Camping Tips

Condensation

Condensation will occur inside most tents. It is caused by lower temperatures on the outside of the tent combined with body heat on the inside of the tent. When this occurs, avoid touching the tent walls. Leaving doors and windows open will also reduce moisture condensation.

Seam Leakage

Seam sealing the tent seams before using the tent is strongly recommended, as water may penetrate the needle holes in the fabric. Water coming through the needle holes along the seams is common with tents ad is not a manufacturers defect. Seam sealer may be purchased at any local sporting goods store. Seams exposed to rain, runoff or ground water should be seam sealed, while seams on mesh panels or seams protected by the rain fly do not need to be seam sealed. Several thin layers will work better than one thick layer.

Mildew

To avoid mildew never put your tent away wet or damp. However, if mildew occurs, use a soft bristle brush or sponge with mild dishwashing soap to clean. Let the tent dry in the sunlight and apply water repellent compound.

Footprint

Using a footprint under your tent's floor will help prolong the life of your tent. The footprint should be smaller than the tents floor to prevent rain from running under the tent. It is highly advisable to use a footprint when your tent is set up on cement, or on rocky-rough surfaces such as cactus areas.

Waterproofing

The water resistant coating may wear down after time or due to washing, therefore you may want to spray a water repellent coating onto the tent and rain fly after a few years of use. Water repellents can be purchased from any outdoors store. Avoid spraying waterproof coating on zippers, as this will prevent zippers from operating properly.

Fading Fabric

Do not leave your tent set up in direct sunlight longer than necessary. If left in sunlight for prolonged periods of time, fabric will fade and weaken.

Removing Stakes

Stakes should be pulled with another stake, hammer, or a stake puller, but never be pulled by the tent. Avoid staking the tent so tight that it stretches the fabric. Overstretching may cause stake loops to tear.

Bugs Entering Tent

When it's windy, bugs will congregate on the leeside of objects to avoid being blown away. Pitching your tent door into the wind will allow you to enter without bringing the swarm in with you.

Sticky Zipper

If zippers stick, lubricate with silicon. Never force a zipper that has material caught in it, as this will bend the slider and prevent the zipper from closing. Continual use in a sandy environment can cause the slider to erode and fail to close the zipper.

Color Transfer

Due to the nature of tent fabrics, color can transfer from darker fabric to lighter fabric if two colors are in contact overtime when wet, damp, or exposed to the combination of moisture and high heat. This does not affect the tents performance. To prevent and minimize color transfer from occuring, always make sure that your tent is completely dry prior to packing.

Can't Repack Tent

Leaving the tent windows half open will allow air to escape as the tent is colapsed. Letting the air escape as the tent is closed will make rolling and storing it easier. Rolling the tent toward the open doors and windoes will also help. Fold along the original fold lines, if possible. A good rule of thumb is to fold the tent about the same length as the tent poles before you roll it up. Roll your tent lightly and neatly with poles and stakes (in their bags) rolled into the tent body. This technique uses the tent poles as a structure to help roll the tent.

Dirty Tent

To clean, set up the tent and hand wash with a sponge using mild soap and lukewarm water. Never use a washing machine, dishwashing liquid or detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. After cleaning, be sure the tent is completely dry, especially the heavier, double-stitched areas such as the seams, before storing or mold and mildew will grow. You may also find a detergent that will not reduce the waterproofing.