How to Pack a Tent
Getting a tent back into its bag is not difficult once you are familiar with the process. The procedures shown below demonstrate how to efficiently pack a tent and all of its components. The imagery depicts what we do not want to see. There is an additional layer of space taken up by a separate fly from the remainder of the tent, and everything else is placed inside the bag. According to a friend of mine, this is how it was brought to me.
Step 1: Packing Up the Fly
A few simple strategies make it simple to put a tent back into its bag after you’ve used it. How to pack a tent and all of its components in the most effective manner are demonstrated in the following steps: It is evident from the photographs that we do not like to see. Here, the fly is kept separate from the body of the tent, taking up more room, and everything else is packed into the bag. According to a friend of mine, this is how it was presented to me:
Step 2: Folding the Fly
Make sure each end touches the nearest support before continuing to fold in toward the center. – One you’ve reached the middle, fold it over once more to seal it. If this stage is completed correctly, the fly should be the same width as any of the folded poles, as seen in the final figure. If this step is completed incorrectly,
Step 3: Rolling Up the Fly
Start by rolling the fly tightly from the top (the thinnest section and the part that is in the middle of the roof), and then tie it in a tight knot at the bottom. The tighter the fly is rolled, the easier it will be to stuff it into the bag at the conclusion of the session.
Step 4: The Main Tent
The large tent has been set up in such a way that it appears to have been built. On the right-hand side of the photo, closest to the bins, is the front entrance. Make certain that all zips, including those on the windows, are closed.
Step 5: Adjusting the Roof
Pull the canopy so that it lays level and is not too bunched up, using the center roof mounts, which can be either clips or tubes for the support rods, to do this. As indicated in the second photo, make sure the front door is flat and that any extra hangs over the back door. If you have a dome tent that does not have a vestibule, work in a circular motion, pulling each side tight before ending with the front of the tent. It is really beneficial to have the tent still tied down at this point.
Step 6: Folding the Vestibule
If your tent includes a vestibule at the front or back, fold it over so that it sits flat against the main body of the tent. Check to see that the front one is on top.
Step 7: Folding the Tent
To fold the tent in half, fold each side into the center of the tent and then fold the tent over so that it is a quarter of its original width.
Step 8: Putting It All Together
Everything should be set up at the front of the tent, starting with the fly and working your way back. Poles, pegs, and any other accessories should be placed towards the back of the tent. Roll the fly in completely first, then add the poles and roll it again (a half turn works here to keep it in place) Roll it again once you’ve added the pegs.
Add whatever extra you like and roll it all the way up to the end, tying it off. It is critical to roll the tent securely because if there is too much air in the tent after it has been wrapped, it will not fit inside the bag.
Step 9: Put It in the Bag and Do It Up
That’s all there is to it.
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Getting a tent back into its bag, complete with tent poles, inner tents, and other accessories, may be difficult. Here’s a simple technique for putting your tent away and completing that nearly difficult process in one piece. So, to summarize.
- A tent, complete with tent poles, inner tents, and other accessories, might be difficult to pack back into its bag. A few pointers on how to roll up your tent and complete the very hard chore of rolling up your tent. So to summarize.
The tent is seen in its plastic bag, together with the tent poles and the inner tents, which are all contained within the main tent bag in the last photograph. Our rolled tent is normally kept in a separate bag from the inner tents so that we can get it out if it rains without getting the inside tents wet, but this illustration shows that it will all fit back into the tent’s original bag after it has been unrolled. This is a really basic tip that is quite effective. Try it out and see how it works for you.
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How to Fold a Tent Like a Boss: Dome / Cabin (13 Tent Care Tips)
Putting the tent together is actually rather simple. Particularly popular are dome tents. Furthermore, getting them down is not too difficult. Putting them back in the bag, on the other hand, is a another matter. In this post, you’ll learn how to fold a tent like a pro – and how to put it back in its bag, just as you did when you first got it!
How to Fold a Tent Like a Boss
You’ve been out in the woods for some days now. You have become one with nature. You can’t recall the last time you cleaned your hair, and you get the distinct impression that you might want to stay here indefinitely. But then you remember the hair washing and how lovely it would be to take a hot shower instead. In addition, you have work the next day. Your food supplies have been reduced to a can of baked beans and an onion, among other things. It’s past time to leave. The tent remains in place as you pack up camp, fill up the garbage bags, and load the car.
Because it is the most inconvenient item to take apart.
No need to be concerned any longer, since I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this difficult.
The following are the four sections of this post:
- Tent Folding 101 (skip to the part you’re interested in)
- The proper way to fold a dome tent (go to the next step)
- Instructions on how to fold a cabin tent (go to the next section)
- 13 recommendations for taking care of your tent (skip to section)
Is it a rainy day? How to put up your tent in the rain is demonstrated here.
How to Fold a Tent: 5 Steps
Tent folding is governed by a few fundamental rules that are generally applicable. These are the regulations that must be followed:
- Before packing the tent, clean it well and check that it is completely dry. The tent will become moldy if it is left damp for an extended period of time. If you must pack anything damp, make sure to unpack it as soon as you get at your destination and dry it out immediately. To make the tent fit into the bag, it must be folded down somewhat smaller than the bag. Tent poles should be rolled within the tent. Make use of a knot to keep the tent tightly coiled
- Remove bumps and wrinkles to reduce the amount of superfluous mass
How to Fold a Dome Tent: 11 Steps
A terrific no-fuss way to folding a dome tent is demonstrated by this Australian gentleman. He makes the valid point that if you have three distinct objects to put into a bag, it will be far more difficult to get them all to fit than if you put them all together. The procedure is outlined in detail below the video. You may see it on YouTube.
- Make sure the tent is clean: Empty the tent of all dirt, food, and other possessions to ensure that the tent is clean and clear of obstructions
- Remove any tent pegs that may have fallen to the ground: Ascertain that all of your tent pegs have been gathered and placed in their respective bags, and then place them in the pole bag. Remove the fly poles from the ground: Remove any poles from the flysheet and fold them up into the pole bag before continuing. Inside the tent, lay the flysheet out as follows: Check to see that the flysheet is dry and clean before laying it down as flat as possible on the inner floor of the tent
- Open all of the tent doors at the same time: This will guarantee that any air trapped within the tent will be released rather than trapped inside the tent. Take down all of the tent poles: Remove all of the poles from the ground and place them folded back into the pole bag. Fold the main tent as follows: Make sure that all of the tent’s components are contained within the primary perimeter. By now, you should have a square that contains both the flysheet and the tent structure itself. In a squat position, lean the pole bag against the edge of the tent, about equal lengths from either end. This will serve as a point of reference for you when determining where to fold your tent. Take one edge and fold it in so that it is in line with the edge of the tent pole bag. Repeat with the other edge. Once you’ve completed one edge, repeat the process on the other so that you have a long rectangular form that is no broader than the pole bag. Remove all of the air and flatten down the resultant shape: Ensure that the tent is as flat and neatly folded as possible by going over it and eliminating any wrinkles or air pockets. Incorporate the pole bag into the tent as follows: Starting at one of the tent’s ends, place the pole bag and begin to wrap the canvas up around it as tightly as you possibly can. Please make sure that you are rolling it in a straight line so that one end doesn’t end up being thicker than the other. You can utilize your body weight to roll tightly and eliminate air as you go
- However, this is not recommended. To bring everything together, say the following: Tie two lengths of rope around each end of the cylinder once it has been properly rolled (you should have some from original packing). The Australian gentleman proposes making loops at one end of each length of rope, then looping the other end through and pulling to give the rope more stiffness. Put everything in one place! It’s finished, just like that! The tent should be able to fit inside the bag without any difficulty
How to Fold a Cabin Tent: 10 Steps
Cabooses are usually extremely significant in size and construction. The majority of them feature a number of rooms and areas, and you can usually stand up straight in them.
Because the bags are often tight and there is more stuff to squeeze back in, putting them back into their bags is a particularly difficult task. Doing so effectively and without errors is essential. You may see it on YouTube.
- Remove the stakes from the ground: Remove all of the stakes from the ground surrounding the tent so that the tent is no longer held in place by the stakes Remove the poles from the ground: Remove all of the tent poles from the tent’s main frame. Lay the tent out flat as follows: Make sure the tent is laid out flat on the ground and that it is either a square or a rectangle form, depending on your preference. When using a flysheet, be sure to keep it flat and clean when placing it within the form. Fold the tent in half as follows: Once you’ve smoothed out the tent, fold it in half over itself and store it away. Take some time here to iron out any kinks, air pockets, or other issues that may have arisen, and double-check that the tent is nice and level
- Fold the tent in half a second time: The tent should be folded in half again so that it is a long rectangular shape now, and once again you should take the time to level it out and clean it. Contrast the length of the storage bag with the length of the folded tent. The fact that the storage bag is the same length, if not slightly longer, as the short edge of the folded tent is amazing. If the tent is larger in length, you will have to think about folding it again. To achieve this, you should aim to have an atent that is almost the same length as the storage sack when it is folded. Fold the long rectangle in thirds as follows: Fold one-third of the tent over on itself to make it more compact. Tent poles should be rolled into the tent: Using your body weight to keep the roll extremely tight and smoothing out air pockets and uneven areas as you go, start at one end of the folded tent and work your way toward the other end. To keep the wrapped tent in place, knot the ends together as follows: Tie them together so that the roll remains securely coiled
- Place it in the bag as follows: If everything has been done correctly, the tent should be able to be packed up safely in its bag.
Do you require a tent? See our Ultimate Buyers Guide to the Best Family Camping Tents for more information.
13 Tent Care Tips
A tent is required. Consult our comprehensive guide on the Best Family Camping Tents for further information.
- Are you in need of a tent? Consult our comprehensive guide to the Best Family Camping Tents for more information.
Thank you to REI for providing some of the ideas for these suggestions. Additional reading: How to properly stake a tent
Your Turn
You should be able to go camping and amaze all of your friends with your tent folding abilities now that you have the information. There is nothing better than getting to the conclusion of a pleasant weekend knowing that you will not be forced to fight with your tent for an hour in order to get it back into its bag. Now you can walk out into the wilderness (and inside whatever tent you may have) with the confidence that you will be able to get it back into its small, tiny bag if need be.
How to Fold a Tent: A Complete Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Despite the fact that setting up a tent is as simple as ABC, folding it back into its bag may not be the same story. This is made considerably more difficult if you have never seen or misplaced the instructions for the tent before. Because of the tiny size of a tent, knowing how to fold one makes it much easier to transport it. Alternatively, see:Ultralight Hiking Equipment: For a Stress-Free, Lightweight Hike A tent that has not been folded correctly creates an ideal environment for mold growth.
To fold your tent, you will need the following items:
- Washing rags for use in cleaning the tent
- A sleeping bag for the night
- The twine that will be used to bind the tent together
Steps to effectively folding a camping tent
Camping necessitates the transportation of a large number of items for usage in the wild. They are usually kept in the tent when not being used. As a result, the first step will be to remove everything from the tent and then, using a clean wet rag, clean the interior of the tent’s interior. Remove any food particles or anything else that might serve as a breeding ground for mould by cleaning the area thoroughly. After you are finished cleaning the inside of the tent, move on to the outside of the tent and repeat the process.
It is preferable to let it air dry.
Make assured that everything is completely dry before proceeding.
Remove the stakes or pins holding the shelter
Having cleaned and dried your tent, it’s time to remove the pins that hold it to the ground. Remove the pins from the tent’s corners. Place the pins or stakes in a separate bag or in your backpack so that they are easily accessible. Keep the stakes in a different location from where you are keeping the tent, but not in the same location as where you are storing the tent because this may result in damage to the tent’s fabric. This is due to the fact that the pins and stakes are sharp objects that might cause damage to your tent.
Remove the poles
This is so simple that even a 6-year-old can do it. All that is required is that you remove the poles out of the loops in your tent.
After that, fold the poles in the appropriate manner. Some tent poles are made up of several parts that may be joined together to form lengthy poles. If this is the situation with your poles, remove the segments that are affixed to the poles and store them in their pole bag.
Shake up the camping tent
Cleaning up the tent may not always imply that you are finished. As amusing and strange as it may sound, you must pick up your tent and shake it well before using it. The only reason for doing this is to clear away any debris that may have accumulated on the tent.
Make the tent flat
The next step is to put the tent on the ground once you have finished cleaning it. Pull the tent all the way down to the ground until it is completely flat. Check to see that the tent’s bottom is likewise dry before proceeding. If it is not completely dry, wipe away the excess moisture with a small piece of fabric and let it aside to dry for around 20 minutes.
Fold up the tent
You must be really focused at this phase in order to fold the tent properly and into extremely little pieces. To begin, elevate the outside pieces of the tent and bring them closer to the center of the tent. The folds should be positioned in a straight line from top to bottom. Important to remember is that you should fold the tent longitudinally rather than widthways. When folding the tent, be sure that the tent’s door is on top of the fold. Fold the tent so that it is just a fraction of its original width dimension when it is not in use.
In order to avoid this, you must pat the inside of your already folded tent to verify that no air is trapped within it.
Pack up the fly
Now that you’ve finished working on the main tent, you’ll need to straighten the fly and fold it lengthwise so that the outside portion of the fold is within the fold. This is something that two people should have no trouble putting together.
Folding the fly
Take care to carefully fold the ends of the fly, making sure they meet the nearest supports, and then continue folding it towards the center. When you have reached the middle, fold the flyover once more.
Put everything together
Place everything out in front of the tent, starting with the fly nearest to you and working your way out to the tent poles, pegs, and anything else that is farthest away. Before you do anything, you must completely roll in the fly, insert the tent poles, and roll it again. Put the pegs back in and roll it up once more. Incorporate any remaining ingredients and roll till the finish, tying it properly at the end. When rolling the tent, make sure to roll it firmly since allowing too much air inside the tent can cause issues when folding, as the tent may not fit into the bag.
Put the tent in the bag
Having carefully folded your tent and stowed away all of your belongings, there isn’t much more left to do except put your tent in a bag and wait for the next camping trip, whether it’s with your friends or by yourself. When it comes to folding a normal tent, the methods outlined above are the most basic. Tents, on the other hand, come in a variety of styles. The following are the procedures to folding some of the most common tents available on the market:
Folding a Cabin Tent
A cabin tent is fairly large and can accommodate groups of up to ten individuals.
While putting it together may not be difficult, getting it inside the tent bag is a different story entirely. If it is not folded correctly, it may not fit properly in the bag. Several factors should be taken into consideration when folding a cabin tent:
- Remove moisture and dirt from the fabric by wiping it on both the inside and outside of the cloth. Take down the tent poles and pegs
- The tent should be laid down level on the ground in the shape of a square or rectangle. In order to prevent lumps from forming, fold the tent in half and ensure that the tent is entirely flat. Fold the tent in half once more to create a rectangle that is longer than it is wide. Confirm that the tent bag is the correct length. If the width of your tent after it has been folded is more than the length of the bag, you will need to fold the tent again. Begin by folding the tent in half, starting from the narrow end, and putting it in the bag.
Folding a Backpacking Camping Tent
This tent is a favorite of individuals who want to travel light while camping. So that’s how you fold a backpacker camping tent, step by step.
- The tent should be cleaned and dried thoroughly to guarantee there is no mold growth and that it does not have a foul smell
- Whether it’s pins or stakes, Remove anything that has been used to secure the tent to the ground so that it may be moved. It is important to keep the pins and stakes in a different location from the tent bag in order to avoid ruining the fabric of the tent. Fold the tent poles after removing them from the loops. As long as the poles can be tied together or placed in a different bag all together, they should be OK
- Otherwise, they should be stored separately. The tent should be shaken to get rid of any remaining dirt and to straighten the cloth. Place the tent on the ground so that the entryway is towards the top of the structure. Fold the bag in half starting from the sides and working your way towards the middle. Check to see that there is no air trapped in the folds or lumps of fabric. Roll inside the tent starting from the spot that is furthest away from the entrance. Finally, tie it securely and place it in the tent bag to finish it.
Folding a Dome Shaped Tent
In the event that you want a dome-shaped tent, here are some tips on how to fold this sort of tent.
- In the event that you prefer a dome-shaped tent, here are some tips on how to fold this style of tent.
Useful Tips When Folding a Tent
It is recommended to pay close attention to general instructions on how to fold your tent correctly. Here are a few pointers that are crucial.
- Tents are available in a variety of sizes and from a variety of companies. It is also essential that you consult to your user’s handbook for instructions and information pertaining to your specific tent, in addition to the information provided on this page. Every tent features distinct fold lines that are visible at the time of purchasing. While folding your tent, make an effort to navigate your way through the creases and, if possible, discover the fold lines. Using this method will save you a lot of hassle and time. Clean your tent thoroughly and allow it to air dry to ensure a longer lifespan. Avoid lumps and creases that aren’t required in order to avoid gaining excessive weight. Make certain that no sharp things, such as pins, are stored with your tent in order to protect the fabric.
Importance of Knowing How to Pack Away a Tent
Those searching for something that can be put up quickly and will keep them comfortable during the night while they are out in the jungle will almost probably opt for something that will cost a significant amount of money. Tents are quite costly, and learning how to properly care for them will save you a significant amount of money in the long run. A tent that has not been properly tacked down is typically heavier and bulkier due to the fact that the weight has not been evenly distributed. Knowing how to pack away your tent will make it much easier to transport it whether you are trekking or going hiking.
Check out our study of the best ultralight tent for additional information on your alternatives.
Final thoughts
All campers must be able to pitch a tent, which is an essential skill. Spending the night in the woods with a bunch of friends is a great way to spend the evening. While the experience may not have been as warm and cozy as you would have liked, the memories made are ones that should be treasured. A large majority of campers are familiar with the feeling of having to pack up their tent. Typically, people collapse the tent and roll it inside the tent bag, however this never results in the tent bag fitting properly.
Check out our simple instructions on how to create a DIY camping tent for inspiration if you want to save even more money.
Tent Packing: Stuff, Roll, Or Fold?
Purchases of $100 or more at the Outside Shop, where you’ll discover gear for all of your outdoor excursions, will earn you $50 off your purchase. Sign up for Outside+ as soon as possible. A perplexing decision must be made at the conclusion of every outdoor adventure: whether to stuff, roll, or fold your tent into its stuffsack. If you poll your fellow hikers, you’ll find that everyone has a preferred strategy and a compelling argument for why theirs is the best. If you challenge them, you may find yourself with a tent pole in your eye.
- However, much of our thinking is illogical (with the exception of one staff member who claims to split his decision into three categories: 70 percent stuff, 25 percent roll, and 5 percent fold—depending on the tent).
- went straight to the source, asking tent manufacturers from every major brand both what they recommend and what they do themselves in terms of design and construction.
- When it comes to their personal lives, though, even tent makers are prone to laziness and just slack off: Big Agnes (also known as “Big Agnes”): When I’m backpacking, I’ll cram the tent with all of my belongings.
- When I’m vehicle camping, I lightly fold my clothes before rolling them.
- Kelty/SD: It is more convenient to roll my own tent since it takes up less space in my bag (and looks a little nicer when set up) and because I am a tent man (and I want my tent to look beautiful!).
- My tents are typically rolled, but if they are damp or I am in a hurry, I will fill them instead.
- It’s more convenient, quicker, and – most crucially – better for the tent’s longevity.
Once I’ve finished cleaning and putting the tent away, I roll. What are your thoughts? Are you a stuffer, a roller, a folder, or something else? Tell us what you think in the poll, and then explain why in the comments! T. Alvarez, author of the Explore-It Blog
How to Re‐Pack a Pop Up Tent
Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation The use of pop-up tents may make camping a cinch! When it’s time to pack up your tent, make sure it’s clean and dry, and pull the grounding stakes out of its grounding system. Pull the upper arches of the tent together and fold it over as neatly as you can to make it more compact. If you fold it securely enough, your pop-up tent should be able to fit precisely back into its carrying case.
- 1 Make sure your tent is entirely dry before setting up. Unless it has rained on your tent, you should allow it to dry completely before packing it up. If you don’t have time to wait, use a clean, dry towel to wipe away any remaining moisture from the tent. In addition, before packing up your tent, make sure to thoroughly dry the underside of the tent.
- If your tent is caked with mud or persistent filth, you can wipe it off with a sponge dipped in water and mild soap
- However, this is not recommended. If you have to pack up your tent while it is still wet or damp, make sure to open it up and thoroughly dry it as soon as you can once you get at your destination.
- 2Clean the surface with a brush to remove dirt and debris. Make every effort to thoroughly clean the outside of your tent before storing it up. Using a tiny brush or a dry towel, remove any dirt, small rocks, sticks, insects, or other debris from the tent’s interior. You may also use a broom or a snow brush to get to the corners of the tent that are difficult to reach. Advertisement
- s3 Allow your tent to air out for one hour before putting it away. A closed tent can get musty or wet throughout the course of a camping trip if it is not ventilated. It’s best to open the tent entrance and let it air out for at least an hour before you pack it up to avoid smells or mold growth. This will also help you to air out your sleeping bag, pillow, and any other stuff you have within
- 4 Take the stakes out of the earth using your hands. You will need to untether your tent first before you can put it away properly. Remove all of the metal stakes that are holding it to the ground around the perimeter of the structure. 5Remove the tarp, if your tent has one, and store it in your tent bag or a small zip lock bag until you’re ready to reassemble your tent. An included tarp will assist to protect your tent from rain and will also provide additional shade if you need it. Pulling the tarp away from the tent after you have removed the grounding poles is a good idea. Then, fold it up nicely and place it to the side. Advertisement
- 1- Take hold of the tent’s two top points and draw them together as tightly as you can. Stand on one side of your pop-up tent, perpendicular to the tent door, and look through the tent at the other. Locate the two high arches that will form the apex of your tent’s top point. Grab the two top points and pull them together in one hand, keeping them together with the other hand
- 2Take the rear end of your tent and fold it in half so that it meets the center. Grab the smaller arch at the top of the rear of your tent with your free hand and secure it in place. Increase its height till it meets the two points that have been held together thus far. Then, using your other hand, grab all three spots
- 3 Bring the front arch all the way together so that it meets all the other points. As you fold your tent, make sure the tent entrance is unzipped to allow air to escape as you do so. Grab the top of the arch that spans the opening above the entrance with your free hand. Tent up the front of the tent and fold it inwards toward the remainder of the tent.
- Ideally, your pop up tent should be in the shape of a taco at this time.
- 4Put your tent erect and fold it inwards from the top. Turn your tent upwards, keeping one hand on the arches while the other holds the poles in place. Once the tent is erect, use your free arm to lower the tent’s highest point all the way to the ground. 5Twist the tent to make two circles, then fold them over one other, keeping the arches in your other hand on the outside. Then, when you’ve folded the tent downwards, twist it slightly so that the arches form two circular shapes that are next to each other. Pulling one circle over the other will cause them to overlap. 6 Fold the tent in half and align the sides so that it is folded as neatly as possible If your tent has any of these characteristics, make sure you secure it. Pop up tents are often equipped with a locking mechanism, which prevents the tent from springing open once it has been folded up. Snapping, velcroing, or tying the tent close will keep it from blowing away. Even if your tent does not have any of these qualities, you should still hold it tightly until you are finished putting it away
- Fold up and store the tent in its bag. Carefully place your folded tent inside the circular tent bag that came with it. The tent should be able to fit into the space if it is folded securely enough. Close the bag securely and you’re finished! Advertisement
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- Depending on the model of your tent, the instructions for folding it may differ. Before you use your tent, make sure you read any directions that came with it.
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About This Article
Summary of the ArticleX Pop-up tents can make camping more convenient, but you’ll need to follow a few basic guidelines to re-pack your tent properly. If your tent becomes soiled or damp, just wipe it down with a towel, brush it off, or wash it with mild soap and water to clean it. After you’ve cleaned your tent, open it up to allow it to air out to minimize the development of musty aromas. After you have removed the poles and any tarps that have been placed over your tent, you may begin folding it.
- Then, take the rear end of the tent and fold it in half, as well as the front arch, so that they meet in the center.
- Twist it slightly so that the arches form two circular forms, and then fold them over each other to close the package.
- Continue reading to find out how to lock and store your tent if you don’t have a bag for it already.
- This page has been seen 91,651 times thanks to all authors who worked together to create it.
Did this article help you?
To properly pack away your tent, whether you’re about to leave on a vacation or returning from one, you must first learn how to set up your tent correctly. Expeditions, festivals, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or simply a camping trip, tents come in a variety of forms and sizes, and each has its unique knack for putting them away. As a result, you must take care while packing your tentaway, or you may find yourself regretting your decision on your next vacation. Winfields Outdoors has put together this guide on putting away a tent to assist you.
Ensure that your tent survives the test of time no matter where you go by paying attention to each of these factors.
Why is it so important to pack your tent away properly?
Simply said, if you don’t properly store your tent, when you go to retrieve it for next year, it may be damaged or have other difficulties that are too late to be repaired before the next season begins. It is possible that whatever issues that your tent has when it is put away will still be present, and that it may even have developed new ones throughout the process of packing it away.
More information may be found at: When it comes to camping, it is critical to thoroughly inspect your tent. So, what is the proper method of putting it away? In addition to following the directions included with your tent, here are some items to have on hand when tearing down your tent.
Dry your tent before it’s packed away
In the United Kingdom, if you’ve gone camping, there’s a good possibility you’ve seen a little amount of rain throughout your camping trip. If you were very unlucky, you may have even had to pack up your tent in the rain, which is never a pleasant experience. It’s also not very good for your tent’s structure. There is a considerable probability that your tent will be coated with mould or mildew when you next take it out of its bag if it is left damp in its bag after a rainstorm. This may necessitate a complete cleaning of the tent, which may cause your camping trip to be postponed or cancelled altogether.
Ensure that the entire tent is dry, including locations such as the pegging points and guy lines, before using it.
Check for rips, tearsbreaks
Modern tents are quite durable and can sustain a significant amount of wear and tear without breaking down. However, they are not invincible, and the occasional rip or tear may occur from time to time. As a result, it’s critical that you take care of them before you put your tent away. Furthermore, the last thing you want is to arrive at your campground, attempt to pitch your tent, and then discover that you have a damaged pole or a hole in your groundsheet. More information may be found at: The Definitive Guide to Tent Maintenance Maintenance When you get home, thoroughly inspect the whole tent, including the poles, for signs of wear or damage.
At Winfields, you may get replacement tentpoles and guy lines, as well as repair kits that include items such as tape.
Fold or roll your tent properly
Although it may be tempting to just stuff your tent into its bag, doing so would cause more harm than good. You might end up damaging both the tent and the bag, which would need the purchase of a whole new tent. It may also alter the natural form of the tent, making it more difficult to set up the next time it is pitched.
Bag pegs and poles
Your tent pegs and poles should each come with a little bag in which to store them, and this bag is there for a reason: it keeps them organized. Make sure to put all of your pegs and poles (as well as anything else that could be a little pointy) in their proper bags, otherwise they may cause harm to your tent when it’s time to pack it up. You don’t want to penetrate the tent after thoroughly inspecting it or after purchasing it brand new. If you can’t find the bags, use whatever you have on hand to wrap them up and protect your tent from the sharp edges of the sharp spikes.
How to care for a tent – Tent Tips
- It’s important to note that your tent pegs and poles should come with their own tiny bag to keep them organized. When packing up your tent, be sure to put all of your tent pegs and poles (as well as anything else that could be a little pointy) in the appropriate bags, otherwise they may cause harm to your tent. Whether you’ve checked the tent thoroughly or bought it brand new, you don’t want to pierce it. You may use whatever you have to wrap them up and shield your tent from the sharp points if you can’t find the bags to begin with.
More information may be found at: Best Way to Waterproof a Tent. If you can’t find the bags, use whatever you have on hand to wrap them up and keep them safe while you search for them. Take a look at our whole array of tent accessories or our entiretents collection, which includes: Large Tents|Family Tents|Polycotton Tents|Tents by Brand|Tents by Size To get you ready for 2020, check out more articles on theWinfields Blog.
Don’t forget to check out our camping blog for more articles like this. The 10 Best Family Camping Tents for 2020|The Best UK Campsites to Stay At in 2020|The Best Inflatable Tents for 2020|The 10 Best UK Campsites to Stay At in 2020 Buying an Air Tent: A Buyer’s Guide
How to Fold Up a Pop Up Tent (In 4 Easy Steps!)
As a result of its ease of assembly and portability, pop-up tents have gained widespread popularity. However, these shelters have a dirty little secret that I was completely unaware of until after I purchased one: they are very tough to put back into the bag! Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t figure out how to fold a pop-up tent despite consulting the manufacturer’s instructions. I sat in the dining room for about an hour trying to figure things out, with my wife giving me pitying looks as she went through.
It just took a couple more tries for me to have it “in the bag” now that I was armed with additional knowledge.
How To Fold Up a Pop Up Tent (Step-by-step)
Alternatively, you may watch the video below and follow along with the processes given out in the subheadings below, which I have split down into sections.
Pre-folding tips
Do yourself a favor and give your shelter a good brushing to get rid of any sand or debris that has accumulated. Some pop-up tents are tiny and light enough to be picked up and shaken, but if you have a dustpan and brush, you can get away with it. During this procedure, wind is not your friend, and it is quite beneficial to have a second person to assist keep things under control in these scenarios. If you’re on your own, keep some heavy objects close by to assist keep things from blowing away in windy situations.
Step 1 – Make it flat
To make your tent flat, bring the edges of your tent together and tape them together. A symmetrical manner of pressing the shelter together will almost always be the only way it can be done in most cases. If it is refusing to fold the way you want it to, or if it has an unusual form, try pushing it flat along a different axis to see if that helps. Please refer to the graphic below if any of the above terms do not make sense.
Step 2 – Start folding in half
Bring the other end towards you, following the axis depicted in the image below, while kneeling on one end of the rope.
Step 3 – Fold over to create circles
Roll the end that is heading towards you beneath itself, and you’ll see that a handful of circles develop as a result of your actions. Bring these circles together such that they are stacked on top of one another.
Step 4 – Secure and bag up
After folding the tent and placing it in the carry bag, stand back and watch everyone’s jaws drop as you walk off the beach, knowing that you have just accomplished the seemingly impossible.
Other pop up tents
If you have a pop up camping tent (as opposed to a simple pop up tent), the principle is quite similar, with the exception that you want to make a burrito shape first, and then pull the two ends together, which will automatically fold into circles as a result of the natural folding. Take a look at this guy demonstrating to his tent who is in charge.
How to Store a Tent
An average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars has been given to the product in 149 reviews. Following a long journey, it might be tempting to simply dump your stuff down and forget about it for a bit. However, this is not the best option. However, taking the time to unpack and carefully store your belongings can assist to ensure that your equipment will provide you with years of dependable service.
This is particularly true in the case of your tent: Mildew development and material disintegration can occur fast as a result of improper storage. Simply following two important measures while storing your tent can assist to avoid problems like these:
- Check to see that your tent is entirely dry. Keep it in a loose container in a cold, dry location.
Step 1: Dry Your Tent
To be on the safe side, make certain that your tent is completely dry before storing it. A tent that is stored in a moist environment may develop mildew, which will give your tent a musty stench after a while. Moisture has the ability to permanently destroy polyurethane waterproof coatings, rendering them unusable. A tent that has become flaky, sticky, or stinky is most likely because it was not allowed to fully dry before being put away in a storage facility. This may be avoided by putting up your tent indoors or in a sheltered outside location to dry it off before using it.
Maintain a clean environment: If you arrived home from your adventure with a dirty tent, taking the effort to clean it can help it last longer, especially if it has been exposed to sand, fine dust, bird droppings, and tree sap during its time on the trail.
Allow the sap to dry completely before gently spot cleaning with mineral oil or other alcohol-based products such as hand sanitizer or wet wipes to remove it.
An old toothbrush may be used to remove grit from zippers, allowing them to operate smoothly.
Step 2: Store Your Tent Loosely in a Cool, Dry Place
Allow for some breathing room: While the stuff sack that comes with your tent is excellent for short-term storage, it is not ideal for long-term storage. Tent textiles should allow you to relax and breathe. An old pillowcase or a mesh bag of a comparable size would do nicely for this project. You may either carefully fold your tent up and place it in the bag, or you can simply dump it in there as is. When it comes to tent poles, you may increase the life of the shockcord by keeping the poles half constructed.
However, because not everyone has the luxury of room, another alternative is to dismantle the poles by starting in the centre and working your way out to the ends.
Consider finding a dry, cool location to store your tent while looking for a place to store it in your house.
A gear closet or a garage are also effective alternatives for storing equipment.
Related Articles
- Tent Care Fundamentals
- How to Repair a Tent
- How to Set Up a Tent
- Tent Maintenance
Contributing Experts
Chris Pottinger works at REI Co-op in Kent, Washington, as a senior tent designer.
How To Fold A Tent The Right Way
Tent pitching is a difficult task, but it is the task of folding the tent that is the most difficult to do. It may be really annoying at times. I’m convinced that experienced campers could fill a book with the colorful phrases they’ve overheard from individuals trying to put a tent back in its bag after a weekend of camping.
Getting familiar with how to fold a tent may save you a lot of time and aggravation. If you’re using a pop-up tent, be sure to read our guide on how to fold a pop-up tent. The focus of this essay will be on dome tents and cabin tents, respectively.
Basics For When You Take Down A Tent
When it comes to taking down a tent, there are a few things to remember. It is possible that various companies or tents have varied methods of packing a tent. Whenever you are using a tent, it is preferable to follow the directions that come with it. Having said that, it is quite probable that the instructions you have will be similar to those in this article. As a result, here they are.
- Make sure the tent is clean. Removing any filth and grime from your tent will make packing up that much easier. Moreover, it is better for the upkeep of your tent
- When folded, the inside of your tent and rainfly should be entirely dry. If you have to pack a tent that is damp, make careful to dry it as quickly as possible. Unless your tent’s instructions clearly state otherwise, it is preferable to fold the various components together while not in use. The tent poles, rainfly, and tent/inner body of the tent are all included in this price. If possible, leave the tent doors open when folding them. Your task will be made easier if you have an air intake. Stakes/pegs should be shipped separately from the rest of the items. Preparing to Take The Rainfly. The rainfly may be placed inside the tent as you begin packing, which saves time and effort. If you like, you may keep the rainfly separate from the rest of the outfit. When the tent is completely flat on the ground, fold it up and lay it over the tent to protect it. After that, you may begin packing your tent.
How To Fold A Dome Tent
Keeping the fundamentals in mind, the next part will provide instructions on how to fold a dome tent.
Get The Stakes
Remove any pegs or stakes that may have been used and store them in their bag. The guylines should be folded up and tied to the base of the tent if they are attached to the tent.
Remove The Rainfly
Fly poles should be removed and placed in a separate bag if there are any on the raft. Remove the rainfly from the tent and spread it out on the floor. Instead of just throwing stuff in there, try to arrange it so that it covers the tent floor as nicely as possible. Alternatives include keeping the rainfly away and re-positioning it afterwards (explained further down).
Remove The Tent Poles
Now it’s time to take down the tent poles. Fold them as needed, and then bundle them all together in the pole bag to keep them safe. Folding the tent requires the use of a pole bag, which should be done neatly.
Lay The Tent Flat
The tent will be taken down now that the poles have been removed. You may need to intervene if required to ensure that the tent is put as flat and neatly as possible.
Use The Pole Bag To Measure And Fold
Place the pole bag near the folding end of the tent so that it is out of the way. Assemble it such that the bag is evenly spaced from each of the four edges. To proceed to the next step, check to see that the pole bag and tent are the same width. In the event that the tent is significantly broader than the ground, grab one side of the canvas and fold it over itself. The tent’s edge should now be aligned with the edge of the pole bag, and vice versa. To finish up the opposite side of the tent, repeat the technique as before.
If you do not want to put the rainfly inside the tent, fold it separately and place it over the tent now, rather than later.
Fold The Tent
Gently smooth out any large wrinkles or imperfections that you see on the tent’s surface. Start by placing the pole bag at one end of the tent and rolling the tent over the pole bag to the other end. Use your own weight as leverage to fold the tent correctly and to eliminate any air pockets as you come across them when you fold the tent right.
Tie And Pack The Tent
The tent should be entirely folded by the time you get to the other end, and you should tie it up at that point. Instead of removing your weight from the tent, reposition such that you can tie each side of the canvas together. Now that the tent has been fastened, it is just a matter of picking it up and placing it in the tent carrying bag.
How To Fold A Cabin Tent
Cabin tents are often bigger and require more work to roll up than other types of tents.
They can be rather large, with a number of separate rooms. It will take a bit more work to fold up a huge 12 person tent than it takes to fold up a 4 person pop up tent.
To Start
Follow the directions for setting up the dome tent listed above until the tent is completely flat. Included in this is the removal of all of the tent’s pegs, removing and re-positioning the rainfly within the tent, and putting the tent poles into their respective pole bags. If you are removing wall poles, start with the corners and work your way towards the centre of the wall. Remember to leave the doors unzipped at all times!
Use The Pole Bag To Fold
The tent should now be level on the ground. Fold each edge over itself, just as we did previously. If you have a big tent, make sure to read the directions that came with the tent. In rare circumstances, it may be required to fold the tent entirely over itself and then fold it again to accommodate the situation. Right now, you should have the tent put out in a huge rectangle that is somewhat larger than the pole bag, with its sides pointing straight down. Fold one-third of the tent’s lengthwise along the length of the tent.
Wrap Up And Pack
Keep laying your weight on the tent until you reach the end of the length you have chosen. Make use of some ties to keep each end of the tent in place. Gather your belongings and carefully pack the tent into its carrying case. Finished!
Practice Your Skill On How To Fold A Tent
Being able to fold a tent in your head is one thing; being able to do it in practice is another entirely. If possible, practice at home before heading out on a camping trip. You’ll be able to take your time practicing and avoid any potential hassles when it comes time to fold the tent at the camping spot.
