Pitch Your Tent

No matter what, when you get home from a tent camping trip, you should open up and tent and let it dry out. ESP Boss & I suffered the dynamic duo of tent destroyers on our kayaking trip: camping on sand AND rain.

When we got home it was still kind of rainy so we decided to set the tent up in my garage and dry it out and clean it up.

Why Dry It Out:

Moisture on the tent, even just from dew or condensation from breathing, will cause mildew. Gross! And mildew not only smells and looks bad, it will eventually eat through the tent material.

Why Clean It Out:

Sand is a very abrasive. Just think of sand paper! So you don’t want it rubbing or even poking into the sides causing small tears in the fabric.

Both will keep your tent in tip-top camping condition for years to come.

Steps:

1. Fully set up your tent in a well ventilated area that is not going to receive dew or rain.
2. With no shoes on, inspect the floor of the tent for tears or holes.
   

   Use a folded towel to cushion your knees.

3. With a small, hand-held broom, sweep from the corners of the tent to the door.
   

   Do you SEE all that sand!?

4. Use a dustpan (or a vacuum hose attachment!) to remove any dirt.
5. Tip the tent on its side (if you can) and gently wash the tent bottom with a soft rag and plain water.
   

   Um, don't mind all the stuff in my garage!

6. Examine the walls & ceiling of the tent for tears or holes.
   

   Running a hand along the fabric can help you find tears and holes.

7. Check the zippers of the tent (doors and windows!) for bent or missing teeth.
8. Allow the tent to dry completely before packing it away.
9. As you tear down the tent and pack it away, examine the tent poles for stress or breakage.

Perform the same steps with the rain fly and ground cloth!

You’ll want to do this after EVERY trip, not just at the end of the season!

Readers Weigh In:

• What do you do to put your tent back into order after a trip?

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