Camping Lovers Guide

Every person headed for the outdoors should always have the best equipment at hand; after all nature is unpredictable and you have to be prepared for anything it will throw your way.  Your camping tent is composed of different materials and they each need individual care to ensure that they will have a long life. Not all camping tents have the same materials though, so make sure you check for special care instructions before trying anything.

Here are some tips to extend the life of your camping tent.

1. Camping tents usually come with water repellent, but it is good practice to add your own.  The seams are the most common leak sources so double sealing the seams with the sealant manufacturers use to seal them originally would make sure that your tent will be leak proof for a long time.
2. Following instructions on setting up your camping tents will lessen chances of tearing, bending and accidentally breaking parts.  Always practice setting up a new tent before your trip; it will prevent unexpected surprises out in the field. This practice also makes sure all the parts are there... You don't want to be caught setting up in a downpour, not knowing what comes next or what to do!
3. Set up your tent in the shade if possible.  No matter how weather-proof your camping tent label says it is, and no matter how durable the fabric looks, direct sunlight will slowly deteriorate all fabrics of the tent and rain fly. UV light also slowly strips off the protective outer coating of the camping tent’s material.
4. Lay out some protective material before setting up your tent.  Plastic sheeting or a tarp can be used to cover the dirt, grass or gravel where you are setting up, to protect the tent floor. Always fill small ditches with grass or sand before covering it with the protective material. This will not only make sure that the camping tent’s flooring will not be torn by any protruding objects, it will also keep the water from seeping in.
5. Makes sure the camping tent is properly ventilated. This keeps the inside of the tent dry and free from bacteria and condensation, which can cause mold to accumulate.  Open or remove the rain fly and open the window flaps in the tent during the day.
6. Cleaning and proper storage is just as important as proper usage.  The fabric of the camping tent can be washed but this should not be done too often, and always make sure to check manufacturer's cleaning instructions first.  Hang it out to dry before folding and storing.  Keep it inside its storage bag until you need it for your next adventure.

Mimi Jacobs is an avid camper and committed to green and sustainable living and organic gardening. Visit her blog or see the tent featured in this article.

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