell and faster material breakdown.
Let It Breathe
Resist the urge to stuff your tent into its accompanying sack and instead store it loosely in a mesh bag. This allows ample ventilation and further reduces the risk of mildew and mustiness. Additionally, if you have the space, consider storing your poles partially open to keep the inner bands from weakening.
Taking these steps at the end of each outdoor excursion will keep your tent fresh and ready for your next adventure. Explore our full suite of tarps and tarps to find the one that’s right for you. Or, if you’re the proud new owner of our Amenity Dome tent, watch this video for helpful setup tips!
