Do you need to know about tent-instructions?

Do You Need tent-instructions

Do you have a new tent? The first thing to do before you do anything is get out the instructions, read them three times then erect your tent.

Erecting and striking a tent isn’t rocket science however it can be an absolute disaster if you haven’t read them properly and erect it first time under pressure.

Also you will suffer serious credibility with the family and camping buddies. Don’t be like the Griswald family vacations.

Important tent-instructions

Tent-instruction Number 1 - Waterproof your tent

Now the tent manufacturer quite genuinely claims that your new tent is waterproof and all the seals have been treated and sealed to keep the water out away from you inside. Well a failure in the waterproofing out on a very wet vacation is not the time to find out that your tent was made on a Friday and the QA on your tent has somehow been less than adequate in that little Chinese sweatshop.

So be proactive and no matter how cheap ort expensive your tent is contact the supplier and get a recommendation on the best seam sealer and spend a family weekend inside sealing all the tent seams

Tent-instruction Number 2 - Obtain key tent-parts when the tent is new and they are obtainable

You can still camp and hike and take some basic tent-parts with you. Duct tape is the great old standby and cure all ills and failures. Also carry some needle and thread and in fact go to your local boating shop and get same sticky backed sail repair kit material along with needles and thread.

Also get a spare zipper when your tent is new. Also I carry a small roll of sticky backed velcro that is great when the zipper fails and you want to keep the tent fly closed

Tent-instruction Number 3 - Practice putting up your tent before you go camping. In fact try it at night in the backyard, and be brave and do it in the rain

When learning how to erect a tent practice really does make perfect. A few test runs including a windy and wet day in the back yard may have the neighbors twitching the curtains however you will be rewarded. Besides cutting down the time you will reduce the risk of ripping tent materials, or bending and breaking poles.

Tent-instruction Number 4 - Have the right stakes for the terrain

Camping in snow or camping in sand is a lot different that camping on rocky outcrops. The right stakes will keep your tent upright in foul conditions. Failure to do this will cause absolute havoc when that extra large gust carries you away. Of course even when you do have the right stakes it is important to have them tensioned correctly

Tent-instruction Number 5 - Keep out of direct sunlight

Nothing breaks down tent fabrics than long exposure to the sun along with damaging ultraviolet light. Try and avoid erecting and leaving your tent in direct sunshine for prolonged periods

Tent-instruction Number 6 - Always Use a Ground Cover

The use of a tent footprint, tarp, or ground cover gives protection to your tent floor. Its easy for a stick, drink can ring pull, glass fragment or any number of pointed items to pierce the bottom. The ground cover gives you much needed protection, plus some insulation

Tent-instruction Number 6 - Always Maintain Good ventilation

Moisture soon builds up and so does condensation when warm bodies are inside and cold damp is outside. Always make sure that vents are open and that air flows through, you will be more comfortable and the tent will be the better for it.

Tent-instruction Number 7 - Always clean and dry your tent after use

Keeping a tent clean when on a hiking, camping or even a kayak trip is not easy. Make When you head home don’t pack it up and stow and forget about it. As soon as you get home open it up, clean it and allow it to dry properly. Nothing is so off as a mildew smelling tent

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations on cleaning. This is usually washing using warm water (don’t throw it in the machine and dryer!). Don’t use harsh cleaning solvents or chemicals as they will wreck the tent fabric. When you are finished make sure it is dry before storing.