Take care of your tent

With a tent you can experience nature close up. But in order for your tent to look good for many years to come, you need to take care of it, just like any other piece of equipment. But what is important to think about when cleaning, storing and repairing your tent? We share our best tips on how to set up, clean and store your tent so that it can be your companion for a long time to come.

Where you pitch your tent can affect the lifespan of the tent

Where you choose to place your tent not only has an impact on your tent experience, it also affects wear and tear on the tent. When you pitch the tent, you should, for example, think about where the sun rises and strive to place the tent in the shade, this gives increased lifespan to the fabric and a more pleasant climate inside the tent, especially during summer. You should also place the tent in a place protected from the wind to protect it from unnecessary wear and tear that strong winds can cause. In a place sheltered from the wind, it is also easier to both set up and take down the tent, which in itself can protect the tent from unnecessary damage.

Also remember to clear the ground of twigs, cones and stones before setting up the tent - this extends the life of the tent and at the same time provides a more comfortable night's sleep. Remember to empty the tent of fit needles, stones and other debris before packing the tent, otherwise the tent fabric risks being unnecessarily worn.

An extra floor, a so-called footprint, is a smart investment that can extend the life of your tent. A footprint protects the floor of the inner tent against wear and tear, increases the lifespan of the tent while reducing the amount of condensation in the tent because ground moisture cannot evaporate as easily with an extra floor. Also, you get a floor in the apse, which is benficial for your pack. Footprints are usually sold separately and are both specifically designed for certain tents, but there are also footprints that fit many different tents. Be sure to check the dimensions of your tent before purchasing the footprint to be sure it fits.

Clean and store your tent

How to clean your tent

Get in the habit of always cleaning and airing your tent when you get home from your adventure. Sometimes it is enough to brush away the worst and empty it of stones, sand, fir needles and branches. But sometimes it may need more cleaning. Remember to always clean the tent by hand - you should never wash your tent in the washing machine. Use a mild and suitable tent cleaner and use a sponge to remove dirt and stains. Clean the tent cloth, floor, zippers, tent arches and tent nails so that all parts will last for many years to come, and be in good condition the next time you go camping. If you have camped by the sea, it is especially important to brush sand off the zipper so that it is not damaged and to clean metal parts from salt.

After you have cleaned the tent, it is very important to dry it thoroughly before putting it away for storage, otherwise the moisture can cause mold to form. Always dry the outer tent and the inner tent separately so that they dry properly. Keep in mind that it may take a few days for the tent to become completely dry.

Store your tent properly

We recommend that you store the tent in a well-ventilated area free from moisture and sunlight. If you have the opportunity, it is best to hang the tent, not store it compressed in the tent bag.

 

Repair your tent if it breaks

As said, a tent has a long life if you take care of it in the right way, and an additional way to take care of the tent is to repair it when necessary. Many tents come with a repair kit, and sometimes you can buy one separately. Get in the habit of always bringing the repair kit when you're out camping so that you can fix it properly in case of an accident. If you lack repair parts, we at Outnorth sell repair patches, tent ropes, tent nails and tent poles that fit most tents.

Tips! Always bring a piece of duct tape on your adventure to fix your gear temporarily. With duct tape you can fix most things - both clothing and equipment. When you get home, you can then remove your temporary fix and replace it with a proper fix.