| A few simple backpacking tent care and storage | | | | sharp sticks or rocks. Consider using a ground |
| tips can make the difference between a tent that | | | | cloth to protect the tent floor. I don't normally |
| lasts for one season and a tent that lasts a | | | | use a ground cloth when backpacking, to save |
| lifetime. | | | | weight; but I always use one if I'm car camping. |
| A backpacking tent is a serious investment and | | | | If you expect any wind or rain, stake the tent |
| one of the most important pieces of equipment a | | | | down using all available guy lines. Try to get even |
| backpacker carries. You want your tent to | | | | tension all around; don't overstress one side of |
| function well for as long as possible, keeping you | | | | the tent fly or body. |
| warm and dry on many backcountry trips. Take | | | | Don't pitch the tent near a campfire. Sparks from |
| good care of it, and a good backpacking tent can | | | | the fire can land on the tent, burning holes in it. |
| last for many years. | | | | Keep sharp objects away from the tent, and |
| First, I recommend that you buy the highest | | | | don't lean on it. Backpacking tents aren't designed |
| quality tent you can afford. Cheap tents are | | | | to bear a person's weight. |
| made with cheap materials that don't hold up well | | | | Don't leave your tent out in the sun any longer |
| to the rigors of wilderness travel. A more | | | | than necessary. UV rays break down the fibers in |
| expensive tent will probably cost you less over | | | | the canopy over time. |
| the long run, because you won't have to replace it | | | | Keep your tent as clean as you can. Leave your |
| every year. Also, high-end tents are simply more | | | | muddy boots outside, and shake out the dirt |
| comfortable, adding to your outdoor enjoyment. | | | | when you're taking it down. If it's really dirty when |
| That being said, you don't have to spend a | | | | you get home, wipe it down with a mild soap |
| fortune to get a good quality tent. Some | | | | solution. |
| companies like Kelty and Eureka make affordable | | | | When you take the tent down, break down the |
| tents that are very durable and well-designed. Do | | | | poles from the middle first. This keeps the tension |
| your research before you buy to ensure that | | | | of the inner cord even, preventing overstretching. |
| you're getting a well-made tent. | | | | Keep your tent as dry as possible. If it gets wet, |
| A good backpacking tent is made to take a | | | | spread it out in the sun to dry the first chance |
| certain amount of abuse; after all, it's designed to | | | | you get. If it's still wet when you get home, hang |
| be out in the elements, protecting you from wind, | | | | it up to dry completely before you pack it away. |
| rain, snow and bugs. But that doesn't mean you | | | | Putting a tent away wet is a sure recipe for mold. |
| can't seriously damage it if you aren't careful | | | | Store your tent in a cool, dry area, away from |
| when handling it. | | | | food, liquids, and of course, sharp objects. |
| Pack the tent carefully in your backpack. Make | | | | If you take good care of your backpacking tent, |
| sure your liquids are sealed well and packed below | | | | it will take good care of you. Not only will you be |
| the tent; stove fuel in particular can do real | | | | well protected from the elements when you're |
| damage if it leaks. Keep sharp objects like knives | | | | out in the wilderness, but you'll have the |
| and trekking poles away from it. | | | | satisfaction of knowing that the investment you |
| Pitch your tent on a hard surface that is clear of | | | | made was money well spent. |