No hiker would leave for the trails without his trusty hiking tent. Their use has saved many lives, and they offer a bit of warmth and security in the otherwise untamed wild. Yet many outdoorsman risk hypothermia, exposure, and a sharp blow to their pocketbook by not maintaining their tents properly.
Clean your tent. Dirt can lead to mildew growth, which isn’t quickly repairable. Use a rag and warm water to clean confined areas. To clean your whole tent, briefly submerge it in cold water. Never use a washing machine or dryer. To dry, build the tent in a warm area and wait until no moisture remains on the tent. Long exposure to intense sunlight can cause fabric colors to weaken and fade.
Make sure your hiking tent is completely dry before storing. Moisture in your tent can cause mildew to grow, and it can also destroy the tent’s waterproof coating.
Store your hiking tent loosely. Never keep your tent in a bag or sealed container. A large, open container, such as a box is ideal. Keeping your tent loose alleviates strain on seams, increasing its longevity.
Keep the tent poles separate from the tent. They can chafe and dig into your hiking tent if they are both packed together, causing damage. Tent poles should be stored fully erect in a cool, dry place.
Don’t store your tent in a hot, moist place. Doing this can encourage mildew growth. Mildew has a harsh smell that is very difficult to remove. Interior closets or garages work well as storage spaces because they are usually cool and dry, which is the perfect environment for storing tents.
Clean the tent zippers . A dry brush can be used to clear away any loose debris. Never use water to clean zippers as it can strip away the inner lining, leaving the zipper useless.
Store your hiking tent in different ways. Tents can develop weak spots if folded or rolled up in the same way numerous times. A good way to avoid this is to notice how your tent was stored before you set it up, and simply store it a different way after you have disassembled it.
Place a tarp under your tent while you are using it. Tarps provide a barrier between hard ground, rocks, and vegetation that could damage your tent. Make sure the tarp doesn’t stick out from underneath your tent, as the exposed edges can channel water underneath your floor.
Use common sense. Walking around a tent in muddy boots, forcefully jostling a stuck zipper, and washing a tent in a washing machine are all common mistakes that greatly reduce a hiking tent’s lifespan. Consider how each of your actions will ultimately affect your tent’s longevity, and act accordingly.
David Street, Camping Questions and Answers: Ground Cover, About.com
No Author Listed, Tent Care Sierra Designs, Sierra Designs
Marc Wiltse, Tent Maintenance: How to Keep Your Tent Newer Longer, hiking-gear-and-equipment-used-for-camping.com