A good tent is essential to camping, but even the most expensive tents can benefit from some improvements. Here are some of the best ways to make sure your tent is ready for your next camping trip.
Add a footprint.
A footprint is a water resistant sheet of material that sits between your tent and the ground. It prevents water from seeping through the ground and into your tent and it also helps keep the bottom of your tent clean. Most tent manufacturers offer footprints that are specifically designed to fit your model of tent.
Upgrade the stakes.
Stakes are what hold your tent down and make sure it stays in place when the wind starts to pick up. While most tents come with basic metal stakes, you can always upgrade to heavier duty ones. Many tent manufacturers offer stakes made of aluminum which are easy to bend. Pick up a good set of steel stakes which can take the force of being hammered into the ground.
Buy a rainfly.
A rainfly is a waterproof sheet of material that goes over the top of your tent. It’s designed to keep out rain and it also provides additional insulation in cold weather. If your tent didn’t come with one you can always purchase one separately. Make sure to buy one that’s the right size for your tent and that’s made of a durable, waterproof material.
Invest in a tarp.
A tarp is like a giant sheet of material that you can lay on the ground beneath your tent. It’s a great way to protect the floor of your tent from any water that might seep through to your tent and it also provides additional insulation in cold weather. Make sure to buy one that’s big enough to fit the entire area beneath your tent with no gaps.
Tarps can also be used as a canopy above your tent, making it less messy to enter and exit your tent in the rain.
Apply a waterproof spray.
A waterproof spray can help prevent water from leaking into your tent, particularly around the seams. Start by cleaning the tent with warm, soapy water. Make sure to remove any dirt or grime that may have already accumulated. Once the tent is clean and dry, it is time to apply the waterproof spray. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning. Begin at the top of the tent and spray the waterproof solution in a sweeping motion. Keep the spray bottle about 8-12 inches away from the fabric to avoid saturation. Make sure you cover the entire tent with an even coat of the waterproofing solution. Allow the tent to dry completely before use.
Get a tent repair kit.
Even the sturdiest tents can suffer wear and tear over time so it’s always a good idea to get a tent repair kit. This will include supplies like extra tent poles, stakes and patches that you can use in case something breaks or tears.
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