Once you have decided to invest in a quality tent, you certainly want it to last as long as possible, preferably in optimal condition. Let's look together at the different ways to take care of a tent and the basic options for repairing it.
Did you get a new tent?
If you have just bought a new tent (and you can find a decent selection of tents with us, for example), there is seemingly nothing to do before your first outdoor hike. But it's not entirely true. As soon as you receive the tent, it is advisable to unpack it and check it properly, for several reasons. The first is that even the manufacturers are only human, so it is advisable to find out possible manufacturing errors – if you were to check the errors only in the field, it could make your trip much more complicated.
The tent will be 99% fine, but there is one more reason to unpack it at home – you will get to know in advance how to build it and refold it in the attached bag, and you won't have to "graduate" somewhere in the meadow late in the evening or early in the morning over "how the heck does this work". As soon as you have experienced the possible intricacies of building the chosen tent, fold the tent and store it in a dry place without access to sunlight – this also damages both the tent itself and its packaging.
Even if the tent is brand new, check it thoroughly before your first trip. It is not worth discovering defects until "in action".
After each use…
After each use, check the tent for damage and remove any visible debris - stuck grass blades, dirt or sand. If possible, let the tent dry in the sun for a while before packing it up; after then pack it into the transport bag and then into the backpack.
Once you're back in civilization, give your tent more thorough care. Unpack it and carefully clean and dry it. As a general rule, it will be enough to wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge, for more aggressive stains, use a soap-based cleaner/detergent. Never use bleach or fabric softener to clean the tent – you could damage its impregnation coating. In short and well, the next time you use it, your tent could start to leak.
When returning home, unfold the tent as much as possible. Then hang it on a dryer or clothesline in places where it does not rain, but where there is sufficient air access. Do not place the tent on a radiator, but let it air out and dry naturally. Drying on a heater could damage it again. In any case, dry the tent thoroughly to prevent the formation of mold and unpleasant odors. And if you discover a stain that you cannot clean yourself without the help of more aggressive means, it is better to entrust it to the professionals.
What to do if the tent is damaged?
However, your tent can get damaged. And it is highly probable that it will happen directly in the field. That's why you should pack basic service equipment with you – at least one spare tent pole (they're lighter these days, so one extra pole won't add that much weight to your gear) and a tent glue kit. We also offer more professional equipment for gluing tents and other outdoor fabrics at Top-ArmyShop, for example from the German brand Gear Aid.
In case of more extensive damage to the tent, you can have the tent repaired by a specialized company, or send it back to the manufacturer, if the repair can be recognized as part of a claim (for example, a torn or leaking seam, etc.). In any case, deal with all damages immediately after they occur or if you notice them. In the case of claimable damage, you can neglect the warranty period, in the case of the others, the damage (for example, tearing of the canopy) can spread over time to the point that the tent will basically be irreparable.
Clean and ventilate the tent thoroughly after each use.
Prevention before construction
Always pitch your tent on the flattest and most stable surface available. It is not always possible to come across an ideal piece of grassy meadow, but at least make sure that there is not a single piece of sharp stone or stick under the tent, which could damage the tent's floor under the load from above. And besides, you wouldn't sleep very well in that case. If you have an extra tarp with you, you can place it under the tent floor for an extra layer of protection. With frequent use of the tent, it can happen that the material becomes worn. Before it wears out completely, you can try Gear Aid's Seam Grip TF, which is ideal for restoring the polyurethane coating of worn-out material.
Also check the correct tension of all the ropes and poles of the tent so that there are no sags. This could be particularly unpleasant in the rain, when "pools" could form on the surface of the tent and degrade its impregnation properties.
If possible, pitch the tent in the shade – under a tree or other natural shade. Especially if you plan to stay at the place for more than one night. Sunlight is not exactly good for the surface of the tent, and ultraviolet light can gradually damage the materials and degrade its ability to protect against the weather vagaries.
How to impregnate
Tents are usually equipped with a surface impregnation treatment from the factory, which prevents water from seeping into the material. However, this impregnation degrades over time, so it needs to be renewed from time to time. Impregnation products are usually sold in spray form and are easy to apply. Mostly in one, even layer. On the contrary, more layers are harmful for most impregnations.
For a new tent, practice folding and unfolding it in advance.
And how do you know when you need to impregnate the surface of the tent again? It's simple – just spray it with water a bit. If the water drips down the surface, the original impregnation is still functional. If water soaks into the material, it is high time to impregnate the tent. It is advisable to do so as a precaution – because the impregnation is only functional after it dries, which can take up to 24 hours. In the same way, the surface of the tent should be dry (and clean) before the actual application of the spray.
In conclusion
Buying a quality tent is not a cheap affair, so it is advisable to take proper care of this important piece of equipment. This means, above all, not leaving the tent wet in the packaging for a long time, quickly removing all dirt and letting it dry and ventilate well after every trip. Also pay attention to the correct impregnation and in the field, pay attention to places where the tent could tear. If you follow a few of these basic steps, you will be rewarded with a long service life.
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